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| This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. HERE is a timelapse version, that you can set to slow or fast (fps-frames per second). It takes a few seconds to load. |
Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
Horse procession in honor of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
As part of the activities for the patron saint festivities in honor of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, the mayor of Isla Mujeres, Juan Carrillo Soberanis, led a traditional parade through the main streets of the island on Saturday.
He said, "The traditions are very important to the people of Isla Mujeres, and as a municipal government we are committed to continuing them and promoting them to the new generations of islanders."
It is the fourth consecutive year that this event has taken place, and this time it included 80 horse riders, belonging to the State Association of Horseback Riders '' Caribe Mexicano a Caballo '', from various municipalities of Quintana Roo, as well as from other states of Mexico.
The leader of the organization, Francisco Pérez Bates, thanked the authorities for their support to carry out the procession, and acknowledged the work of the island mayor to maintain security during the event.
He said, "We are very happy to participate in this important event for the islanders. It is an honor for the association to be part of it and see the great citizen participation."Finally, he said that for them the most important thing is that the islanders enjoy the event, which was possible thanks to the coordination, work and commitment of the municipal authorities.
Isla Mujeres is ready for a successful vacation season LINK
In anticipation of the arrival of tourists for the holiday season, the City of Isla Mujeres, headed by the mayor, Juan Carrillo Soberanis, has increased work throughout the municipality in order to keep it clean and safe for the enjoyment of visitors and locals.
Each year, Isla Mujeres receives more than 2 million tourists from the United States, Canada and Mexico, which represents a strong economic benefit for island families and the country, positioning itself as one of the favorite beach destinations for travelers.
The Mayor said, "Since the beginning of my administration we have worked hard to make Isla Mujeres the most important tourist destination in the Mexican Caribbean, not only for its natural beauty but for the cleanliness, care and safety that are only achieved through the coordinated work from different agencies to ensure the welfare of our visitors and a greater economic benefit for the islanders."
The work carried out by the Department Public Safety and Traffic, the Department of Public Services and Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone Agency (Zofemat), includes brigades, patrols, and ongoing clean-up days on the beaches and avenues of the municipality, intending to optimize resources and improve the image of this tourist destination.
These actions have earned the island distinction for its efforts in terms of tourism promotion, the preservation of the natural environment and quality of its beaches. The latter is one of the aspects on which the mayor has worked the most.
In addition to being one of the 111 Pueblos Magicos of Mexico, Isla Mujeres has important awards, such as the re-certification of the "Blue Flag", for Playa Centro, since it complies with the criteria of information and environmental education, water quality, management and environmental management, as well as security and services.
Also, North Beach has received the White Flag certification for its excellent measures to protect the beach environment, taking care of water quality and the management of solid waste, among others, guaranteeing tourists visiting a clean, well tended area.
José Castillo Magaña, general director of Tourism in Isla Mujeres, said that the municipality is at its best, because throughout the year they maintained high rates of tourist influx, so he is confident that this holiday season will be a great success for the destination, exceeding 90% in hotel occupancy. He said, "We are ready for the arrival of the holiday season, because on instructions from our municipal president, Juan Carrillo Soberanis, we have worked constantly to guarantee cleanliness and safety to all those who visit us in Isla Mujeres with diverse tourist activities for everyone to enjoy."
The City of Isla Mujeres is committed to caring for the natural environment, keeping it clean, and promoting this destination, ensuring that tourists get an excellent image of this Pueblo Magico and that the islanders obtain greater economic benefits through the generation of more and better jobs.
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Photos of the Cabalgata by Bruce
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
Islanders are willing to sacrifice comfort for good treatment and better rates LINK
The new Marinsa ferry company, who intend to compete with Ultramar on the Isla Mujeres - Puerto Juarez route, will be conducting tests this week, while establishing schedules and rates, which remain unknown at this time.The company has not announced the start date of operations yet, but managers say it should be in operation before December 15.
Nothing has been said about the schedule, but since there are two boats it is expected that they will depart every 30 minutes, as Ultramar does currently. The company hasn't given information about rates, but it has been said that rates would be cheaper than those currently offered by Ultramar.
The Marinsa ferry made their first crossing yesterday for their docking tests, with a boat having a capacity for 150 people, with no enclosed areas, which the competition has. When photos of the boat first appeared on social media, some were critical about the lack of comfort and compared it to services once offered by the Magana family, while others said they didn't care about comfort as long at the price was lower and the treatment was better from the staff.
The state Port Authority (APIQRoo) confirmed that ticket booths have already been assigned to the company in both Puerto Juarez and Isla Mujeres. Manuel García García, coordinator for APIQRoo in Puerto Juarez explained the company performed the docking tests in both terminals on Friday and now it is only necessary that the Harbor Master's Office release the authorization to start operations.
VIDEO and VIDEO of horse procession
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
No approval for taxi rate increase
Desechan aumento a tarifa de taxi] Ver masFull article at this link
The twenty percent increase in taxi rates on December 1st did not take place because it was not approved by SINTRA, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. José Portilla Manica, head of SINTRA advised that the current price list should be maintained throughout the rest of 2017, since that application has not been approved to begin on the date indicated by Eduardo Peniche "Wato", who is no longer recognized as a legal representative, according to a recent interview on the subject.
Desechan aumento a tarifa de taxi] Ver masFull article at this link
The twenty percent increase in taxi rates on December 1st did not take place because it was not approved by SINTRA, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. José Portilla Manica, head of SINTRA advised that the current price list should be maintained throughout the rest of 2017, since that application has not been approved to begin on the date indicated by Eduardo Peniche "Wato", who is no longer recognized as a legal representative, according to a recent interview on the subject.
"Wato" had announced that the rate between downtown and the colonias for the resident population would
go up from 15 to 18 pesos for the collective service and from 30 to 36
for the general public. He
said he would announce the rest of the rates, but he didn't do that because SINTRA was not aware of the increase. The request for the increase that was submitted to SINTRA is still under analysis and wouldn't take effect until the first days of 2018.
Mr. Portilla Manicas said that Eduardo Peniche no longer
represents the union because he was not approved by the Local Board of
Conciliation and Arbitration (JLCA), due to violating the statutory regulations of the Isla Mujeres
taxi drivers union.
The state official said, "He can 'say mass', (give speeches), but as a union leader he does not have legal recognition. His term has already expired, which is why 2017 must conclude with the current taxi service rates in Isla Mujeres."
The
main opposition group in that union, meanwhile, is currently preparing for the
election, but not without first asking the officials with SINTRA, with Labor, and
the Ministry of Government of Quintana Roo, to convene a meeting to
promote an electoral process together, as requested, an "exhort" was made to Peniche Rodríguez himself, in an audiovisual interview.
Miguel
Chan Mena, who represents more than 300 members, said they intend to
resume a plan to use legal means to conduct the announcement of an electoral meeting for this month,
with the backing of 33 percent of the members.
Propping up poorly constructed palapa
Sólo apuntalaron palapa mal construida+] Ver masFull article at this link
The Mundaca palapa that was constructed during the previous administration has had structural problems and its weak timbers are being propped up. There are concerns that it could be affected by the strong 'mahaches' winds that occur in February and March or by a hurricane in 2018.
A palapa collapsed in the playground of Colonia Ampliación de la Gloria, near the Caribbean malecon, a few weeks after the current government began, and then the problem with the Mundaca was noted. It was propped up several months ago when Civil Protection confirmed the weakness of the timbers that were used to renovate its infrastructure.
It is noted that 14 million pesos of federal resources were invested by the last municipal administration to finish enclosing the 15 hectares of the Mundaca hacienda and improvements were made to the palapa.
Two ferries for the Isla Mujeres-Puerto Juarez route
Dos barcos para ruta IM-Puerto Juárez+] Ver masFull article at this link
The two ferries of the Marinsa company have arrived for docking tests at both ports, because they intend to operate on the Isla Mueres-Puerto Juarez route. Then their security systems will be reviewed, according to officials of the Harbor Master's Office.
While the other company that wants to compete on the same route, Naveganto, has not presented its boats, but Manuel García of APIQRoo, the Port Authority of Quintana Roo, in Puerto Juarez, confirmed that Naveganto has expressed interest to using the APIQRoo terminals this year.
Both companies would use monohull boats, unlike Ultramar's catamarans, giving local users and tourists another option. Some local people have already said they consider the Marinsa ferries as second class, because they are lacking in comforts such as air conditioning.
Executives from both ferry companies have agreed, in an unofficial announcement, that they will offer a more affordable rate for the workers' budgets, to offer a real option to the Ultramar monopoly. The test of these two boats by specialists will last five days, and they should initiate operation, after delays during recent months.
While no exact date has been given for the arrival of the Ultramar vehicle-passenger for the Punta Sam-Isla Mujeres route, it is expected to being operations early in 2018. In September, Ultramar announced the launch of a ship in Greece with 300 seats and a capacity for 70 compact vehicles, to compete with the Marítimos Isla Mujeres ferry company that has covered that route since 1991.
Good weather expected Sunday
Buen clima para este domingoVer masFull article at this link
Good weather is predicted for Sunday, and it is noted there has been rain nearly every day lately, intermittently, with large amounts at times. Boaters are advised to attend to weather notices and bulletins, and to be cautious in regard to waves and winds in the Yucatan channel.
It is also noted that the Navy has reported that Puerto Morelos has three out-of-service navigational signals regarding the buoys of channels number four, six and one are detached. The number four buoy of Chiquilá and the Cayo Centro beacon of the Chinchorro reef are also not operational.
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Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo's Isla articles & photos LINK
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| View from the rooms. |
MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with kitchenettes & free WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate. Quiet & Private.
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| Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical) |
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| Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed. |
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| A large slider opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table & chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole, and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left. |
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| Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed. |
Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi. Parking. You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then come home our quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts
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| Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me. |
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are the restaurants Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores and small local restaurants. It takes 20-30 minutes to walk downtown.
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Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Nov. 28-Dec. 8 Annual Festivities honoring the Patron Saint: Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Which are expected to include a small carnival with rides and games, a bullring, nightly performances on the Town Square, and a boat procession, as well as private celebrations by the 20+ groups involved in the festivities. The horse procession is scheduled for Dec. 2, starting at 1p going to the colonias & the Sacred Heart Church, and finishing at the ring at the north end of the runway. The boat procession is Dec. 8.
The horse procession on Sat Dec. 2 starts at 1p and there will be cowboy-horse performances at the ring. The comic bullfights with matadors of diminutive stature are Tues. 5th & Tues. 12th. There's a Lasso tournament on Sun, Dec.10th. All events at the ring at the north end of the runway start at 6:30p, except Nani Namu & the horse procession.
Fri & Sat. Dec 1 & 2 M.C. Mala Noche will celebrate their first anniversary this weekend at the Casa de la Cultura starting at 11 am on Saturday and at Playa Centro on Sunday with live music, competitions, and other fun activities.
Sun. Dec. 3 Noches Magicas 8p Town Square with the DIF Senior Citizen Dance Troupe and singers Rebens Garcia and Aldahir Davila
You can drop off donations of toys at Rueben's restaurant, across from the Mercado on Guerrero. Kids in Mexico receive presents on King's Day/Dia de los Reyes on Jan. 6
Full moon Sun. Dec. 3
Sunset ~6p
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| Dec. 3 6:30 Dec. 4 7:30 Dec. 5 8:33 Dec. 6 9:37 Dec. 7 10:39 Dec. 8 11:39 |
Sun. Dec.10 Noches Magicas 8p Town Square
Mon. Dec.11 There will be a gathering in the evening at the coastal chapel dedicated to Guadalupe in Salina Chica, probably with Mariachis, to sing Las Mañanitas and honor her.
Tues. Dec. 12 Dia de Guadalupe, the Patron Saint of Mexico.There is usually a run in the morning from the downtown church to Punta Sur to the Guadalupe Chapel.There is usually a procession in the afternoon with children dressed up as Juan Diego, shepherds, and shepherdesses, probably between the Chapel Guadalupana and the downtown church,
The holiday period in Mexico from Dec. 12 to Jan. 6 is called Guadalupe-Reyes (from Dia de Guadalupe to Dia de los Reyes/King's Day).
Thurs. Dec.14 Artist Fair Casa de la Cultura 3-8p
Dec, 16-24 Posadas Navidenas
During the Posadas, there is usually a dance on the Town Square, featuring regional dances & costumes from different states of Mexico. The schools may have Posada plays, which are reenactments of Mary & Joseph being refused shelter. Posada means 'inn'.
Sun. Dec.17 Noches Magicas 8p Town Square
Thurs. Dec. 21 Artist Fair Casa de la Cultura 3-8p
Thurs. Dec. 21 Winter Solstice
Sat. Dec. 23 5:30p - 8:30p Golf Cart Parade with residents tossing toys & treats to children
Sun. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Usually the last ferry is cancelled and some businesses may be closed, especially in the evening, while families celebrate together.Noches Magicas will probably be suspended.
Mon. Dec. 25 Christmas Usually the first ferry is cancelled.
Thurs. Dec.28 Artist Fair Casa de la Cultura 3-8p
Thurs. Dec. 28 Wednesday Dia de los Santos Innocentes A day of practical jokes, similar to "April Fool's Day"
Sun. Dec.31 New Year's Eve celebration on the Town Square. Tables can be purchased in advance, details TBA. The last ferry is usually cancelled.Noches Magicas will probably be suspended.
Jan. 1 New Year's Day People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur The first ferries are usually suspended.
Celebrating New Year's in Isla Mujeres
To celebrate New Year's Eve, some families set up tables in the side streets with pinatas strung overhead, and dine on turkey stuffed with seasoned ground meat, while others crowd the Town Square for live music, dancing, and fireworks. Each neighborhood brings in the New Year with a bang, and the skies explode with color in all directions.
During the NYE countdown, there is a tradition of eating twelve uvas de buenas suerte (grapes of good luck), each representing a month, with a toast of champagne or cider. The party on the town square continues all night long. At the other end of the isle, people gather at Punta Sur to greet the first rays of the sun at the eastern-most point in Mexico.
Other customs include cleaning your house on New Year's Eve & sweeping out bad luck. Wearing red underwear could bring you love in the New Year, or your white undies may bring you peace, while yellow represents wealth. Those who hope to travel should grab an empty suitcase and carry it around the room or the block, and set it by the door. If you drop a shoe on New Year's morn and it lands "boca arriba" (face up) you will enjoy good luck in the upcoming year.
The old year is represented by a life sized character called El Viejo, The Old Man, who is later filled with fireworks and set ablaze. He may resemble a politician, and he is usually holding cigars & tequila. Fireworks are everywhere, and their names are metralletas (literally "machine guns" – but it means fire crackers), cañones (larger fire crackers), voladores (rockets in many different sizes), chifladores (whistlers), and barre pies ("foot sweepers", that spin on the ground & shoot sparks).
Kids receive toys on Dia de los Reyes, January 6, when families, friends, and coworkers share rosca de reyes. King's cake, usually with hot chocolate. If you get the Baby Jesus,it means you'll be hosting a party & providing the tamales on Candlemas Day, Feb. 2.
Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service (Yucatan peninsula is under Satellite GOES Este, I recommend "Animacion" (it used to be in my blog margin, until Blogger became incompatible with it).
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
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