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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)
Inauguration of "Frontera Sur" baseball league in Isla Mujeres
This is the third consecutive year that Isla Mujeres will compete in this league for southern Quintana Roo, and the El Pescador baseball stadium was packed for the inaugural game of the season with the "Pescadors of Isla Mujeres" playing against the "Los Diables Rojos" of Limones. The Pescadors won by as score of five to four against the visitors.
A total of 6 teams participate in the league: "Pescadores" from Isla Mujeres, "Diablos Rojos" from Limones, "Piñeros" from Cozumel, "Laguneros" from Noh Bec, "Mayas" from Felipe Carrillo Puerto and "Piratas" from Bacalar .
Isla Mujeres police receive human rights training LINK
In order to provide better training to the police officers of the Public Safety and Municipal Traffic departments, a course on Function, Attributions and Competence was taught by CDHEQRoo (State Human Rights Commission). It was taught by Mirna Salazar of the agency's Training and Dissemination department, who explained that one of the most important issued for good performance by public officials is to understand what human rights are and how to avoid violating them during the performance of their duties.
Tania Galera Gómez, director of Crime Prevention, accompanied by the director of Public Security, Agustín Blanco Dzul, reported that this course is the first one that the municipal police are receiving this year from CDHEQRoo, with cooperation and efforts of the the general director of Public Safety and Municipal Transit, Jaime Ongay Ortiz. He said, -\"During the past year, we received ongoing training from the Human Rights Commission and in this 2018 it will not be the exception."
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
"The electrical supply in Isla Mujeres is guaranteed. The recent outage was caused by an accumulation of gases, and the supply is not compromised." VIDEO
Increase in price of a kilo of tortillas from 18 to 19 pesos without wrapper and from 19 to 20 pesos with wrapper, since Feb. 20th. LINK This information has been translated previously.
More than 70 boats will have to be removed: Harbor Master's Office LINK
After carrying out a survey and creating a new registry of vessels, the Harbor Master's Office confirmed that there are more than 70 vessels occupying space within the port area.The Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (APIQRoo) said that the boats that are abandoned and occupying a space will have to be evicted or, if necessary, removed.Rosa Elena Ríos Fernández, in charge of the APIQRoo in Isla Mujeres, explained that the intention is to remove all vessels that are abandoned or in poor condition from this area. (It's the area by the whale shark statue, from the cement pier to Comejen restaurant.)
Naval rescue of three fishermen in a boat that was adrift 17 nautical miles from Isla Mujeres LINK
Personnel with the Navy of Mexico, National Maritime Authorities, rescued three fishermen aboard the small boat "YOSMARI", which was adrift ~17 nautical miles (31km) east of Isla Mujeres, after its outboard motor had a mechanical failure.
The Harbor Master's office received the call and the Naval Maritime Search, Rescue and Surveillance (ENSAR) of Isla Mujeres were immediately dispatched. After contacting the small boat, they located it, with its crew on board, and towed it to the Naval dock, where Naval personnel conducted medical evaluations of the crew and found them in good health.
With these actions, the Department of the Navy of Mexico, as a National Maritime Authority, reaffirms its commitment to the citizenry to safeguard human life at sea, as well as ensure that Mexico has clean, safe and efficient ports.
Excellent collection of property taxes LINK
The director of tax collection (municipal Treasurer) of Isla Mujeres, Adriana Martínez Galué, said that at the end of the fiscal stimulus period, 98 percent of the islanders took advantage of the discounts for payment of property taxes. She said the collection program was a success, which began in December and concludes on Feb. 28th. Taxpayers who have not made their payments are encouraged to take advantage of this last day, and she thanked the taxpayers for their timely response.
North Beach: One of the best beaches in the world LINK
According to users of Trip Advisor, Playa Norte has become the most popular public beach in Mexico, and the 21st most popular on the planet. For 2018, according to TripAdvisor users, six of the most famous 10 beaches in Mexico are in Quintana Roo.
North Beach replaced Playa Paraiso in Tulum as number one, and the beach at Akumal, in the Riviera Maya was recognized as the second most popular. Third went to Maya Chan Beach in Mahahual, and Playa Paraiso in Tulum was ranked as fourth. Behind these beaches of the Mexican Caribbean Playa Nuevo Vallarta (Nuevo Vallarta) and Playa Balandra (La Paz) took fifth and sixth. In seventh place is Playa Delfines in Cancún; and Playa Maya in Tulum took eighth place; both in Quintana Roo. Finally, Playa La Ropa, in Zihuatanejo; and El Chileno Beach, in Cabo San Lucas, complete the national top ten.
There is a photo of a Biz motorcycle that has been stripped of its wheels and left in front of Las Frigatas park.
Excellent collection of property taxes LINK
The director of tax collection (municipal Treasurer) of Isla Mujeres, Adriana Martínez Galué, said that at the end of the fiscal stimulus period, 98 percent of the islanders took advantage of the discounts for payment of property taxes. She said the collection program was a success, which began in December and concludes on Feb. 28th. Taxpayers who have not made their payments are encouraged to take advantage of this last day, and she thanked the taxpayers for their timely response.
North Beach: One of the best beaches in the world LINK
According to users of Trip Advisor, Playa Norte has become the most popular public beach in Mexico, and the 21st most popular on the planet. For 2018, according to TripAdvisor users, six of the most famous 10 beaches in Mexico are in Quintana Roo.
North Beach replaced Playa Paraiso in Tulum as number one, and the beach at Akumal, in the Riviera Maya was recognized as the second most popular. Third went to Maya Chan Beach in Mahahual, and Playa Paraiso in Tulum was ranked as fourth. Behind these beaches of the Mexican Caribbean Playa Nuevo Vallarta (Nuevo Vallarta) and Playa Balandra (La Paz) took fifth and sixth. In seventh place is Playa Delfines in Cancún; and Playa Maya in Tulum took eighth place; both in Quintana Roo. Finally, Playa La Ropa, in Zihuatanejo; and El Chileno Beach, in Cabo San Lucas, complete the national top ten.
There is a photo of a Biz motorcycle that has been stripped of its wheels and left in front of Las Frigatas park.
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Transportation monopoly by taxis
Monopolio taxista en el transporte+] Ver masFull article at thislink
Residents and tourists are obligated to use taxi services, because there is a lack of public transportation on the isle, so that the taxis have a monopoly, which leads many drivers to commit abuses against the customers, from stuffing as many people as possible into their vehicle, to overcharging, with the latter situation occurring especially with tourists.
Islanders who lack their own vehicle, or for whatever reason are 'on foot', are at the mercy of the attitude of the drivers on duty, who are often more concerned with making money and about saving gasoline, than about providing good service.
The concession for bus service, which was granted to the company Turicun by the City of Isla Mujeres, expired on May 16, 2016, after 15 years of providing service with many ups and downs. However, in reality, the company stopped operating at the end of 2015, without any notice.
Despite the fact that nearly two years have passed since the concession expired, the City Council has not lifted a finger, and has not announced a request for bids to offer this service on the island, where the problem is serious because there are no other options. Not only are the residents of Isla Mujeres forced to use taxi service as the only option for transport, this affects their budgets considerably, especially if they must hire several rides on the same day.
This desperate situation reaches its peak in the high seasons, when the island is full of visitors who are loaded with dollars, who are preferred by the taxi drivers over local users, who are often passed by to pick up foreigners who are waiting a few meters beyond them. If you consider that it has been many months since Isla Mujeres experienced the off-season, you can understand how residents suffer who are sometimes forced to wait 15 to 20 minutes until there is a good taxi driver who is sympathetic.
To make matters worse, many drivers prefer to spend their day at the Garrafon and Dolphin Discovery taxi stands waiting for "good fares" to arrive, rather than providing service at the official taxi stand downtown, where often, especially when the ferries arrive, there are many customers lined up waiting for taxis and only three or four vehicles are available, even though the drivers are aware that it is important that many people need transportation when they return from Cancun.
Fishermen take advantage of good weather to gather their lobster traps
Pescadores aprovechan para buscar sus trampas.. [+] Ver mas
Wednesday is the last day for lobster fishermen to gather their traps or to work at catching lobster using lines, nets, tanks, or compressors, until the ban ends June 30. (PE says March 31, which is incorrect. That is when the two month ban on grouper ends. The ban on lobster lasts four months.) Fortunately the weather is good and the port is open for small boats. The fishermen of the various cooperatives of the island report they are also catching about 30 to 40 kilograms of fish per boat, which is mostly sold directly to the public at the beach. They anticipate there could be some shortages at this time of year, when more seafood is consumed during Lent.
Isla Mujeres news briefs
Breves de Isla Mujeres. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The section of this article about tax collection says that percentage of property taxes collected, as February (and the discount program) are about to end, was 88% compared to 76% the previous year. (The City treasurer is on a TVIM video saying 98%). The projected amount of property tax is 46 million pesos, and the register includes about 3800 taxpayers. Taxpayers are encouraged to come in and meet their obligations, and the treasurer's office hopes that the goal of 46 million pesos will be reached.
A pair of Canadian tourists suffered a golf cart accident when the driver lost control of the vehicle they rented from the "Caribe" agency, causing it to overturn. Luckily they weren't injured, and the accident is attributed to the driver paying attention ot the cell phone he had in his hands, rather than to the road, which caused him to lose control, and the force of the hit caused the cart to overturn. The unharmed occupants were taken to the facilities of the Public Safety department (the police station) to determine responsibilities. Although the amount of the damage is unknown, it might not be cheap for the visitors since the roof of the cart was completely detached, as well as part of the seats, in addition to other damages.
The last section is about the Human Rights course offered to the police. See City section above.
Rescue of small boat that was adrift
Rescatan bote a la derivaVer masFull article at this link
See TVIM section above.
Lobster fishermen take advantage of final days of the season
Langosteros aprovechan los últimos días [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The weather improved on Sunday, but the seabed was not good, so most of the smaller boats of the fishermen went out on Monday, after two weeks of inactivity. The lobster fishermen are collecting their traps before the four month ban begins on March 1st. The 20 cooperatives of Quintana Roo have an estimated catch this season of more than 300 tonnes of lobster (whole and tails).
Baseball season inaugurated for "Frontera Sur" League
En la fiesta grande del béisbol quintanarroense.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
See City section above.
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Lobster fishermen take advantage of final days of the season
Langosteros aprovechan los últimos días [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The weather improved on Sunday, but the seabed was not good, so most of the smaller boats of the fishermen went out on Monday, after two weeks of inactivity. The lobster fishermen are collecting their traps before the four month ban begins on March 1st. The 20 cooperatives of Quintana Roo have an estimated catch this season of more than 300 tonnes of lobster (whole and tails).
Baseball season inaugurated for "Frontera Sur" League
En la fiesta grande del béisbol quintanarroense.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
See City section above.
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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
On Mondays & Thursdays there are poker tournaments at 6p at El Patio.
Feb. 1 Thursday: Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura (on Guerrero at Abasolo)
Feb. 1 Start of two month ban on grouper fishing
Feb. 2 Friday Candlemas (If you got the baby in your piece King's cake, today you're providing tamales).
Feb. 2 Friday: World Wetlands Day (Usually there is a clean up in the mangroves).
Feb. 4 Noches Magicas performances 8p Town Square
Feb. 5 Constitution Day (National Holiday)
Full moon rising over the Caribbean
Sunset ~6:30p
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| Jan. 31 7:01 Feb. 1 8:05 Feb. 2 9:06 Feb. 3 10:04 Feb. 4 11:00 Feb. 5 11:54 Painting by Pamela Haase |
Feb. 8 Thursday Convention Center 7p Dance Troupes performing & competing at the Baile de Carnaval for women - Tribute to Michael Jackson Each troupe will dance for 15-20 minutes and judging criteria includes: Choreography, projection, performance, technique, group execution, and audience response, as well as originality, creativity, and total effect. Prizes are 15,000 pesos, 10,000, and 5000.
Feb. 9-13 Friday thru Tuesday: Carnaval
February. 9 Gala Night
Coronation of the Kings & Queens of Carnaval in all the categories and guests.
Presentation of dance troupes (performances)
Dance to the music of the band "MegaBoom"
Town Square 8p
February 10
Music by DJ's starting at 3p on Rueda Medina (Usually at Playa Centro)
Cuban Night
Presentation of the King & Queen of Carnaval
Presentation of Carnaval dance troupes (performances)
Band: "El Fresa y la Sentencia"
Town Square 8p
February 11
Music by DJ's starting at 3p on Rueda Medina (Usually at Playa Centro)
Carnaval Parade
Starting by the Naval base and going up Rueda Medina 4p
Children's Afternoon of Fantasy
Presentation of the King & Queen of Carnaval, Show of costumed characters, bouncy houses, Carnaval dance troupes, Children's costume contest.
Town Square 5p
Diversity Fantasy Night
Presentation of the Kings and Queens of Carnaval
Carnaval Dance Troupes (performances)
Show of Transformismo
Town Square 8p
February 12
Music by DJ's starting at 3p on Rueda Medina (Usually at Playa Centro)
Carnaval Parade
Starting by the Naval base and going up Rueda Medina 4p
Carnaval Monday
Presentation of the Kings and Queens of Carnaval
Costume Contest for Adults
Comedy Show by international imitator Pierre David
Musical performance by "Michael Stuart & Jemanuel & los Panas de Venezuela"
Town Square 8p
February 13
Music by DJ's starting at 3p on Rueda Medina (Usually at Playa Centro)
Carnaval Tuesday
Presentation of the Kings & Queens of Carnaval
Presentation of Carnaval dance troupes (performances)
Burning of Juan Carnaval & the reading of his last Will & Testament
Dance to the music of the band "Super Lamas"
Town Square 8p
Feb. 13-18 Tuesday thru Sunday Isla Time Music & Fishing Festivals Link to FB page
Feb. 14 Wed. 6:30 Free performances on Town Square by Jorge Blanco, Love and Theft, LOCASH and Amara Givelove, Kim Paige, and Kristy Osmunson and food available "Taste of Isla".
Feb. 15 Thursday Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura (on Guerrero at Abasolo)
Feb 15- 19 The Artisan's Pavilion is on the Town Square, opening daily at 9am, with artisans, both local and from other regions, offering their products, including at least ten from Isla Mujeres. This is their third year, and they offer interesting handmade items at reasonable prices.
Feb. 18 Sunday Noches Magicas performances 8p Town Square
Feb. 22 Thursday: Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura (on Guerrero at Abasolo)
Feb. 24 & 25 Sat & Sun Isla Blanca Kite Festival from 11 am to 4 pm each day. Free. Isla Blanca is at the mainland part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres & the event is held at the end of the road on Isla Blanca, about 25km from the Crusero. Go north on Av Bonampak, to the end of the road.
Jim Martin is returning with his giant kites and Penny Lingenfelter "Peter Pan" is coming. There will be games for children. The DIF social service agency and Cancun Pro Kids will sell kites to the public. Come and enjoy the beach and the kites!
This year, parking is only allowed on one side of the road to maintain
an open road. You can pay 30 pesos to park at a nearby location. If
possible, use the "colectivo" to come.
The Paraisio del Mar restaurant will sell food or bring your own food. VIDEO
The Paraisio del Mar restaurant will sell food or bring your own food. VIDEO
Feb. 24 Flag Day
Feb. 25 Sunday Special Noches Magicas performances 8p Town Square free, to commemorate the 501st (DI) anniversary of the first Europeans visiting Isla Mujeres, and the 101st (CI) anniversary of the birth of Virgilio "El Chino" Fernandez. Featuring singers Aldahir Davila and Gregorio Sanches, as well as dance troupes Anoranzas de Isla Mujeres and El Talento con el Sabor del Caribe.
Feb. 28 Wednesday Last day of lobster season until four month ban ends July 1.
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
