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| This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. |
Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos
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News from the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
Presentation of soccer team "Club Isla Mujeres" LINK
New dates for rabies vaccination campaign (free) on April 2 & 3. Must be over 3 months & not pregnant or lactating. (9a-2p)
LINK
Lifeguard training for the safety of swimmers LINK
It is the responsibility of owners to clean up their dog's feces
The City is keeping the beaches clean of sargasso
LINK
City campaign about conservation and care of sea life
(
This information has already been translated.)
"Noches Magicas" on Sunday, March 31 at 8p on the Town Square with singers and a dance troupe. (From Cultura Isla Mujeres FB page)
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FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres
Tvisla Mujeres
Video of preparations for the Sonora Dinamita performance
Video of a police checkpoint on Rueda Medina near the middle school and interview with an officer who says they are reviewing registrations for public, private, and cargo vehicles.
Trash removed from cemetery
A video showing two discarded coffins at the cemetery caused concern on social media: Gravedigger explains they were trash left by the families
LINK
A cemetery worker explained that the cemetery is very crowded and to
make room for a new burial, families request that a relative be
respectfully re-interred, taking up less space in the plot. He said the
metal caskets cannot be broken down, so they are more difficult to
remove.
Isla Mujeres Al Dia
Complaints about tourist guides directing visitors to particular stores, who pay them commission
Two boats with powerful outboard engines are located at the Naval pier
Complain that there are many Telcel public phones that don't work and should be removed from the sidewalks and other areas because they present a bad image.
Video complaint about cemetery having two old coffins that needed to be removed
Noti Isla Mujeres
Video of accident scene with injured motorcyclist and the reporter says it is a worker at Garrafon park, who was hit by a golf cart.
Video about preparation for the Sonora Dinamita concert
City is keeping the beaches free of sargasso
Sunrise
video
IM Noticias
There have been no formal complaint filed yet, but police confirmed that there are complaints about loans with high commissions being offered to entrepreneurs with small businesses and vendors, called Gota a Gota (drop by drop), by foreigners from Colombia. The police are encouraging residents to file complaints against this illegal activity, which is usury. The chief of police notes that this group has been operating in other municipalities, and he said,
"A few months ago we arrested a person who was
surprised in the act and was placed at the disposal of the public
prosecutor's office, but then was released." They have also been detected in the Continental Zone.
The chief of police said in addition to usury being a crime, the vast majority of foreigners
offering this kind of loan entered Mexico with tourist visa and cannot do this type of thing.
It is noted that violent acts have occurred in other municipalities, such as a vehicle fire, when payments weren't made.
Photos and article about three empty, old coffins needing removal from cemetery
Photos from rabies vaccination campaign
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Link to Por Esto's Isla Mujeres section
Click on Spanish headline for the original article & photos
Improved security for ferry terminals
This information has already been translated.
No date for moving overhead cables underground
This information has already been translated about a stretch of Rueda Medina, downtown, of 1100 meters from the Fishermen's monument to the Naval base. This project was abandoned in 2010, due to work that didn't comply with criteria.
Ready for XVI Sport Fishing Tournament
More than 100 boats are expected to participate in the
XVI International Fishing Tournament "Cosme Alberto Martinez", when billfish will be caught and released. Fish which earn points are: white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, sierra, dorado, tuna, bonito and barracuda. Over 1 million pesos in prizes will be awarded.
First place will win 350,000 pesos; second place, a truck; third place, 100,000 pesos; fourth place, 75,000 pesos; the fifth site, 50,000 pesos; the sixth place, 25,000 pesos and, from the seventh to the tenth will win motorcycles.
There will be 25 tournaments around the coast of Quintana Roo, and fishermen are already signing up for the first one on April 12-14 in Cancun.
No rate increase at Punta Sam
There are no plans for price increases in passenger or cargo ferry service from Punta Sam, and the company Maritima Isla Mujeres offered discounted prices a few days ago. Their fees include everyone in the car and for a compact car they have been discounted 41 pesos one way (from 298 to 250 pesos) and discounted 119 pesos for the round trip (from 381 to 262 pesos). This rate will be continued throughout the holidays, and prices are given for a truck or if billing is required.
Minimal presence of sargasso at North Beach
There are 30 workers of the ZOFEMAT federal zone agency who work Monday to Friday from 5:00 to 10:00 and weekends from 7:00 to 10:00 am to clean up the swimming beaches, where minimal amounts have arrived. Monitoring of sargasso is carried out by satellite, and when it arrives, it is removed promptly. The head of the ZOFEMAT agency in Isla Mujeres said that between trash and sargasso, one ton is collected daily and removed to the Transfer Facility.
Isla Mujeres news briefs
Plogging day volunteers on Saturday were scheduled to clean in public spaces in La Gloria, starting at 8am, which includes many foreigners, as well as minors, who work for about three hours.
A group of junior high students visited the Naval base and learned about the functions of ships, boats, and helicopters of the Navy.
The CFE generator plant for emergency use in electrical outages is operational with a capacity for 25,000kW.
Good weather returns
Navy confirms arrest of 10 undocumented Cubans
This information was already translated.
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Summary of recent news & upcoming events
Ten undocumented Cubans were arrested last week as they landed on a
beach between Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam, after a security guard 'blew
the whistle on them'. The captain of the high powered boat, which was
flying a US flag, was also taken into custody. Earlier this month, the
Navy evacuated an American passenger from a cruise ship that was 3 miles
offshore, who was having symptoms of a heart attack. Last week, the
Navy conducted a simulation of rescuing a dozen people near the Naval
dock, and other safety-rescue training activities. They saved a Mexican
tourist a few weeks ago who had become separated from a group at the
National Marine park, and rescued a fellow who fell off a jet ski while
crossing the Bay.
Three junked coffins were removed from the
cemetery by the City after a video was circulated on social media. A
cemetery worker explained that the cemetery is very crowded and to make
room for a new burial, families request that a relative be respectfully
re-interred, taking up less space in the plot. He said the metal caskets
cannot be broken down, so they are more difficult to remove.
The City will begin soliciting bids for urban transportation service
once the state Congress gives approval to the criteria. Residents have
been complaining about long waits for taxis and being passed by for
tourists, particularly in high season, and are eager to have affordable
quality public transportation to get to school, work, etc. The Turican
company supplied bus service for nearly 15 years, beginning in 2001, but
it deteriorated toward the end of the contract. Authorities with the
new state Mobility Institute have said they plan to approve requests for
taxi rate increases, in accordance with increased gas prices in recent
years.
The Red Cross will kick off its annual donation drive on
Wednesday, April 6th, when municipal and Naval authorities traditionally
contribute, as well as local business owners. Students will be
collecting donations and receptacles will be available at hotels,
restaurants, and other businesses. In 2018, the ambulance went out an
average of 4.5 times daily, with a maximum of 12 calls in one day,
during high tourism season. The number of average daily ambulance runs
has doubled, compared to 2016. There are also many false calls. About
200,000 pesos will be needed for the upcoming year, based on their
operating expenses of 198,166 pesos from May 2017 to June 2018.
The regional director of the new Mobility Institute promised to address
the problem of 'pirate' golf carts being rented to tourists. There are
currently 830 golf carts registered to the rental agencies and an
estimated 400 others, including some being rented illegally. The
Director warned that high fines will be imposed upon the cart owners for
this activity, in accordance with the state Mobility Law. She also
advised taxi owners about an annual fee and the upcoming implementation
of new regulations that require cabs to have air bags and to be
manufactured no later than 2014.
The free rabies vaccination
campaign that began on March 24th will continue on Tuesday, April 2 at
the La Gloria park & Wednesday at the park in colonia Electristas,
9a-2p. Pets must be at least 3 months old and not pregnant or lactating.
Unfortunately, the Canadian diver, Cameron Donaldson, wasn't
found after he didn't return when diving with his mother near Cozumel on
Saturday, March 16th. The search included divers, planes, helicopters
and boats, with help from a GoFundMe effort that raised nearly $62,000.
A "Mega Generator Plant" has been installed on the airfield to provide
electricity for the island in the event of any blackouts. It has a
capacity for 25,000 kW, while the island's average usage is 12,000 kW.
There are also two semis full of diesel fuel to supply it. Upgrades were
done to the high power lines nearby, along the road east of the runway,
detouring traffic for several days, and causing some power
interruptions in that area. The CFE said they are planning to move the
overhead lines underground along Rueda Medina downtown, but didn't give a
date. They said it will take about a year to manufacture a new
underwater cable, which goes from Punta Sam to the north end of the
island.They estimate its replacement will cost about 30 million pesos,
and they don't plan to remove the old line, which has become encrusted
with flora and fauna.
At the beginning of April, security
measures similar to those at airports will be implemented at the ferry
terminals, including metal detectors and a 'red light' for passengers to
push a button to determine if their possessions will be inspected.
Authorities estimate over 20,000 passengers will arrive daily during the
holidays, and they anticipate last year's Easter season record of
27,000 will be broken.
The City organized activities to
commemorate World Water Day which included a clean up at Salina Grande
lake with more than 100 volunteers, and educational talks about
conservation and water management at two schools.
Earlier this
month, sports fishermen caught a 340 pound swordfish about ten miles
south of the island. Promotions have begun for the Cosme Magana fishing
tournament on May 18 & 19, with over a million pesos in prizes. The
women's tournament "La Dorada Del Caribe 2019" will be held June 28
& 29.
Prior to the busy Easter holidays, Naval personnel
with the Isla Mujeres base have been training lifeguard staff with the
Civil Protection departments of Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, and
Cancun, to improve their performances during rescues. Easter vacation
begins Saturday, April 13 and ends when the students return to school on
Monday, April 28th.
Visitors are enjoying clean beaches, with
minimal sargasso arriving to the island's swimming beaches, and crews
who clean them daily.
The monument in front of the Naval base has
been removed for safety reasons, and is expected to be relocated. It
honors cadets who died in 1847 when the US occupied Mexico City, and two
who died in defense of Veracruz in 1914. The base of the structure
protruded into the roadway, and currently there are hazard barrels where
it was demolished. (There is also demolition work being done inside the
former "Senor Frog" store by the 7-11, downtown.)
The Cahuameros
are no longer in the basketball playoffs and the Cockteleros baseball
team will play tomorrow at 1p to determine if they will be in third or
fourth place. Last Saturday, islanders enjoyed professional baseball
(and free beer!) when the Q Roo Tigres played a preseason exhibition
game against the Campeche Piratas.
A new bicycling group are
hosting Wednesday night bike rides around the island, and inviting folks
to join them for some healthy, free recreation. Lights required,
helmets recommended. More info:
https://www.facebook.com/Isla-en-Bici-591815134631969/
You're invited to join the ploggers on Saturday mornings at 8a, bring
your refillable bottle & they'll supply gloves, water & bags, at
a location announced here:
https://www.facebook.com/AccionIsla/
On Wednesdays, the
little yellow school house
is serving tasty lunch specials that change weekly, 11:30-1p, located
on Paseo de Peces in La Gloria, the wide east-west street with Mundaca,
Catholic Church & University and the Bead Coop. LYSH provides
education & therapy for Isla's special needs kids. Memorable, fun
experience, tasty affordable food & a good cause.
https://www.facebook.com/lyshmexico/
On Thursdays, you'll find the Artists Fair in front of the Casa de la
Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo, 3p-8p,
weather permitting.
On Saturday, March 30 (Today) there should be a
good turnout for Sonora Dinamita at the "Magana" Baseball field at 9p.
Tickets start at 370 pesos.
On Sunday, March 31 Noches Magicas returns to the Town Square with singers and a dance troupe performing at 8p, free.
On Sunday, April 7th at the Mundaca Hacienda, there will be a free
running competition for kids at 7am and an award ceremony at 10a at the
El Pescador beach club-water park. With categories for boys and girls,
kids who are ages 4-5 will run 200 m, 6-7 run 400m, 8-9 run 800m, and
10-12 run 1600 meters.
Personnel with the Tortugranja are
conducting talks at the primary schools about conservation of marine
flora and fauna and the environment of Isla Mujeres. Staff with the
facility will be protecting nesting turtles from mid May to mid October,
and transferring their eggs to the incubation pen (as many as 100,000,
it varies year to year.)
The state Port Authority (APIQRoo) is
renovating their concrete pier to accommodate recreational boats,
including the ferries that serve Garrafon, El Pescador, and Dolphin
Discovery. They have already renovated the wooden pier for recreational
boats (that formerly served the Magana ferries). The concrete dock
renovation is expected to be completed within three weeks. There are
rumors that Ultramar plans to dock ferries from the Cancun Hotel Zone at
the Playa Sol dock, near Luxury Beach Club.
Police have been
teaching students about crime prevention and avoiding delinquency. The
City is conducting campaigns on social media about wearing motorcycle
helmets and being a responsible pet owner and cleaning up after your
dog. The evening trash collection schedule has been a success and
residents are asked to begin separating organic and inorganic trash.
(Collectors will also recycle separated aluminum.)
Here's a group
with info about Isla charities & their events, eco-friendly
businesses, & similar topics. You can read without joining, and are
encouraged to join & post about charities you support or businesses
with eco-friendly products or practices. Did you enjoy an awesome lunch
by the LYSH chefs (or want to know what that's about?), walk a dog,
visit the HALO cats, get a really cool piece of art or vacation deal at a
charity auction? Feel free to share & join the community of folks
giving back to the island! At the left margin, in 'files', are Isla
Charities with links to their pages & sites.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/347675972505729/
Isla Mujeres News & Events & this summary are sponsored by
Maravilla Caribe
Bed & Beach. Clean comfortable studios on a private beach with many
amenities, great location & affordable prices. Registered w City
& State.
www.mvcisla.com https://www.facebook.com/mvcisla/
You can always find an updated schedule of events on the Isla Mujeres News & Events blog
http://aboutislamujeres.blogspot.com/
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This blog is brought to you by....
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| View from the rooms. |
MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach
Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white
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neighborhood of Bachilleres, among
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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. |
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Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within
ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe,
Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, 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
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean
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March 20 6:51
March 21 7:54
March 22 8:55
March 23 9:55
March 24 10:53
March 25 11:50
Painting by Pamela Haase
Sunset ~6:50-7
Sunrise ~7:05-6:40 |
March Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Plogging events to clean up the island are held on Saturday mornings 8-11, meetup locations at this LINK . Volunteers welcome! Here's the Accion Isla LINK
The Little Yellow School House
is serving tasty lunch specials that change weekly on Wednesdays
11:30-1p, located on Paseo de Peces in La Gloria, the wide east-west
street with Mundaca, Catholic Church & University and the Bead Coop.
LYSH provides education & therapy for Isla's special needs kids.
Memorable, fun experience, tasty affordable food & a good cause.
More info:
LINK
Saturday, March 2 at 8p and Sunday, March 3 at noon at the Convention Center: Basketball Playoffs (They lost and are out of the playoffs)
On the first Monday of each month, there is usually a civic ceremony in the morning, often on the Town Square.
Fishermen in this region are banned from catching
Lobster, Grouper and Octopus in March. Lobsters kept in captivity continue
to be available, along with frozen tails.
LINK
Carnaval Schedule
Friday, March 1st Noche de Gala/Gala Night
Coronation of the Kings & Queens in all categories
Presentation of dance troupes
Dance to live music byYerbabuena
Town Square 8:30p
Saturday, March 2 Noche Cubana/Cuban Night
Presentation of dance troupes
Dance to live music by Grupo Junior Klan
Town Square 8:30p
Sunday, March 3 Carnaval Parade-Fantasy
Contest of Decorated Floats/Carts
Procession is on Rueda Medina from the Naval base to the Fishermen's Monument at the Traffic Circle
Show by DJ's
Playa Centro 3p
Afternoon of Fantasy
Bouncy houses, Children's Costume contest, dance troupe performances and show for kids
Town Square 5p
Night of Fantasy
Presentation of the Queen of Diversity, Performances by dance troupes, Performance by Silvanna Show
Town Square 8:30p
T
he parades are Sunday & Monday at 3p from the Naval Base to the
Monument to the Fishermen, so Rueda Medina will be closed. Although the
map doesn't show it, traffic is usually detoured down Juarez & the
section of Hidalgo that is south of the Square (which usually affects
where parking is allowed on Juarez, temporarily.)
It says...Due to
celebrations for Carnaval 2019 in Isla Mujeres, March 1-5, there will
partial, temporary road closures for the performances of the dance
troupes.
On March 3 & 4, Rueda Medina will be closed during the parade. Please plan ahead, and thank you for your understanding.
Monday, March 4-Carnaval Parade-Regional & Comedy
Contest of Decorated Floats/Carts
Procession is on Rueda Medina from the Naval Base to the Fishermen's Monument at the traffic circle.
Show by DJ's
Playa Centro 3p
Comedy & Regional Night
Costume Contest for Adults
Presentation of Dance Troupes
Comedy by Macta
Town Square 8:30p
Tuesday, March 5-Fat Tuesday
Show by DJ's
Playa Centro 3p
Tuesday Night of Carnaval (Fat Tuesday)
Presentation of Dance Troupes, The Will & Burning of Juan Carnaval
Dance to live music by Caribbean Kings
Town Square 8:30p
On or around March 4th, there is usually a ceremony commemorating the arrival of Francisco Hernandez Cordoba in
1517, who is credited with discovering the Yucatan and what is now
Mexico, after landing on Isla Mujeres. The expedition of 110 men and 3
boats sailed from Cuba and and sailed around the coast, battling with
the Maya, until all but one were injured, and over 50 had died.
Thursday, March 7 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo
Friday, March 8 International Women's Day. These are the women of LYSH, providing education & therapy for Isla's special needs kids.
Saturday, March 9 Downtown at 8p on the court by the Town Square
Saturday, March 9 Casa de la Cultura at 8p, jazz-funk-rock fusion band Sr. Mandril.
Free. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.
Sunday, March 10 Pescador baseball field 1p Cocteleros vs Cancun Rockies 20p
Thursday, March 14 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo
Sunday, March 17 St. Patrick's Day
Monday, March 18 is a day off for the birthday of Benito Juarez, which is on March 21st.
Tuesday, March 19 is Dia de San Jose which may be celebrated with a dance on the Town Square
Wednesday, March 20 is Spring Equinox
Thursday, March 21 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo
Thursday, March 21 at 8p on the Town Square. Music of Isla Mujeres
Saturday, March 23 The Quintana Roo Tigres will play the Campeche Piratas at the El
Pescador baseball field oat 1p. This is a preseason
game & the field is in front of Chedraui.
Rabies vaccination campaign at the following locations & dates
9a-2p. Free, Pets must be at least three months old and not pregnant or
lactating.
Wednesday, March 27 at 9p bike ride around the island, meeting up at Abasolo & Juarez.
Thursday, March 28 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo
Saturday, March 30 Sonora Dinamita 9p At the other "Magana" Baseball field Tickets on sale.
Sunday, March 31 at 8p Noches Magicas on Town Square with singers and a dance troupe
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
LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
Saturday, March 2 Noche Cubana/Cuban Night
The parades are Sunday & Monday at 3p from the Naval Base to the
Monument to the Fishermen, so Rueda Medina will be closed. Although the
map doesn't show it, traffic is usually detoured down Juarez & the
section of Hidalgo that is south of the Square (which usually affects
where parking is allowed on Juarez, temporarily.)
Saturday, March 9 Casa de la Cultura at 8p, jazz-funk-rock fusion band Sr. Mandril.
Free. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.
