There are several locations available to donate to victims of the earthquake in Chiapas & Oaxaca including the Red Cross, CRIM, DIF, Chedraui, Ferry Terminal, & Mango Cafe. They are seeking non perishable foods & personal hygiene donations, including diapers, detergent, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.
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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
Both issues of The Isla Mujeres Magazine are here,
featuring a variety of talented writers and photographers!
featuring a variety of talented writers and photographers!
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From Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....
link to their Isla articles & photos
There are two articles about the Continental Zone.
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
The third race of the Circuito Maya was very successful, with the participation of more than 200 athletes from all over the peninsula. https://goo.gl/WwuMD8
This successful race was the third in a series of four, in the Pueblos Magicos, called "The Four Elements". The Circuit began in Valladolid, then was held in Tulum, now in Isla Mujeres and will conclude on December 3 in Bacalar.
Manuel Figueroa Pastor, Director of the Mayan Circuit of Pueblos Magicos, said, "This race in Isla Mujeres was a success, which motivates us to consider holding it again in 2018, since it has shown that people loved the idea of visiting a Pueblo Magico, and this is what it is about, to promote them so that more people will be aware of them and marvel at their beauty."
The start and finish of the race was on Rueda Medina near Playa Centro and it began at 7am, with categories of 5km, 10km, and 15km. Athletes participated from different parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, who could enjoy the scenic beauty of the island, as the course of the race was along the perimeter coastal road, offering a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea.
"With these kinds of activities, the municipal government, headed by Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis, is working intensely in coordination with the private initiative - as in this case - and with the three levels of government, to organize activities in Isla Mujeres that project this Pueblo Magico at the highest level as a world class tourist destination," said Vladimir Michel Acosta, who attended as a representative of the Isla Mujeres Institute of Culture and Recreation, whose director is Natanael Salinas Gallegos.
We remain committed to each of the islanders, because we love this place and will work to keep moving forward. Let's dream big and keep building the future together. There's a VIDEO.
Facts from this past year in Isla Mujeres. In the past 12 months, we have worked to create a better government in Isla Mujeres; one that is committed to the people and the ecosystems of the island. The promise of a better future is beginning and is at hand for the islanders and people who love this place. You and I are Isla Mujeres, and for everyone, we are creating a quality destination.
A safer Isla Mujeres. The women, a resident and a entrepreneur, say that Isla Mujeres is safer, is peaceful, has more police, more patrols, and electric bicycles, making it one of the safest places in Mexico. The narrator says security has been increased this year, converting Isla Mujeres into the safest tourist destination in Mexico. The captions say 10 patrol vehicles, 3 motorcycles, 2 electric bikes, radios, and security cameras. The police force has been increased from 66 to 232 officers and security has been increased by 100%. We've created the program of "Police Circana" (Nearby) and increased their wages by 10%. A breathalyzer program was implemented, reducing alcohol related accidents by 70%. A crime prevention program was created, working with the community and providing education.
Economic benefits in Isla Mujeres. Mr Bernal, a boat captain, talks about how much he enjoys working with tourists, and he's grateful for increased tourism in Isla Mujeres. without low seasons, with people visiting all year long and he says this government is helping the islanders. Palo Avila from Mango Cafe says that the benefits are being enjoyed by everyone, not just a few, and that in Isla Mujeres, if you have big dreams, they can come true. The captions & narrator say tourism has increased by 12% and the average occupancy is 80%. Now there are high seasons and medium seasons. Playa Centro has the Blue Flag designation. Playa Norte has the white flag and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are more jobs and tourism businesses. Seventy new businesses opened in 2016 and 2017. In the Continental Zone, 3599 new hotel rooms have been built. An app has been created so that visitors can learn more. There has been intense international promotion with bloggers around the world, television programs and 'fam trips'. Sport and recreational fishing tourism is growing and we have top level tournaments.
Public works in Isla Mujeres. Roads, water, parks, multi use sport facilities and other infrastructure have been constructed in the mainland part of the municipality. On the island, youngsters, who are the future of our society, have more places to practice sports. The Rapid Soccer court in colonia Salina Chica was rehabilitated, and the downtown basketball court was rehabilitated and modernized.
Quality of life in Isla Mujeres. The quality of life in Isla Mujeres has improved in the areas of education, sports, assistance to the community, with more and more success stories. Students have been assisted by providing scholarships, and English classes are offered in the public schools at the preschool and primary school levels, as promised. Uniforms have been provided for all the middle school students and electronic tablets for all the high school students in their fifth semester. The first public library in Ciudad Mujeres, on the mainland, was opened. We have brought social, housing, sports and health services to families living in the mainland part of the municipality, as well as forming baseball and basketball leagues for young people.
DIF Social Services for families. Ms Villanueva, who lives in the 'irregular' colonia of Guadalupana, is talking about services for senior citizens, including sports activities like playing Cachibol daily. She says that the government is doing good work and listens to their needs and responds, and offers much more assistance than other municipalities. The narrator says the DIF takes care of children, women, and senior citizens, which is fundamental for a good quality of life. The Senior Citizens park has been reopened and improved. The working mom talks about having confidence in the daycare provided at CENDI, and says they take good care of the children. Now there is space for 140 children.
Cleanliness and the Environment in Isla Mujeres. The ZOFEMAT (Federal Zone) worker says this is a Pueblo Magico and it is a pleasure to keep the beaches clean and to help provide a beautiful image of the island so that it always looks very pretty. The narrator says keeping the island clean is a priority and is necessary to preserve the health of the residents. Now the Public Services Department has seven trucks, and has been conducting brigades for junk collection and brigades for cleaning the mangroves. That is the Mayor in the baseball hat helping out and playing sports in the following scenes, and his wife in the pink shirt at the CRIM physical rehab facility, who is honorary head of the DIF. The narrator concludes by saying we are working together to create a better future, which has begun and we are on a good path, but there is a long way to go. We are building a future for everyone.
There's an article about improvements in the Continental Zone. LINK
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
VIDEO of the third race of the Maya Circuit of Pueblos Magicos in Isla Mujeres
VIDEO of Manuel Figueroa, director of the Mayan Circuit of Pueblos Magicos races speaking about their success
ARTICLE about the race. PHOTOS of the race.
The whale shark season has concluded. LINK
After four months, the current whale shark tour season has come to an end, on Sunday, Sept. 17th. There were 250 boats with permits from the northern part of Quintana Roo, including Holbox, Cancun and Isla Mujeres, which was 55 less than 2016, when there was a total of 305 boats.
This year, the season began on May 25, eight days after the planned starting date, and it lasted 112 days, instead of 120. During this time, they were able to work a total of 85 days, which was 4 more days than last season, which was determined by the weather allowing the port to be open, according to the Isla Mujeres Harbor Master, Ismael Gonzalez Gil.
The whale shark licensees said that although they were able to work four more days than last year, there were fewer people wanting their services this year. The price this year was about 1200 pesos, or $75 dollars, more or less. Generally speaking, they rated the season as good, and now only have to wait for next year's season.
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Deceiving tourists harms the reputation of this destination
Abusos contra turistas dañan al destino.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The PROFECO (the Federal Prosecutor's Office) agency returned to the island last month to supervise and regulate businesses, through regular inspections, said the head of the Office of Promotion of Tourism, Gustavo Rodríguez. The municipal government intends to put an end to any systematic malpractice by certain people who have come to the island to make money in a manner that is damaging to the reputation of this vacation destination.
Mr. Rodríguez Orozco said that the incidence has declined in the last two years, and he estimated that two or three cases have been filed so far in 2017, but the goal is to have zero cases. He said that, regretfully, there were several incidents of precious metals and stones being sold fraudulently in 2015, as well as problems with overcharges on credit cards. There are currently no complaints filed against any jewelry stores, but PROFECO is being asked to monitor them and other businesses to assure that with their merchandise, they clearly display the prices, origins, and information, such as the carat weight for gold, and the guarantee the quality of their goods.
Gustavo Rodriguez said that in regard to credit card fraud, there were two events reported in recent weeks, with intervention so that the money of the tourists was not taken. There are consequences for this, and the presence of PROFECO will be a great alley to recover the reputation of this vacation destination with its visitors. Any business that violates the regulations, which will be vigorously enforced, will face the consequences and it will not be rare to see the closure seals of PROFECO, which happened in the past when about a dozen businesses were closed for not complying.
No incidents
Saldo blanco. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The chief of police, Jaime Ongay., reported there was a 'saldo blanco'/ no incidents during the Independence Day festivities, and only 15 administrative offenses, while the police patrolled the island and the Continental Zone, mostly for relieving themselves outdoors, drunk. On Sunday, many people enjoyed the good weather and were visiting the beaches, without incident.
Civil Protection, the Navy, and the National Water Commission are monitoring the Tropical Storm "Maria" which is expected to threaten the Lesser Antilles on Monday and could turn into a Hurricane on Sunday afternoon, according to the NHC (National Hurricane Center). It is noted that Maria is following a similar trajectory as Irma. Here's this morning's update from the NHC.
Abusos contra turistas dañan al destino.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The PROFECO (the Federal Prosecutor's Office) agency returned to the island last month to supervise and regulate businesses, through regular inspections, said the head of the Office of Promotion of Tourism, Gustavo Rodríguez. The municipal government intends to put an end to any systematic malpractice by certain people who have come to the island to make money in a manner that is damaging to the reputation of this vacation destination.
Mr. Rodríguez Orozco said that the incidence has declined in the last two years, and he estimated that two or three cases have been filed so far in 2017, but the goal is to have zero cases. He said that, regretfully, there were several incidents of precious metals and stones being sold fraudulently in 2015, as well as problems with overcharges on credit cards. There are currently no complaints filed against any jewelry stores, but PROFECO is being asked to monitor them and other businesses to assure that with their merchandise, they clearly display the prices, origins, and information, such as the carat weight for gold, and the guarantee the quality of their goods.
Gustavo Rodriguez said that in regard to credit card fraud, there were two events reported in recent weeks, with intervention so that the money of the tourists was not taken. There are consequences for this, and the presence of PROFECO will be a great alley to recover the reputation of this vacation destination with its visitors. Any business that violates the regulations, which will be vigorously enforced, will face the consequences and it will not be rare to see the closure seals of PROFECO, which happened in the past when about a dozen businesses were closed for not complying.
No incidents
Saldo blanco. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The chief of police, Jaime Ongay., reported there was a 'saldo blanco'/ no incidents during the Independence Day festivities, and only 15 administrative offenses, while the police patrolled the island and the Continental Zone, mostly for relieving themselves outdoors, drunk. On Sunday, many people enjoyed the good weather and were visiting the beaches, without incident.
Civil Protection, the Navy, and the National Water Commission are monitoring the Tropical Storm "Maria" which is expected to threaten the Lesser Antilles on Monday and could turn into a Hurricane on Sunday afternoon, according to the NHC (National Hurricane Center). It is noted that Maria is following a similar trajectory as Irma. Here's this morning's update from the NHC.
"Now there are no difficult years in the tourism industry"
“Ya no hay años difíciles en la industria turística”.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Occupancy is not low and is at 50 percent for the twenty hotels and restaurants who have contracts with the CROC union (Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Campesinos), according to Román Maldonado, union leader. He said there are still jobs available, and he believes the difficult years are over, when solidarity days were necessary. (Unpaid time off). He said for the past three years, the companies that have contracts with the CROC union have not needed to take extreme measures in difficult times, although some give their staff vacations during this time. He said tips are reduced, but the restaurants they contract with did a good business during the Independence Day holiday, although the number of diners is decreased during the week.
At the beginning of this month, Juan Carrillo Figueroa, head of CANACO, the Chamber of Commerce, estimated that about 15 businesses were closing for some weeks during this slow season to conduct remodeling, to make improvements. This typically occurs with businesses on Hidalgo and nearby, in September, for general maintenance.
Sales have fallen to a minimum among merchants which is expected to continue until November, and is a cyclical occurrence.
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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
Festival of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre
Daily at 6p throughout the festival, a novena will be offered. Each group will celebrate a different night. The Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre is the patroness and protector of fishermen.
Friday, Sept. 1, the group of the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción church,will gather on the Town Square, with the company Espartacos Tour, which includes entertainment by the group Añoranzas.
Saturday, Sept. 2, the group of the church Sacred Heart of Jesus will gather, in colonia la Gloria, with the family Iuit Tun, which will feature entertainment by Zak Najera and his keyboards.
Sunday, Sept. 3, the group of the fishermen's cooperative "Caribe" will gather, with the comedy show of Julio Martínez
..........SUNDAY SEPT 3 Town Square 8p Noches Magicas........(not part of the Festival)
Monday, Sept. 4 the groups of the company Sol Tours and of the Fishing Cooperative "Isla Blanca", will gather, with an animation musical for entertainment.
Tuesday, Sept. 5 the group of the tourist cooperative "Adolfo López Mateos", will celebrate
Wednesday, Sept. 6 the groups of the Guadalupe Chapel, of tourist cooperative Isla Bonita, and of the "Por Justicia Social" Fishing Cooperative will celebrate.
Thursday, Sept. 7 the groups of the fishing cooperative "Patria y Progreso", of Ceviche Tours, and of Mandi Coral (+) will celebrate and the mañanitas will be sung at 10p, in honor of the Virgin of the Charity de Cobre.
Friday, Sept. 8th, at 10:00 a.m. the "First Communions" will be held and the group of the tourist cooperative "Perfect Day" will celebrate with the Silva Balam family.
Saturday, Sept. 9 at 8a, after Mass, the traditional maritime procession to Isla Contoy will depart from the concrete pier with Ultramar providing a large boat for parishioners and tourists (Bring your own food & beverages).
Full moon Wednesday, Sept 6
Sunset ~7:00
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| Sept. 6 7:30 Sept. 7 8:12 Sept. 8 8:54 Sept. 9 9:38 Sept. 10 10:24 Sept. 11 11:13 |
(Wednesday, Sept. 13 Commemoration of Los Niños Héroes)
Thursday, Sept. 14 Mayor's First Annual Informe Report
(Thursday, Sept. 14 Commemoration of the Annexation of Chiapas to Mexico)
Friday, Sept. 15. Grito of Dolores Celebration on the Town Square
10p Folkloric dancers
10:30p Crowning of the Queen of Independence and the Queen and King of Liberty
11p The Grito proclamations with honoring of the flag, reading of the proclamation and the names of the heroes, the anthem of Mexico and of Quintana Roo, honoring the lowering of the flag.
11:30 Fireworks
11:45 Live music & dancing with MegaBoom and El Pulpo y sus telados.
Saturday's parade on Rueda Medina starts at 8am.
The party usually lasts all night long. The Grito of Dolores is a Cry of Independence, from 1810 when Hidalgo called for the people to revolt from Spain. Every Sept. 15 around 11pm, the Mayors (and Governors and President), ring a bell from the balcony of the Palacio on the Town Square, and give a traditional speech which includes the names of heroes of the war for independence.
Saturday, Sept. 16 Independence Day there will be a parade in the morning, usually on Rueda Medina starting at 8a .
Saturday, Sept. 16 International Coastal Clean-up Day
Saturday & Sunday Sept. 16 & 17 Oasis Fest 2017
Sat. 11a-7p Skateboarding, music & more at El Chapo the steep hill in La Gloria.
8p-11p Awards Dinner, music & more at the inauguration of Oasis Skate Shop
11-3a Party at Poc Na Hostel for 18+
Sun. 8a-8p at Playa Centro: Sand sculpture competition, exhibitions, competitions, performances, music, kites, art & more
Special featured guests are three young people from the urban movement & from the professional world of extreme sports: Wid Eriksen (Parkour, UrbanRunners); Freddy Carrera (Skate, Converse); and Jesus Gonzalez (Skate, Converse)
There is usually a Mass and festivities by the Whale Shark tour crews and their families to celebrate the completion of a successful season. TBA
Sunday, Sept. 17 The Maya Circuit-Pueblos Magicos Race:
Sunday the Maya Circuit Pueblos Magicos Race 5, 10, 15K.starts at 7a Fishermen's Monument on Rueda Medina downtown. (Third in a series of four, this one is for the element "Air" / iik' in Maya.).
Sunday, Sept. 17 Noches Magicas 8p Town Square
Tuesday, Sept. 19 Commemoration of the National Week of Civil Protection, remembering the devastation of the earthquake that occurred on September 19 in 1985 in the capital of Mexico.
Friday, Sept. 22 Fall Equinox
Sunday, Sept.24 Noches Magicas 8p Town Square
Sources for Storm Information & Weather:
Wunderground
Tropical Tidbits
NOAA
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).
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