 |
| 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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
News from the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres
Tvisla Mujeres
Three men in boat adrift at sea were rescued by Navy LINK
Personnel with the Naval Search and Rescue unit responded after the regional Harbor Master at Puerto Juarez received a phone call requesting assistance for the boat "Lorena" which was adrift at sea due to a mechanical failure. They were located 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) northeast of Isla Mujeres, in good health, and towed to the Makax lagoon.
Improving surveillance at Marine Park LINK
Boat tour operators have had successful meetings with officials concerning improving surveillance at the Marine Park in the area of Farito and Manchones. The press will be invited to a meeting on March 20th about plans for coordinated efforts, according to a representative of the "Isla Bonita" cooperative. The proposal includes flags for surveillance vessels saying "Guardaparque" and use of uniforms, with the service providers providing this assistance for improved monitoring of the park.
Performance by Sr. Mandril jazz band at Cultural Center LINK
Isla Mujeres Al Dia
Cocteleros won first game in baseball league playoffs against the Cancun Rockies with a score of 3-2. (photos & caption)
Conference "The Importance of Being a Woman" in honor of International Women's Day in the City Council room on March 11 at 10a
VIDEO of basketball game on court by Town Square
VIDEO of Sr. Mandril performance
Noti Isla Mujeres
IM Noticias
La Tertulia
Fight at ferry terminal upset passengers (article)A fight broke out at the Ferry Terminal between two men, which apparently also involved their families, upsetting the other passengers, who complained about a lack of security personnel to intervene. This occurred as the 8p ferry was arriving, and caused other passengers to run away to avoid the fight, including running on the dock. Witnesses reported that the two men exchanged strong blows. The presence of the police and Red Cross ambulance also caused confusion and concern.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Link to Por Esto's Isla Mujeres section
Click on Spanish headline for the original article & photos
Beaches full of visitors
Playas llenas de visitantes
The beaches were full of tourists despite the water being somewhat choppy, and small boats were restricted to operating in the Bay. Restaurateurs were pleased and hoteliers reported good occupancy over 60%, but stores complained that sales could be better. The rental agencies ran out of carts by the afternoon, and demand was high for scooters and bicycles. Mobile vendors said sales on the beaches have not been very good this season.
Religious event on Monday
Este lunes, jornada espiritual
At 5pm the icon of the Virgen Peregrina de Guadalupe will be transported from Punta Sam, with and group of 400-500 believers from different parishes of the state, including the bishop and various priests. They will arrive at the concrete pier at 5pm, with the local group awaiting them to walk together to the Immaculate Conception Church on the Town Square, where Mass will be celebrated.For about 15 minutes, they expect to have around 1000 people on Rueda Medina, and traffic police will be on duty to avoid problems.
Open-air jazz concert
Música de jazz al aire libre
A successful concert by the jazz group Sr. Mandril, featuring funk, jazz and rock fusion was staged behind the Casa de la Cultura, and the audience included foreigners and local residents.Sailboat rescued with three men aboard
Rescatan un velero con tres tripulantes
See TVIM section above~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
March summary....
St Patrick's Day will be celebrated on Sunday & this will be a long weekend with offices closed on Monday in honor of the birth of Benito Juarez. Carnaval concluded Tuesday night with a "Saldo Blanco", no serious incidents, and will take place next year February 21-25.
During the long weekend for Carnaval, the number of ferry passengers increased from 15,000 to 17,000-18,000 daily, according to officials with the state Port Authority. They expect the numbers during the Easter holidays to exceed the highest that occurred during the Christmas-New Year holidays, which were over 28,000 a day.
Preparations are beginning for the Viacrusis reenactment of the Passion of Christ/Stations of the Cross, which usually starts in La Gloria at Sacred Heart Church and goes to the Guadalupe Chapel in Salina Chica, and then to the Immaculate Conception Church downtown. Easter vacation begins when students leave classes on Friday, April 12, and concludes when they return on Monday, April 29.
The Isla Mujeres Cocteleros entered the baseball league playoffs in first place and won Sunday's game against the Cancun Rockies. The other two teams in the semifinals are from Playa del Carmen and Aeropuerto Sintia. The Isla Mujeres Cahuameros were eliminated from their basketball league playoffs when they lost against the team from Merida, Universidad Modelo.
Spring equinox is Wednesday, March 20th and the full moon rises over the Caribbean at 6:51, at sunset. Moonrise times are: Thursday, March 21 at 7:54, Friday, March 22 at 8:55, Saturday, March 23 at 9:55, Sunday, March 24 at 10:53, and Monday, March 25 at 11:50.
A fight between two men broke out on Sunday evening while the 8p ferry was arriving, which apparently also involved members of their families. This upset other passengers, especially those who were running on the dock to avoid the confrontation, and the police and Red Cross ambulance were called.
On Saturday, a "pirate" golf cart was involved in a minor accident with a taxi cab (#001). A tourist suffered a minor knee injury, and received attention from the Red Cross paramedics. The cart, which lacked plates, logo or number, was taken to the impound yard. The other tourist said they had rented it near the Ferry Terminal and paid $65 for a 12 hour rental, which is the usual price for 24 hours.
Tickets are on sale (370p-750p) for Sonora Dinamita's concert at the baseball field on Saturday March 30 at 9p. This weekend, Sr. Mandril jazz band played at the Casa de la Cultura for free.
On Sunday, the Isla Mujeres running club "Loman's Green" held a benefit dessert sale at the park in La Gloria for two islanders with cancer.
The Police Department have been conducting workshops for students about crime prevention and to provide information about the legal reforms being implemented nationally which will affect minors and their legal rights. A workshop about empowerment of women is being held in the City Council room today in honor of International Women's Day, which was March 8th. The City is conducting educational campaigns on social media about cleaning up after your dog and the importance of wearing motorcycle helmets.
On March 4th, the island commemorated the 502nd anniversary of the first Spaniards arriving on the island and encountering what is now the Yucatan and Mexico. The expedition of 110 men sailed from Cuba in three boats, led by Francisco Hernandez Cordoba, who died from battle wounds two weeks after their return. Over fifty men died, and all the others were injured, except one who disappeared when they stopped off in Florida on their way home. They captured and baptized two Mayan prisoners and took them to Cuba to be trained as translators.
Nautical tour providers operating in the area of el Farito and Manchones have worked out a plan with authorities to assist them with monitoring the National Park, which will be announced at a press conference on March 20th. The proposal involves coordinating surveillance by the tour operators and will include uniforms and flags saying "Guardaparque".
This weekend, naval personnel rescued three men adrift in the boat "Lorena" and towed them to the Makax lagoon, in response to a request for assistance received by the regional Harbor Master at Puerto Juarez. They were located 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) northeast of Isla Mujeres, in good health. Earlier this month, the Navy rescued a Mexican tourist in the Bay who'd fallen off a jet ski after leaving North Beach & his friend sought assistance in Puerto Juarez. (The photo shows him smiling as he was helped into the boat, wearing a life jacket and his sunglasses.)
Over 2000 islanders have received medical care at the CRIM facility since the start of this administration last year, including physical rehabilitation, training for people with visual disabilities and various types of therapies including occupational, language, and behavioral, as well as general and specialty medical consultations. The facility has also acquired an X-ray machine.
A thief was arrested and caught on security cameras stealing gas from a privately owned golf cart, and police issued an announcement reminding residents that suspects can only be held for 36 hours for offenses like this unless complaints are filed with of Prosecutor's office (Fiscalia).
Strong winds on Wednesday, associated with Cold Front #41, closed the port for small boats and caused the Ultracarga II vehicle ferry to hit the pier while docking, resulting in minor damage to the dock. The Maritima car ferry also encountered some difficulties docking.
A reporter with Noti Isla Mujeres has filed complaints against the Ultramar ferry company after he was banned from boarding and had to take the Naveganto ferry to the island. The reporter was recording a video of an Ultramar employee at the Gran Puerto dock and accused him of misinforming ferry passengers about golf cart rental prices on the island, while making them a less expensive offer if they rented from him while at Puerto Juarez. The employee responded that the reporter failed to produce press credentials, had a rude attitude, and seemed suspicious because he has tattoos. The reporter said he was discriminated against because of the color of his skin and his physical disability.
In response to damage to the reefs, more than 100 nautical tour guides have been educated about the importance of avoiding sunscreen when swimming. The tour guides said they've gotten a good response from clients who are asked to refrain from using sunscreen because of the damage it causes to the corals and the ecosystem, but there are some visitors who have already applied it before entering the boat. There is a global problem, particularly affecting brain coral, that initially appeared in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and then near Florida. Last summer it was detected in the corals of Puerto Morales, and now it seems to have invaded the entire MesoAmerican reef system.
Every day, 30 employees of the ZOFEMAT agency work from 5a to 10a raking and sifting the sand of North Beach and Playa Centro, removing trash and sargasso. Now there is also a night shift from 8p-10p in coordination with the new trash collection schedule. The agency director said about 1180 kilograms of trash are collected daily. (That's 2600 pounds or 1.3 tons). She encouraged the citizenry to help take care of the beaches by using the trash receptacles and reducing their use of plastic items.
The lobster catching season concluded with good results, harvesting nearly 100 tonnes of lobster, which is under ban until July 1st. Frozen tails remain available & live lobsters are kept in captivity. Currently, fishermen are concerned that they won't be able to meet the high demand for fish that occurs during Lent and the upcoming Easter holidays. Grouper is under ban until the end of March and the octopus ban continues until August 1st.
If you'd like to join the Plogging crew for the Saturday morning clean-ups, the meet up location will be announced here: Acción Isla They'll provide bags & gloves, bring your refillable water container.
Artist Fairs are on Thursdays in front of the Casa de la Cultura 4-8p, on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo. The Little Yellow School house is offering different specials each Wednesday for lunch 11:30-1p, on Paseo de Peces in la Gloria, the wide east-west street of Mundaca, the Church & University, and Bead Coop.
If you're interested in isla charities & their events or eco-friendly businesses, check out the FB group Isla Mujeres Together-Granito de Arena. You don't have to join to read it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/347675972505729/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 |
| 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 & fast WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate. Quiet & Private.
 | |
| Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical) |
 |
| Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed. |
.jpg) |
| 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. |
 |
| Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed. |
Free amenities such as hammocks,bikes, BBQ grills, safes, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & our backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking, 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
 | ||
| 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 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 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.
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Full moon rising over the Caribbean
 |
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
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
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
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.)
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
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.
Thursday, March 28 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo
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
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.