Sunday, February 26, 2023

Isla Mujeres News & Events Sunday, February 26

 


TODAY'S NEWS UPDATE & WATER ADVISORY....


LOW PRESSURE OR NO TAP WATER TOMORROW, Mon., Feb 27, affecting the entire island, due to construction of the Mayan Train causing electrical work in Capacitation Zone #3, on the mainland. This work by the ICA company was originally scheduled last week and cancelled. Most island residences and businesses have tanks as part of their water system, which help carry them through outages like this. However, parts of the island have recently been experiencing ongoing problems with pressure and outages.

MAYOR ADDRESSES WATER SUPPLY PROBLEMS by requesting an audit by CAPA (Tap Water and Sewage Commission) regarding water shortages and Aguakan's failure to comply with its responsibilities to keep the island community supplied with water. She said if Aguakan is not complying with its contract, legal procedures will be taken to request rescinding its concession to provide water service to the island. She said prompt attention needs to be given to the lack of tap water, as well as to discharges of wastewater, otherwise these problems may generate serious environmental impacts to the island.

DISCOUNTED DRIVER'S LICENSES FOR WOMEN during the month of March, as part of the commemoration of International Women's Day, which is on March 8th. A 50% discount will be available for the processing of women's driving licenses throughout the month. The Mayor announced a wide program of activities aimed at women will be scheduled in March.

NEW FEMALE FIRE CHIEF, Josefa Castellanos Granda is now the Directora of Civil Protection & the Firefighters. There's also a new Director of Catastro (Deeds), a new Director of Asuntos Consultivos (Advisory Matters) and a new Directora of Communiciation (not pictured).

FIRE AT CEMETERY EXTINGUISHED yesterday by personnel with the municipal Department of Civil Protection & Firefighters, in a timely manner. The trash fire occurred at the cemetery in colonia La Gloria, and residents are reminded to avoid burning rubbish, which can get out of control and cause damage.

FIFTY COUPLES WED AT BEAUTIFUL PUNTA SUR as part of the statewide program of "Collective Weddings". The most senior islander couple participating had been together for 26 years and the youngest were marrying after a three-year relationship. The "Bodas Colectivas" usually occur around Valentine's Day, and the municipality generally offers free or discounted processing of the paperwork. Mayor Atenea Gomez Ricalde congratulated the couples, wishing them the best and reminding them that love and respect must prevail in the new life they are starting together.

TWELVE DRILL TEAMS COMPETED to commemorate Flag Day on Friday, Feb. 24th at the Bicentennial Dome in La Gloria, in three categories. The primary school category had six teams competing and was won by Julio Sauri Espinosa's evening shift. The middle school competition included three teams, with the winning team from Benito Juarez Technical School. The high school/preparatory category also had three teams and was won by Jean Piaget Liceo del Caribe.

OUTSTANDING PARTICIPATION AT TOURISM CONVENTION in Bogota, Colombia at the 2023 ANATO (National Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators) event, which brought together more than 120 travel agents and wholesalers. Colombia represents the second most important market for tourism in Quintana Roo, after the North American market. "Last year, 772,000 Columbian tourists arrived in the state, of whom 420,000 stayed in Quintana Roo," said Jose Castillo Magana, municipal Director of Economic Development & Tourism. He noted that excellent connectivity by air exists between our state and Columbia, and the Mexican Caribbean Pavilion at the tourism showcase promoted a range of the natural attractions and tourist infrastructure found in Isla Mujeres.

SCARCITY OF SARGASSO arriving to the island's beaches according to yesterday's graphic, where "encaso" means scarce, "muy bajo" means very low, "moderado" is moderate, and "muy alto" is very high.

SUCCESSFUL CARNAVAL CELEBRATION, whose theme was "Soy Carbbean / I'm Caribbean". The Mayor announced that occupancy was 94% and a little over $4 million dollars were generated, which is a major economic success achieved thanks to efforts and participation by island families and municipal departments.

LOBSTER CATCHING SEASON ENDS TUESDAY for four months, resuming on July 1st. The two month ban on catching grouper continues until April 1st. Catching octopus has been illegal since mid-December, which ends August 1st.

 





 


 
 

 
 Photos from Monday's Children's Carnaval event on the Town Square.
 

 
Sunday's Carnaval parade photos by Bruce Roberts, below.








 






Photos below from the City's Facebook page, of Sunday evening...

 Saturday's "Night of Fantasy" was full of memories for the islanders, because it featured former Carnaval Kings & Queens. There were also performances by comparsas (dance troupes), a comedy show and dancing to live music by Junior Klan.

 At Saturday's "Night of Fantasy", the Carnaval Kings & Queens and their comparsas (dance troupes) delighted the audience of islanders and visitors with their talents.
 

 As Saturday's parade began, a small shower dampened downtown, but not the spirits of the participants, who included the many Kings & Queens, as well as the Mayor. Photos below by Bruce Roberts.






 






 The first couple, in orange, are the 'overall' King & Queen of Carnaval, Gabriel I & Margarita I. The photo below them is Mariana I, the Queen of Diversity, who was crowned last evening. At upper right, are celebrities Carlos Arenas & Lorena Herrera.

 
Tuesday was the Negrada, celebrating the Afro-Caribbean roots of Carnaval. That evening on the Town Square, there was a contest between the Comparsas (dance troupes) in the Open Category, and the Comparsa of the Carnaval King & Queen performed. There was a comedy show by Chino Fernandez. The evening's theme was "The Burning of Juan Carnaval", with the traditional reading of his Will & Testament. Events are scheduled to begin at 8:30 and that was the last night of Carnaval. Photos by Bruce Roberts.
 

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 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 

LINK to US National Hurricane Center

 

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Isla Mujeres News & Events Thursday, February 16

 


 

 The Upcoming CARNAVAL EVENTS are....

FRI. Feb. 17 at 7:30--Coronation Gala--Coronation of the Kings & Queens of the Isla Mujeres Carnaval 2023 with a performance by King and Queen entertainers Lorena Herrera & Carlos Arenas, and a performance by DJ Shei on the Municipal Esplanade (Town Square). 
 
SAT. Feb 18 at 7:30--Night of Fantasy--Comedy show with Tila Maria Sesto, and the Carnaval Grand Dance with live music by Junior Klan on the Municipal Esplanade.
 
SUN. Feb. 19 at 7:30--Night of Joy--Performance by Nani Namu & Her Stars, and Dancing to live music by Alex Mont & Merengossa on the Municipal Esplanade.
 
MON. Feb. 20 at 7:30--Night of Tregueñas--Comedy Show by Chino Fernandez, and Dancing to live music by Jemanuel and Los Panas on the Municipal Esplanade.
 
TUE. Feb. 21 at 7:30--Competition of the Troupes, and the burning of "Juan Carnaval" on the Municipal Esplanade. 
 
It says 'parade' (desfile), but apparently the date & time are TBA.


TODAY....

    We're still having Surada weather today, with winds from the Southeast at 10-25 kph, gusting to 40-50kph in the forecast. (That's 6-16 mph, gusting to 25-31 mph.) This morning, we're enjoying sunny skies and warm temperatures, (with predictions of small amounts of intermittent rain being possible). The Surada is generated by a high pressure system. Sur means South, and is the direction they come from.
    Next, Cold Front #33 will arrive from the North (a "Norte") and then become stationary over the Caribbean Sea, before dying out. The extended forecast predicts the rainy areas will be to the Southwest of our region. (They're encircled on the extended forecast.)


 

    Tonight at 7p on the downtown basketball court by the Town Square, island athletes in eight sports will be announced to compete in state phase of the National CONADE Games 2023. They are participants in the sports of Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, Baseball, Skating, Boxing, Weight Lifting and Table Tennis.
      Around the country this week, more than 3800 athletes will participate in this phase, competing in 24 of the 34 sports that are included in the CONADE Games. Next week, athletes in the other 10 sports will compete in Ahome & Mazatlan, where beach volleyball and swimming in the open sea can take place.
After the state competitions, the winners will compete in the Regional, Macro-Regional and National stages. CONADE is the Comisión Nacional de Cultura Física y Deporte en México / National Commission of Sports & Physical Culture in Mexico.

 YESTERDAY, Feb. 15 (Wednesday).... 
Today's Sargasso Report. Blue=Without Sargasso, Green=Very Low

 
SATURDAY, Feb. 11....

Announcement for Saturday's bike event (from Friday)....
Tomorrow, Saturday, Avenida de las Peces in colonia La Gloria will be partially closed from 9a to 9:30a.
The first bicycle "Ride for the Wetlands" will begin at 8a. The three hydration stations are marked on the map and the ride starts at the Bayside Malecon parking area and ends at the Town Square / Municipal Esplanade. Motorists are encouraged to use caution around the cyclists. Families are invited to enjoy this event--"A Ride Full of Learning & Fun".

Bicyclists and skaters rolling around the island (on Saturday) to raise awareness about taking care of our wetlands--"Rodada Por Las Humedales". The ride ends at the Town Square / Municipal Esplanade. In these photos they're passing thru the Bachilleres neighborhood.
 
On Saturday morning, Island families came together for the Ride for the Wetlands / Rodada por los Humedales, to have fun while raising awareness about the importance of taking care of our wetlands.
Starting out early, the riders made a circuit around the isle that included iconic locations such as the Punta Sur Sculpture Park. Awards were given out at the Municipal Esplanade / Town Square by municipal officials. (There were also some skaters participating.)

 Promo from last week for Saturday's event.....Tonight's Carnaval event is at 7p at the Bicentennial Dome / Domo Bicentenario in colonia La Gloria where the Queen of the Senoras, Eglantina I, will be crowned. There will be a comedy show and dancing. Tables for ten people have been on sale downstairs at the Palacio Municipal, 9a-3p until sold out. Dress code--Wear Masks.
 

 
SUNDAY, Feb. 12....Last evening (Saturday) at the Masked Gala, the Queen of the Senoras was crowned at the Bicentennial Dome in La Gloria.


  Announcement for Sunday's events in the parks (from Friday)....Children are invited to enjoy a mini-concert and take photos with these characters on Sunday, for this event, "Playing With My Favorite Character", sponsored by the DIF, social service agency, at the listed parks & times.


 

Municipal police officers responded promptly to a report of a three-year old child who was alone in colonia La Gloria, and with GEAVIG (Grupo Especializado de Atención a la Violencia Familiar y de Género / Group Specializing in Attention to Family and Gender Violence), they immediately moved him to a safe place and located his mother. He was reunited with his family after an investigation was conducted, with the mother and child having been attended to at the Women's Center.

 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8.....

 

Photos from IM Noticias.... "Mirada" Hotel being built near Nomads, along the road to Garrafon/Punta Sur, on >12,000 square meters of property.


An earthquake of 5.5 magnitude occurred this morning (Wednesday) in the Bay of Honduras, at a depth of 18 kilometers, at 9:16am. The tremor was felt in Quintana Roo's capital of Chetumal, where evacuation protocols were initiated for the Palacio Gobierno and the Palacio Municipal. (State Capitol and Town Hall). A Red Cross ambulance arrived to treat one worker for a nervous reaction.
The municipal Civil Protection Director said that due to the distance, only slight movement was perceived. The quake was located 262 kilometers (163 miles) from the capital. There were no signs of any structures cracking, but they plan to do further review of the city's few tall buildings. They toured various buildings to inspect the structures and to assure the citizens were safe. The Governor said there have been no reports of any problems in our state.

 


HISTORY SECTION......

(More News & Carnaval photos/video links BELOW)

Vintage photos of Isla Mujeres on Vimeo HERE, thanks to Temo Zurita. 

These are screenshots from an Isla Mujeres promotional video from the 1990's, posted by Fernando Rodriguez Zapata on the Recuerdos de Isla Mujeres group.














 




Here are old photos of the Sultana del Mar (AKA "The Slow Ferry) of the former Magana ferry company. The first set are Before & After...when it was built and when it was no longer operational. The other photo is from the movie "Against All Odds", released in 1984.

 



 WEDNESDAY, February 8.....

The exposition "El Caribe Mexicano en Punto Mexico" opened yesterday in Mexico City with our Mayor and Governor in attendance. Works by our state's artisans will be on display throughout February, and artisans of Isla Mujeres will be featured on Feb. 20-25.
The "Punto Mexico" tourism information project began ten years ago and is located on the ground floor of the main building of the national Ministry of Tourism in Mexico City. It utilizes technical tools and offers dozens of "360" tours of Mexico where the visitor can use a touch screen to control images on a video wall, to virtually travel thru Pueblos Magicos, beaches, archaeological sites, museums and nature reserves. In addition, there are displays of handicrafts, traditional clothing, and food from all of Mexico's states. Museum guides provide information about the different destinations, both general and specific, including places to eat, sleep, activities, museums, flights, roads, and other trip-planning assistance. Or visitors have the option of using electronic tablets to obtain information.

 

The Mayor wrote: "Happy Wednesday ✌🏻! I started the day accompanying our staff of the Traffic Police Department in their school safety operations, and my colleagues from the Public Services doing cleaning work at Cesar Mendoza Santana elementary school."
She also notified the parents that she'll be at that school today at 5p to listen to them and work together to improve school conditions for the children.


 

 TUESDAY, Feb. 7.....

 Screenshot from Noti Isla Mujeres quick video, about Monday's rain.


 Screenshot from video. Unfortunately, one of the dogs was later killed in the line of duty, by a collapse.

SUNDAY, Feb. 5....


 Sunday evening, young islanders competed, along with their talented comparsas, and the winners were crowned in three age categories, as well as the special King & Queen. HERE is a quick FB video. And HERE.

  There's a ~1 minute FB Carnaval video HERE...Thank-you to David Amayo for these scenes from Carnaval so far, which has included various coronations with performances by their comparsas (dance troupes). First were the young people in three age categories and the special King & Queen. Next was the Senior King & Queen, then Saturday's Masked Gala, crowning the Queen of the Senoras. 

 There's a quick FB video HERE of the seniors celebrating Carnaval at the coronation of the Senior King & Queen, Lanchita I & Guadalupe de la Cruz I.

 These are photos of Emily I, the 2023 Carnaval Young Children's Queen / Reina Infantil and her comparsa from the Al Son del Corazon Dance Academy.

Below is a screenshot from a 360 video of the Mayor dancing with Luna I, the other Children's Carnaval Queen/Reina Infantil, at Sunday evening's coronation event for the four young pairs of Kings and Queens. (There are two children's categories by age, the Youth (teen) King & Queen and the Special King & Queen. Then there's the Senior King & Queen, the Diversity Queen and the overall King & Queen.)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 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 

LINK to US National Hurricane Center