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News from the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
A memorial service was attended by friends and family, and municipal authorities, to bid a final farewell to comandante Sergio Leyva Córdoba, 42, who lost his life in an armed attack in Puerto Juarez, after 12 years of distinguished service in the municipal police. He died in the line of duty on Tuesday, as an officer in the Continental Zone of Isla Mujeres. There was emotional tribute from Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis, and the City is in close communication with authorities concerning the case. (There have been arrests.)
Municipal government encourages participation in the "Trash Challenge" LINK
The director of ZOFEMAT (Federal Zone agency) in Isla Mujeres, Kerem Pinto Aguilar, said that it is important to join forces to carry out challenges that encourage good habits. She said their first effort is cleaning up the banks of the Makax lagoon, removing glass, plastics, bottles, trash and any trash, which is being done with the support of City personnel, private businesses, volunteers and the general public. She said, "We are more than 50 people who are participating but we hope that more will join to this challenge for improving the quality and cleanliness of some areas."
After the clean-up, the Vectors department of SESA (Ministry of Health) will fumigate the cleaned area. Ms. Pinto Aguilar said that it is essential for the community to participate in order to have a healthy environment, for a better quality of life for the island's inhabitants, and in turn, to encourage young people and children to take care of their municipality and its natural attractions with small actions like not littering, recycling paper, and saving water.
DIF invitation to "A Different Week 2019"
This program will include sports activities and workshops for personal growth and fun during the Easter holiday period for children 5-11 from 9a-1p on April 22-25 at the CAVI center. Registration information is given, with a deadline of April 17th.
Activities include picnics, reading workshops, drawing; ecological workshops, crafts, sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and various games. Breakfast and lunch are provided, and children should wear comfortable clothes, and preferably, tennis shoes.
This program is free and intended to allow children to spend their vacation time having enjoyable activities and healthy recreation while learning values like socializing and interacting together in a fun manner. It is provided by the City and the DIF social service agency.
The City is providing assistance to members of the Drill Team of Isla Mujeres middle school Benito Juarez to participate in a competition in Mexico City April 30-May1. They advanced to the national competition after winning first place in a recent event in Bacalar.
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FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres
Tvisla Mujeres
The Navy has begun its annual Easter Holiday security "Operación Salvavidas Semana Santa 2019” on April 13th and will continue thru the 28th. LINK
Taxi drivers of Isla Mujeres are hoping the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute will respond to their request to raise rates LINK
Ultramar announces cut in passenger ferry hours LINK (See below)
Arrests were made in relation to the assassination of a police officer near the Gran Puerto ferry terminal on Tuesday thanks to security cameras VIDEO The arrest of three suspects in the execution of municipal police officer supervisor Sergio Leiva Córdoba on Tuesday has been confirmed LINK Mr. Leiva Cordoba has held the office of Coordinador General in the Continental Zone. LINK
Isla Mujeres Al Dia
Noti Isla Mujeres
Ultramar is eliminating the 5:30 ferry from Isla Mujeres (and the 5a from Gran Puerto), and the weekend late ferry from GP at 12:30a (and from Isla Mujeres at 1a), due to fuel costs.
The students and workers will be affected, particularly by the elimination of two of their morning crossings. Photo below from Noti Isla Mujeres.
IM Noticias
La Tertulia
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Link to Por Esto's Isla Mujeres section
Click on Spanish headline for the original article & photos
Clean-up at the Mundaca Hacienda
Rescatarán la Hacienda Mundaca
April 13 The Mayor has ordered a clean-up at the Mundaca Hacienda, with the town historian, and former mayor, Fidel Villanueva Madrid supervising the project. He explained that work is being done to clean up different areas of the property, to perform studies for the rescue and rehabilitation of the structures that still exist.
A dozen municipal workers have been allocated to remove brush, grass, and litter from the walkways and paths, as well as around the monuments and structures. On Saturday, topographic studies began for the development of various projects concerning the archaeological aspects, as well as the historical restoration of the hacienda dedicated to "La Triguena".
Mr. Villanueva Madrid said, "What is intended is to finish the archaeological rescue of what was the Sanctuary of the Goddess Ixchel and the reconstruction of the hacienda that Fermín Mundaca built in the 19th century, and to add projects related to the history of Isla Mujeres, such as the fishing, navigation and Mayan trade, piracy, a museum of living plants, and a museum site."
In 1990, the Hacienda was declared a cultural and historical heritage site of Isla Mujeres, which was the first step toward carrying out studies to conserve its archeology and to avoid damaging the history of the hacienda, which is one of the multiple attractions of this Pueblo Magico.
"Surada" winds restrict small boats
Paralizada la navegación menor
April 13 On Saturday, gusts reached 61 km/hr out at sea, preventing the small boats from providing tourism recreation and commercial fishing. The southern winds closed the port for small boats, and all boats were restricted from going to Isla Contoy, due to the difficulty of boats over 40 feet trying to cross the rocky area in front of Isla Blanca. Tickets weren't sold for Sunday either with forcasts of winds of 44 to 54 km/hr on Sunday, which are expected to decrease by sunset, due to the influence of Cold Front #51.
Seeking to attract destination wedding market to Isla Mujeres
Buscan atraer al segmento de bodas a IM
In December, a "World Conference of Romantic Travels" will be held in the Continental Zone of Isla Mujeres.
Cigarette butt receptacles at beach
Contenedores de colillas en playas
Workers with the ZOFEMAT, Federal Zone agency in Isla Mujeres have installed receptacles for cigarette butts on two beaches, to reduce pollution to the beach and sea, and to provide another way for them to degrade without affecting the environment. It is estimated that about 2 or 3 kilos of butts are picked up daily from the beaches in high season. Zofemat workers manually sift them out of the sand.This project is taking place in coordination with the DIF, who provide a collection center, and an innovative Mexican company who transforms the butts into biodegradable pots for plants.
Por Esto photo:
Two youths recruited by Cruz Azul Soccer Club team
Convocan a dos jóvenes de IM el Club Cruz Azul
Young Islanders José Antonio Ramírez García, goalkeeper; and David de Jesus Mex Pech, forward, were invited by the Cruz Azul Club of Mexican soccer to participate in a camp at their facilities in Mexico City, which includes their food and lodging. Costs for transportation aren't provided, and will be borne by family members, with possible assistance from the team and municipal government.Math Olympics contest held at Jean Piaget school
Realizan Olimpiada Interna de Matemáticas
Nine students from Isla Mujeres participated in the sixth edition of this contest at the Jean Piaget school, and the winners were Alfonso Méndez, Juan Pablo Rosado and Ixchel Molina,Isla Mujeres news briefs
Breves de Isla Mujeres
April 12 The rehabilitated soccer field in colonia Salina Chica was officially inaugurated. The main part of the work was replacing the 5850 square meters of synthetic turf, rehabilitating the lights, goals, bathrooms and grandstands, relocating the team benches, and installing an access gate.The rehabilitation of public street lights continues, with 69 new lights installed for a total of 2.4 kilometers from the preschool "Isla Mujeres" to Dolphin Discovery, in Sac Bajo. Lighting has also been updated in various colonias including Salina Grande, Canotal, and Caridad del Cobre. More than 80% of the municipality has lighting and the City is working had to provide illuminated streets for security.
The other two briefs are about the memorial service and the Plogger's scheduled Saturday cleanup at the "Isla Mujeres" kindergarten.
Easter holiday security operations begin
Arranca operativo “Semana Santa 2019”
April 11 Security operations for the Easter holiday period began on Thursday, with participation by the Navy, Harbor Master's office, municipal Police and Traffic police, Red Cross, and Civil Protection, among other agencies to ensure the safety of thousands of tourists and residents. Security will be increased thru Sunday, April 28 and will include 24-hour patrols throughout the island.Maintenance for sculptures
Realizan mantenimiento de esculturas
April 11 Sculptor Reynaldo Bolio Suarez and his team are doing maintenance work on two of his colorful sculptures,financed by former Mayor Alicia Ricalde. They began working on Tuesday with the large iguana at Punta Sur, which is made of polymeric concrete, a material with high resistance to salt corrosion, and the sculpture had only slight damage. By noon, they had restored the the goddess Ixchel to her former appearance.Mr. Bolio Suarez is also responsible for creating the Marlin and Barracuda on Rueda Medina in front of Playa Centro, the life-sized turtles where Bravo become Guerrero (by Rocamar), the whale shark (also life-sized), and La Triguena, at the eastern malecon (by the old hospital)
Automated propane gas dispenser
Automatizan despacho de gas doméstico
April 11 At the Zeta Gas plant, located on the southern part of the island, the company has premiered its automated volumetric controlled equipment that allows each customer to fill their propane tanks quickly and efficiently. The service began a month ago, and is available six days a week 7a-6p and 7a-2p on Sundays. The company has two trucks which provide service to stationary tanks.Tourism reactivated on Wednesday
Se reactiva el movimiento turístico
April 10 After the effects of Cold Front #49 passed and the winds reduced and came from the southeast, (a 'surada') tourism increased on Wednesday, and the fishermen were able to work.Seeking better storm drains for main street
Urge drenaje en malecón Rueda Medina
Twenty-four hours after the rain from cold front #49, a puddle remained on Rueda Medina near the Monument to the Fishermen. Civil Protection representatives noted that this is the only spot with a problem, with the drains working well, with use of the pumps by the Casa de la Cultura, taking care of the intersection where water otherwise accumulates at Hidalgo, Abasolo, and Guerrero. The pumps, installed in 2010, were also working well in colonia Salina Chica, colonia Meteorologico, and Salina Grande.
(Civil Protection usually manually pumps away that water. It has been theorized that the drain there was blocked to prevent drainage and potential contamination to Playa Centro.)
Successful participation in the Acapulco Tianguis Tourism Fair
Exitosa participación en Tianguis de Acapulco
April 10 The three-day Acapulco Tiancuis Tourism Fair ended Wednesday, and the delegation from Isla Mujeres made many successful marketing contacts, including with tour operators from Argentina, Japan, France and Peru. Agreements were made with national agencies, airlines and wedding market representatives, and hoteliers did their best to secure contracts for the upcoming holiday seasons.There were interviews with representatives in national and international media to promote Isla Mujeres,a Pueblo Magico with attractions that everyone can enjoy. The main attraction for spring-summer visitors are the clean beaches, free of the sargassum that hits other destinations in the Mexican Caribbean. Thisis because of the geographical position of this island.
In addition, the large hotels of the Continental Zone of Punta Sam and Isla Blanca were represented by a separate delegation, who promoted the more than six thousand hotel rooms that are taking reservations for this upcoming fall-winter.
Week One of National Fight Against Arboviruses
Primera Semana de lucha contra las Arbovirosis
April 9 On the island, the week to fight mosquito born diseases began on Tuesday, April 4 and will continue thru April 12th, to eradicate breeding grounds of the insects which can cause dengue, zika, and chikungunya. The effort was inaugurated at the Julio Sauri Espinosa primary school, and the Patio Limpio program is also taking place to eliminate breeding areas in residential yards. This prevention program by authorities helps ensure that families stay healthy while enjoying the Easter holidays.PROFEPA closures in Sac Bajo
Lleva a cabo la Profepa par de clausuras
April 9 The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA) placed closure seals at the entrance of a newly built dock in the residential area of Sac-Bajo and on a neighboring property, presumably to protect mangrove plants, and/or in relation to their illegal removal.Cold Front #49 affected the island
Pega fuerte el frente frío
April 9: Grey skies and rainfall caused by Cold Front #49 interacting with warm weather reduced business on the isle, but didn't close the port for small boats in the morning, because the winds were not strong. However, there was little demand for the nautical tourism services in the rain, and at one o'clock the Harbor Master restricted the small boats, while the ferries continued to operate.Streets and beaches were practically deserted on Tuesday, especially when the rain was intense. Some of the restaurants had diners, and some of the streets had puddles and flooding at times, especially in the usual places such as near the monument to the fishermen.
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In other news...Isla Mujeres has been featured in the Indio cerveza label series (Barrios & Pueblos of Mexico) The Isla Mujeres Indio label has a whale shark, turtle, eel (I think), coral, starfish,ray, and various fish.
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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 & fast 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, 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
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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 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.
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean
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April 19 7:36 April 20 8:36 April 21 9:36 April 22 10:33 April 23 11:28 Painting by Pamela Haase Sunset ~7p-7:10 Sunrise ~6:40a-6:15 |
April Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
On Saturday's at 8a-11a, Plogging events to clean up the island are held, meetup locations at this LINK . Bring your refillable bottle & they'll supply gloves, water, & bags, Here's the Accion Isla LINK
On Wednesday's, 11:30a-1p, The Little Yellow School House is serving tasty lunch specials that change weekly, 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. More info: LINK
Wednesday nights at 8:45p, a new bicycling group invite people to join them for healthy recreation, meeting at Juarez & Abasolo. Lights required, helmet recommended. LINK
On Thursday's 3p-8p, Artists Fairs are held in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo, weather permitting.
In April, fishermen in this region are banned from catching Lobster and Octopus in April. Lobsters kept in captivity continue to be available, along with frozen tails. LINK
At the Maritime Terminals, security measures will be implemented with metal detectors and a button for passengers to push, with a red light indicating their possessions will be inspected.
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Monday, April 1 at 9a Civic Ceremony on the Town Square
Tuesday, April 2 at 9a-2p, free rabies vaccinations in the La Gloria park. Pets must be at least 3 months old and not pregnant or lactating.
Wednesday, April 3 at 9a-2p free rabies vaccinations at the park in colonia Electristas. Pets must be at least 3 months old and not pregnant or lactating.
Friday, April 5 at 10a, Art Exposition at the Casa de la Cultura by artist Scarlett Mora representing the Mayan culture and the culture of the Zone of Quintana Roo "Tzolkin Ante Mis Ojos" (Tzolkin before my eyes...Tzolkin is the Mayan Calendar of 260 days). Guerrero at Abasolo.
Saturday, April 6 The Red Cross will kick off its annual donation drive, when entrepreneurs and municipal and Naval authorities traditionally
contribute, as well as local business owners. Students will be
collecting donations and receptacles will be available at businesses. In 2018, the ambulance went out an
average of 4.5 times daily. The number of average daily ambulance runs
has doubled, compared to 2016. About
200,000 pesos will be needed for the upcoming year.Sunday, April 7 at 7a there will be a free running competition at the Mundaca Hacienda for kids 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 200m, 6-7 run 400m, 8-9 run 800m, and 10-12 run 1600 meters.
Saturday, April 13 Easter Vacation period begins until the students return to school on Monday, April 28, when the number of visitors arriving to the island daily is one of the highest year-round, with last year's record being about 27,000.
The Stations of the Cross procession on Friday begins at the church in La Gloria at 10:30a, to the Guadalupe chapel in Salina Chica, to the Immaculate Conception church on the Town Square downtown.
Sunday, April 14 Palm Sunday See above
Link to the FB page of the downtown Catholic Church, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Starting Monday, the first ferry departing Isla Mujeres will be 6a, and the last ferry to the isle will be 11:30p, even on weekends. Ultramar is eliminating the 5:30 ferry from Isla Mujeres (and the 5a from Gran Puerto), and the weekend late ferry from GP at 12:30a (and from Isla Mujeres at 1a), due to fuel costs. The students and workers will be affected, particularly by the elimination of two of their morning crossings. Photo from Noti Isla Mujeres.
Thursday, April 18 Reenactment on the Town Square of the Last Supper and the washing of feet, see above.
Friday, April 19 The Viacrusis/Passion of Christ reenactment begins at the Sacred Heart church on Paseo de Peces in La Gloria, goes to the Guadalupe Chapel overlooking the Caribbean in Salina Chica, then downtown to the Town Square in front of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church.
Sunday, April 21 Easter
Monday, April 22 Earth Day Probably the fourth annual Earth Day clean-up, removing debris from the seabed and beaches, and inventorying it.
Sunday, April 27 Last day of Easter holidays
Wednesday, April 30 Children's Day
Thursday, May 1 Labor Day
Whale shark tour season is from mid-May to mid-September. Turtle nesting season is from May-October.
The Cosme Magana fishing tournament will be 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.
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
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