Isla Mujeres

Introduction

Isla Mujeres

© Super G

Isla Mujeres is a small island in the state of Quintana Roo, located just northeast off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It's only 7 kilometres long and 650 metres wide and lies 13 kilometres from Cancun. It's much more low-key compared to Cozumel for example.

Sights and Activities

• Beaches!
• Snorkelling and diving.
• Watching sea turtles.

Events and Festivals

Day of the Dead

Although the Day of the Dead is also celebrated in many Latin American countries except Mexico (and also in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa), the Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is most intensily celebrated in Mexciowhere where it is equal to a National Holiday. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. Although it is about the Dead, it is also a celebration where eating and partying both are common as well.

Other Events and Festivals

Grito de la Independencia - September 15th is Mexican Independence Day! A massive celebration involving plenty of singing, dancing and fireworks takes place in the Zócalo. Everyone here awaits an appearance from Mexico's president who rings a bell from a central balcony of the Palacio Nacional overlooking the Zócalo. The president then shouts out the Grito de Dolores, or the Cry of Dolores which was Father Hidalgo's famous call to arms against Spanish rule in 1810.

• Dia de la Candelaria. Candlemas is held February 2nd and commemorates Jesus being introduced into the temple 40 days after his birth. This nationwide celebration sees many different ways of celebrating and many towns hold processions, bullfights and dances. Of course, plenty of delicious, traditional foods are served during Dia de la Candelaria as well.
• Carnaval is held in late February or early March throughout all of Mexico. This big party is meant to celebrate the 40 day penance of Lent. Carnaval always takes place during the week or so prior to Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter Sunday. Mexicans celebrate this holiday with fireworks, food, dancing, parades, dancing and drinking.
• Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a huge celebration which starts on Palm Sunday. This is a very popular time for Mexicans to take a short break; as a result, it seems most of the country is on the move, with buses and hotels often booked out. As for the celebration of Semana Santa, expect colorful processions and many masses at churches everywhere.
• Día de Nuestra Seňora de Guadalupe, or Day of our Lady of Guadalupe, is held December 12th. There is a week-long build up to this religious celebration in honour of the Virgin who appeared to the indigenous Juan Diego in the year 1531. Since then, the Lady of Guadalupe has been Mexico's religious patron and her veneration is very significant. It is traditional for young boys to be dressed as a Juan Diego and for young girls to be dressed in indigenous garb and brought to a special mass, held at many churches throughout the country.
• New Year's Eve. Mexicans celebrate New Year's Eve or locally known as Año Nuevo, by downing a grape with each of the twelve chimes of the bell during the midnight countdown, while making a wish with each one. Mexican families decorate homes and parties, during New Year's, with colors such as red, to encourage an overall improvement of lifestyle and love, yellow to encourage blessings of improved employment conditions, green to improve financial circumstances and white to improved health. Mexican sweet bread is baked with a coin or charm hidden in the dough. When the bread is served, the recipient whose slice contains the coin or charm is believed to be blessed with good luck in the new year. One can expect a lot of firecrackers, fireworks and sparklers being fired. At midnight there is a lot of noise and everyone shouts: "Feliz año nuevo!" People embrace, make noise, set off firecrackers, and sing Auld Lang Syne.

Weather

Isla Mujeres has a tropical climate with generally hot and humid weather but a sea breeze keeps it nice and cool most of the times. June to November is the rainy season when there is a chance of hurricanes as well. This is also the hottest season. December to April is slightly cooler and is the dry and sunny season. There are more crowds however during these months. Probably May and November are good months for a visit, with mostly fine weather and less people.

Getting There

By Boat

Ferries run every half hour during daylight between Isla Mujeres and Puerto Juárez, Playa Linda or Punta Sam on the mainland. Buses from Cancun go to these mainland ports. From Punta Sam, you can take cars. Playa Linda is popular for tour boats while Puerto Juárez offers frequent express boats.

There is also an airstrip for chartered planes, but this is useless and expensive.

Getting Around

There are mainly taxi's, golf carts and scooters to get around the island. If you like you can also bike or even walk anywhere you like.

Eat

• Bahia Tortuga Restaurant-Bar - Fun Palapa bar on the water serving delicious food and beverages, featuring live music Fridays and Sundays. MENU ITEMS: Hamburger, Philly Cheese Steak, Seafood, Wings, Enchiladas, Crunchy Tacos, Cesar Salad, Habanero Margaritas & Mojitos, plus much more! Address: Av. Rueda Medina | Smz 88 Lt 11 Col Bahia, Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Phone: 817-400-1705 (US), Hours: 12:00pm to 10:00pm, Price: $5 - $15 US

Sleep

External Links

• Official Tourism Website
• Official Governmental Website