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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)
Government & citizenry united in the prevention of crime in Isla Mujeres LINK
With courses and workshops on Crime Prevention, we provide the islanders and the security officer with the necessary tools to anticipate risky situations.
There was a civic ceremony at 9am for Flag Day on the Town Square
Today we celebrate 197 years of # National Day of the Flag, symbol of freedom, justice and nationality. LINK
The civic ceremony was enlivened by the Senior Citizen's Choir who sang the Toque de Bandera, and accompanied those present during the national anthem and the anthem of Quintana Roo. During the ceremony municipal authorities called on islanders to work together and promote civic and ethical values in the new generations to ensure good development in Isla Mujeres.Names of officials in attendance are given.
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
During an island-wide electrical outage yesterday afternoon, CFE (Federal Electrical Commission) personnel were checking the area where the undersea electrical line from Punta Sam comes to the surface, and TVIM has three videos. The caption to one says they managed to reestablish the supply with one of the four auxiliary lines, and electrical power was restored little by little. On this one the narrator says that witnesses reported a strong explosion which caused the cover to rise at the first register where the line is on land, which is shown in the video. LINKto video
The FBI is participating in the investigation of the Barcos Caribe explosion in Playa del Carmen LINK
Experts from the Mexican Navy, from the Federal Police of Mexico City and FBI personnel will be included in the investigations of the explosion at a dock in Playa del Carmen
Alicia Ricalde Magaña, head of the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (APIQRoo), said that the US federal agents are participating because there are tourists among the injured who are from the United States. There were 24 people injured, 19 of them Mexican and five foreigners.
Special vigilance is being maintained on the docks and anchoring areas in Cozumel, where six vessels with American flags were docked yesterday, which meant the disembarkation of at least 105,000 passengers, she calculated.
According to reports from the Apiqroo, this week in Cozumel, visits from 35 tourist cruise ships were scheduled, which is calculated to mean the arrival of a little over 106,000 foreign visitors.
Ms. Ricalde said that they are waiting for the official result of the expert reports, and that the preliminary report that was issued by APIQRoo, saying a technical failure caused the explosion, was made with information provided by the private operator of the terminal. She emphasized that APIQRoo doesn't operate the pier at Playa del Carmen where the incident occurred.
Just a few hours after the explosion occurred, APIQRoo announced in a statement that "A preliminary report indicates mechanical failure caused the explosion in the ferry," which was denied by the ferry company in a statement.
The boat, which was docked at the fiscal pier of Playa del Carmen, belongs to the company Barcos Caribe, who denied that mechanical failure was the cause. "In a preliminary way we inform you that our machinery and equipment were working properly, so we still do not know the reason for this incident ", said the operations manager of Barcos Caribe, Jefferson Marín Flores.
Ms. Ricalde explained that the private company Navega, which operates the terminal, was asked and that is precisely the source of that information. She said that she doesn't know the real cause, but that she expects the authorities working in the investigation to determine what happened. She said, "There are two open investigations, one by the state Attorney General and another by the federal Attorney General, the PGR, and we are all contributing."
She said she regretted the incident, noting that on that route between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, approximately 5 million passengers are moved annually. She said, "An accident of this size and this magnitude is worrisome and preoccupying. In this case we are all occupied in resolving and knowing what is happening, but we must be patient and let the authorities do their jobs."
Ms. Ricalde said that the area remains protected, because today more experts came from the Navy, and from the Federal Police of Mexico City, as well as the FBI personnel, because the injured included US citizens. She said, "They have to determine what happened, if it was an accident, if it was a mechanical failure, or if it was a premeditated act. There are rumors on the internet, but those who are finally going to say what happened, will be the authorities. They are the experts."
It is noted that due to permit issues, of the four ships owned by the Barcos Caribe company, only the ferry involved in this incident could operate, and did it 18 hours a day. Last year, a video showed that this boat had to stop at sea while transporting people, due to a mechanical failure.
About this, Alicia Ricalde said, "We are just like the parking lot (el estacionamiento) of the boats, it is the Harbor Master's office who are in charge of overseeing and supervising the boats and their matters. We are a state agency and we only operate the docks."
She said that APIQRoo is supporting the investigations with all the necessary information. The videos of the Cozumel pier have already been delivered, where the footage of the boarding will be analyzed, and the crew's dispatch. Therefore, they will be able to know who was on the Barcos Caribe ferry. The company Navega, in Playa del Carmen, did the same, (who operate the dock.)
She concluded by saying, "All the terminals have cameras in which you can see the faces perfectly and what each person carried (llevaba-also means "wore"), therefore we ask you not to speculate about the situation and to wait for the results of the investigation."
Government & citizenry united in the prevention of crime in Isla Mujeres LINK
Complaints about slowness ('tortuguismo") in renewal of health cards at the Community Hospital LINK
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Busy at North Beach
Playa Norte al tope[+] Ver masFull article at this link
With the warm weather on Friday, the beaches were full and those in the recreational services sector had a good day economically. At 3:30p, the reporter observed more than 20 yachts and sailboats beyond the buoy line, and a 'saldo blanco' (no incidents) was reported by the lifeguards of Civil Protection, while thousands of visitors enjoyed the swimming areas without any problems. Surveillance was provided by officers with the tourist police, families enjoyed full security, and the vendors were able to make their handicraft sales.
Nautical recreational activities were available in the Bay, while the restriction for small boats at sea remained in effect. The dive shops are hoping that the winds decrease for Saturday and Sunday. On land, the entire fleet of rental golf carts, about 700 units, were on the streets, as well as about 100 rental scooters, while the more than 150 taxi drivers were providing transport for islanders and visitors, with tourists visiting points of interest such as Punta Sur, Garrafón, Hacienda Mundaca, Tortugranja, Sac-Bajo and the Malecón Caribe.
The fishermen remained on land, with their nearly 200 small boats unable to go into the open seas due to the strength of the winds, however a few were able to go out and catch some fish and lobster. They are hoping for stable weather during the remainder of the month because the lobster ban begins on March 1st. Currently the cold rooms and refrigerators of the five fishing cooperatives are empty, and they have been unable to go out due to the weather, leaving them unable to meet the high demand that exists during Lent.
Isla Mujeres news briefs
Breves de Isla Mujeres [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The first 'brief' is about street light repairs in the Continental Zone and the second is about the drill teams.
This morning three trash trucks were damaged in the colonias, but it is expected that at least one unit will be operational to collect trash. The fleet is old and suffers many problems including mechanical failures and tire punctures, but the managers hope to speed up repairs and have the vehicles back in service as soon as possible. The fleet is in urgent need of renovation and replacement, to avoid a bad image of trash along the streets during this high season of tourism. (By Ovidio Lopez).
(There are two other articles, one about a health brigade in the Continental Zone and one about the MORENA political party).
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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 Noches Magicas performances 8p Town Square
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
