In this issue of Cozumel News September 28th, 2016: New Cozumel Dock Inaugurated, New Quintana Roo Governor Sworn In, Cozumel Ready for MetLife Ironman 70.3, Cozumel Taxis Join Uber Protest, Cozumel – No City Government for One Day, Cozumel Chapel of Santa Cruz to be Built, and in Aurita´s Cozumel Corner, Cozumel´s The Festival of San Miguel Arcangel.
New Cozumel Dock Inaugurated
On September 21st, Governor Roberto Borge Angulo, (now former Governor) held a small but brief Inauguration Ceremony formally opening the new service dock in Cozumel. In attendance was Cozumel Mayor Fredy Marrufo Martin, APIQROO Local Director, Victor Vivas Gonzales, Secretary General of the City, Roberto Marin Flores, Operations Manager of APIQROO, Veudi Viva Rivero, among others.
The dock was built with the intention of assisting the tourism service providers to provide a better and more organized service. Boats have gathered at that location to pick up tourists signed up to snorkel, fish, and cruise. Many of these tourists come via the ferry from Playa del Carmen. Located next to the San Miguel Passenger Ferry, the new dock has a capacity for 47 small to medium boats, a potential of benefiting 79,000 passengers. The Dock will double as a pedestrian walkway and another source of scenic view in Cozumel.
New Quintana Roo Governor Sworn In
On Sunday, September 25th, Carlos Joaquin González was sworn in as the new Governor of the State of Quintana Roo. It was the first time in state history that a candidate from the political party PAN was elected. All former Governors belonged to the PRI Party.
In ending his acceptance speech, the Governor said, “It is time to ensure greater security and reduce violence. It’s time to practice a reliable, honest government, to combat corrupt practices. It is time to abate inequality and protect our natural wealth. We will work for a better Quintana Roo.”
His Facebook profile Bio reads:
I was born on January 5, 1965 and raised in Cozumel with my family. From my father I learned the value of people and the importance of service to others. I am a public accountant graduated from the Autonomous University of Yucatan majoring in finance. When I was treasurer of Solidarity we developed better street services such as lighting and security. When I was Mayor, with help , we made Playa del Carmen a destination of global interest. When I was Deputy I urged the update of the General Laws of Tourism, accessibility for people with disabilities and promoted the development of small entrepreneurs. I believe in young people, they are the future of my state. I believe in the elderly, who have the wisdom of generations. I believe in the importance of inclusion and gender equality. Today, I need your help to build a better Quintana Roo for everyone. ¨
Carlos Joaquin González will serve as Governor of Quintana Roo for a six-year term.
Cozumel Ready for MetLife Ironman 70.3
Cozumel, September 25, 2016.- The Municipal Government putting the final touches to perform on Sunday October 2 the “MetLife Ironman 70.3”, which involve about two thousand triathletes from around the world, including Mexico and which, again seeks to endorse the preference of the organizers and athletes for such events.
The competition will be supported by various Cozumel Departments such as Public Safety and Traffic, Civil Protection, Directorate of Sports, Social Communication, Logistics and Tourism, among others, who with the experience of previous years have coordinated all the work necessary to assist in the realization of this sporting event held by the Asdeporte Corporation.
This Half Ironman will have three different tests, starting at 7:00 a.m. with swimming 1.9 kilometers, starting from the spring at Chankanaab, a cycling race around the island with a distance of 90.1 km, then a footrace of 21.1 kilometers by Rafael E. Melgar avenue and the north hotel zone with a finish line that will be installed in Quintana Roo Park.
Notably, the precise data on the number of participants, what countries they represent, and who will be representing Mexico, will be released tentatively on Friday September 30 at the press conference.
Cozumel Taxis Join Uber Protest
Nearly 400 drivers from local taxi Union “Adolfo López Mateos” paralyzed community service yesterday morning (Tuesday, September 27th) by participating in a peaceful protest in support of their counterparts in the country against the entry of the Uber Company into the state.
The demonstration was held in the morning in conjunction with other groups also demonstrating in other municipalities through the southeast. Local union leader stated their participation will involve peaceful demonstrations and telephone calls to state level officials.
Cozumel – No City Government One Day
Cozumel will be without a Mayor or other City Authority for almost 24 hours on Friday. The legal term of Mayor Fredy Marrufo Martín ends at 11:59 p.m. on September 29th, and the new term of Mayor Elect Perla Tun Pech starts at 11:00 p.m. on Friday September 30th.
Employees of the current administration are scheduled to turn in their resignations to Mayor Marrufo Martin by Thursday afternoon, making it illegal for them to carry on officially on Friday. In-coming Directors and other Officials will like-wise have no power to administrate before 11 p.m. on Friday. Operation staff of Public Service, Civil Protection, Fire, Lifeguards, Utilities, Ecology, and other administrative staff of different City Departments will function without supervision on Friday. The official Change of Power ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11 p.m. Friday Evening.
Cozumel Chapel of Santa Cruz to be Built
On September 27th it was announced that Mayor Marrufo Martin received administrative permission from the Prelature of Quintana Roo for the construction of the Santa Cruz Chapel in Cozumel. The necessary steps have been taken with ¨Instituto del Patrimonio Inmobiliario de la Administración Pública del Estado de Quintana Roo (IPAE), ¨ to grant the Prelature a ten-year permit.
The Mayor said that he consulted with Chronicler of Cozumel Island, Velio Vivas Valdés. The Chronicler said that the building of the Chapel will be a historic event of national importance, since the city is the place where the first documented Mass was celebrated in Mexico, and that the year 2018 will mark 500 years since the arrival of the Spaniards to the island.
History records show Spaniard Juan de Grijalva arrived in Cozumel on May 3, 1518, and the first Mass was Celebrated on May 6th, 1518. The current administration has worked on this project for a number of years, of historic importance to the people of the island, the state and the country.
Aurita´s Cozumel Corner
¨What is all that racket at night? ¨I noticed grumbling about the fireworks on the social media by dog owners this past week. In case you have forgotten from past years, here is my article on the feast or Festival of San Miguel Arcangel, Patron Saint of the Island´s fishermen, name of the beautiful Catholic Church on the edge of Town Square and the name sake of San Miguel, our City. My apologies to all of you on and off the island for not announcing the festival in advance. It is one of the many ¨Jewels¨ of Cozumel to enjoy!
Cozumel´s Feast of San Miguel Arcangel
Cozumel´s Fiestas de San Miguel Archangel is a nine-day religious celebration held every year ending on September 29th. The festival has many activities including daily processions from the Church of San Miguel. Many Catholics attend Mass each day and many locals wear traditional costumes. The processions are filled with dancing and traditions including nightly firework displays.
On the last day, September 29th, a procession of local fishermen carry an image of San Miguel Arcángel through town to the downtown pier where they board a ferry. The ferry is surrounded by local fishing boats. During the voyage, flowers are thrown into the sea. The Pilgrimages involve approximately 400 devotees of different ages who carry banners. Older participants take part in the processions to promote and entrench traditions for future generations.
History of The Statue of San Miguel Arcangel
History notes that 100 years ago, some farmers working in the field found a beautiful ebony statue of San Miguel the Arcángel holding a sword and a golden crown. The statue was believed to have been a gift from. Captain Don Juan de Grijalva, who landed in Cozumel in 1518. (See article on Cozumel to build Chapel of Santa Cruz). The statue was found on September 29 and since then the inhabitants of the island have considered finding San Miguel as a divine sign. That is the reason that they baptized the church San Miguel Arcángel and the town with the name of “San Miguel de Cozumel.” The statue is located at the altar of the church
History of the Church Building
According to some historians, the church building was originally located in the vicinity of the main square, along with the Government House, the headquarters of the army and the school. The building, originally used as a stable for horses, was destroyed by troops under the command of Isaías Zamarripa.
Later on May 15, 1943 the first stone was laid by the hands of Fernando Solórzano, the Archbishop of Yucatán. Thanks to the hard work by the Maryknoll Missionaries, we have The Church of San Miguel Arcángel today.The blessing of the church was held on May 26, 1946 by Padre Jorge Hogán who also officiated over the first Mass in the church, on February 14, 1947. The church was consecrated in honor of San Miguel Arcángel by the Archbishop of Mexico Luis María Martínez and since then has been open to the public.
The church building is simple and its entrance faces north. It is designed to allow perfect daytime lighting, because of the large windows. At the entrance is a marble plaque on which the caption reads:
“On this island of Cozumel, at a location a few meters from this temple, the first mass was held in National Territory (Mexico), celebrated by Padre Juan Díaz, Capellán, member of the expedition headed by Captain Don Juan de Grijalva, on May 6, 1518. To commemorate this important event, as significant for the nation of Mexico, on the initiative of the Assembly of the Fourth Degree of Knights of Columbus Francisco de Montejo and the Knights of Columbus Council Number 2109 of the same name, this stone was laid on May 6, 1951.”
The church is visited daily by hundreds of tourists on the island. Undoubtedly, the main church of Cozumel, San Miguel Arcángel, continues to be a central meeting point for the predominantly Catholic population. Cozumel will soon have a San Cruz Chapel at the approximate site of the first Mass.
2016 Festival Pictures Courtesy of Casa de La Cultura Ixchel, Cozumel:
GARAGE SALE SATURDAY October 1st & Sunday October 2nd!
8 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
EVERYTHING $10 pesos
#1081 35 AVENIDA SUR ENTRE CALLES 17 Y 15 BIS
COLONIA INDEPENDENCIA
NEXT TO PAPELERIA MAMA LILLY
Cozumel On Going Cozumel Garage Sale: Thank you for your continued contribution to our garage sale.
Please continue bringing your second hand items to us, the funds go to support our efforts in the community.
Clearance Sale: Ladies Tops One Size (Picture Below) Assorted Colors $50 Pesos, Dresses (Pictured Below) One Size Only $100 Pesos! Not Pictured: Traditional Mexican Dresses only $150 Pesos for Fast Sale. These Go for Over $350 Downtown. They Are Cool, Perfect for This Weather and Perfect for A Souvenir Gift for A Friend or Relative.
Please spread the word that I have 2 new Blood Sugar Machines, an used Wheel Chair, a Hurrycane(new)$40 US, a Walker with tray attachment and glider balls (almost new) $50 US , two used regular Orthopedic Canes $100 and $200 pesos, and a huge supply of ultra fine Insulin Needles(two sizes)$10pesos pack of 10.
Papelería Mama Lilly
35 Avenida Sur Entre Calles 17 y 15 Bis
987-120-5903 EMAIL: mapapeleria@outlook.com
We are open from 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturdays and on Sundays, (When we get home from Church) 11 until 8 p.m.
We sell school and office supplies, make copies, print, laminate, and sell some gifts and novelty items. We are licensed, provide Facturas, and deliver to your home, business, or office.
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