Month: December 2018

This newsletter provides information on two upcoming events you might find of interest. But first, take a look at this great press release describing the Snowbird/Expat Welcome Party held on Dec. 19. It does a great job summarizing who attended and the messages the Yucatan State and City governments have for foreigners living or visiting here: http://beachareanews.com/?p=204The first event of interest is a planning meeting  to help organize an expat Carnaval float (with dancers!) for this year’s Carnaval parades. The meeting will be hosted by Manuel Rosado, Director of Tourism and Commerce for the City of Progreso on January 3 starting at 4 pm and will be held at the Progreso Cultural Center on Calle 25 and  Calle 80 in Progreso. Manuel suggested this idea on the Yucatan Beach Friends Facebook page and several individuals expressed interest in getting something organized.   It’s been a while since there was an expat float at Carnaval! It’s a fun community event, so we encourage you to come to the meeting to help make this idea a reality. Here is a link to this year’s preliminary Carnaval schedule, provided by the City of Progreso, and posted on the Beach Area News website: http://beachareanews.com/?p=207 The second event is a pair of meetings of interest to the expat community that will be held on January 15.   Beginning at 2 pm, representatives from the US Consulate office in Merida, including the new US Consul General Courtney Beale, will be available to provide information about the services offered by the US Consulate for US citizens living and working in the Yucatan. Beginning at 3 pm and ending at 4 pm,  representatives from the State of Yucatan Office of Foreign Affairs (who co-hosted the Expat/Snowbird Welcome Party) will provide information about the services their office provides, including their Foreign Service Window. The Foreign Service Window is a “one-stop shop” available to help foreign residents interact with the Yucatan State Government. In addition, the Yucatan Chief of Security Comandante Albert Carmago, as well as the Municipal Police Chief Comandante Caamal will be at the meeting. They will offer information on services provided by the state and local police and updates on how to report a crime. Finally, City of Progreso Director of Tourism and Commerce Manuel Rosado, who is our liaison with the Mayor, will share information on the services of his office. Please note:  There will not be time at this meeting to address individual problems or complaints regarding government services. Please write down any specific items you would like the city or state to address, such as garbage pick-up problems, road repair issues or specific security concerns in your neighborhood and bring them to the meeting along with your contact information. This written information will be provided to the appropriate individual who will follow-up directly with you regarding your individual issue or concern. Thank you for your understanding! Both meetings will be held in Progreso at the restaurant La Cola del Cocodrilo on Calle 40 between Calle 23 and 25. An electronic invitation will be sent out after the first of the year to our mailing list and through the Yucatan Beach Friends Facebook group. We wish everyone a Happy New Year y Prospero Año Nuevo! The Beach Area News Team: Bob Rentz, Speranza Avram, Karen Cloutier, Dave Bloch and David Nevers

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CARNAVAL IN PROGRESO!
FEBRUARY 21-MARCH 9 2019

This schedule was posted 29 December 2018 and will be updated as new information is released by the City of Progreso.

“LAS VEGAS: SHOW, MAGIC Y FANTASY 2019”
CARNIVAL OF PROGRESO 2019

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR

– THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019
BURNING OF THE EVIL HUMOR AND THE PASEO DE GALLO
PLACE: BEGINS AT MUNICIPAL PALACE
TIME: 20:00 HRS

– SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019
CORONATION OF THE SOVEREIGNS OF CARNIVAL, CHILDREN AND GOVERNOR
PLACE: AT THE MUNICIPAL PALACE
TIME: 20:00 HRS

– SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2019
CROWNING OF THE KINGS OF THE THIRD AGE AND SPECIAL KINGS
PLACE: AT THE MUNICIPAL PALACE
TIME: 20:00 HRS

– FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019
PARADE OF SCHOOL STUDENTS (LEVEL: SECONDARY, PREPARATORY)
PLACE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TIME: 18:30 HRS.

TRADITIONAL CORSO WALK
PLACE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TIME: 20:00 HRS

– SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019
FANTASY AND MASKS WALK
ROUTE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TIME: 20:00 HRS.
MEETING POINT: MUNICIPAL PALACE

COMPARISTS COMPETITION
PLACE: PROGRESO CULTURAL CENTER
TIME: 21:00 HRS

– SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019
SUNDAY PARADE
ROUTE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TIME: 12: 00HRS
MEETING POINT: MUNICIPAL PALACE

– MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2019
REGIONAL NIGHT (VAQUERIA YUCATECA)
PLACE: MUNICIPAL PALACE
TIME: 20:30 HRS

– TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019
WALK AND BATTLE OF FLOWERS
ROUTE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TIME: 12:00 HRS
MEETING POINT: MUNICIPAL PALACE

– WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019
BURNING OF JUAN CARNIVAL
PLACE: MUNICIPAL PALACE
TIME: 20:00 HRS

– SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019
CARNIVAL REVIEW
PLACE: AUDITORIO MORELOS
TIME: 5:00 P.M.

=========================================
ORIGINAL SPANISH:

“LAS VEGAS, SHOW , MAGIA Y FANTASIA 2019”
CARNAVAL DE PROGRESO 2019

CALENDARIO DE ACTIVIDADES

– JUEVES 21 DE FEBRERO DEL 2019
QUEMA DEL MAL HUMOR Y PASEO DE GALLO
LUGAR: BAJOS DEL PALACIO MUNICIPAL
HORA: 20:00 HRS

– SÁBADO 23 DE FEBRERO DEL 2019
CORONACIÓN DE LOS SOBERANOS DEL CARNAVAL, INFANTIL Y GOBERNADOR
LUGAR: BAJOS DEL PALACIO MUNICIPAL
HORA: 20:00 HRS

– DOMINGO 24 DE FEBRERO DEL 2019
CORONACIÓN DE LOS REYES DE LA TERCERA EDAD Y REYES ESPECIALES
LUGAR: BAJOS DEL PALACIO MUNICIPAL (PARQUE MORELOS)
HORA: 20:00 HRS

– VIERNES 1 DE MARZO DEL 2019
DESFILE DE COMPARSAS ESCOLARES ( NIVEL: SECUNDARIAS, PREPARATORIAS )
LUGAR: DERROTERO PROGRAMADO
HORA: 18:30 HRS.

PASEO DE CORSO TRADICIONAL
LUGAR: DERROTERO PROGRAMADO
HORA: 20:00 HRS

– SÁBADO 2 DE MARZO DEL 2019
PASEO DE FANTASÍA Y MÁSCARAS
LUGAR: DERROTERO PROGRAMADO
HORA: 20:00 HRS.
PUNTO DE REUNIÓN: PALACIO MUNICIPAL

CONCURSO DE COMPARSAS
LUGAR: CASA DE LA CULTURA DE PROGRESO
HORA: 21:00 HRS

– DOMINGO 3 DE MARZO DEL 2019
PASEO DOMINICAL
LUGAR: DERROTERO PROGRAMADO
HORA: 12:00HRS
PUNTO DE REUNIÓN: PALACIO MUNICIPAL

– LUNES 4 DE MARZO DEL 2019
NOCHE REGIONAL (VAQUERIA YUCATECA)
LUGAR: BAJOS DEL PALACIO MUNICIPAL
HORA: 20:30 HRS

– MARTES 5 DE MARZO DEL 2019
PASEO Y BATALLA DE FLORES
LUGAR: DERROTERO PROGRAMADO
HORA: 12:00 HRS
PUNTO DE REUNIÓN: PALACIO MUNICIPAL

– MIÉRCOLES 6 DE MARZO DEL 2019
QUEMA DE JUAN CARNAVAL
LUGAR: BAJOS DEL PALACIO MUNICIPAL
HORA: 20:00 HRS

– SÁBADO 9 DE MARZO DEL 2019
RESEÑA DEL CARNAVAL
LUGAR: AUDITORIO MORELOS
HORA: 5:00 P.M.

This post is a lightly edited Google translation from a December 25, 2018 article in Yucatan Informa.  You can read the original in Spanish here.

Yucatan:  Open Door and Warm Welcome for Foreign Residents

Progreso, Yucatán, December 25, 2018.– Foreigners from the United States, Canada and Europe who arrived in Yucatan to reside in the territory and settle their homes on the coasts of the state received a warm welcome through a festival full of culture, tradition, music, dance and gastronomy typical of the region.

On behalf of the Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal, the head of the Secretariat of Tourism Development (Sefotur), Michelle Fridman, led the reception ceremony to the 100 new residents called “Snowbirds Fiesta 2018”, where it was noted that they are already part of our home and not just visitors who arrive to spend a season.

Accompanied by the host mayor, Julian Zacarias Curi, the state official reiterated that the State Government is ready to work hand in hand with them to help the transformation of this part of the region, cooperating with their initiatives, their cultural expressions and traditions and at the same time show them the Yucatecan identity to make them feel at home.

In her message, Michelle Fridman pointed out that Yucatán has undertaken efforts to become a bridge and link with other regions and states of the country, mainly with those of the Southeast, but with the new air connections managed and those that the president has already started, the state becomes the gateway to know, live and work in Mexico.

Also, she recalled that in the two and a half months of this administration, it has increased the connectivity of the entity through seven new air routes and work is being done to improve the infrastructure and services of the port to attract more vessels and encourage investment in services, both tourist and residential.

The event was organized by the Coordination of International Affairs of the State Government, chaired by Ariadne Morales Acevedo, and was attended by a hundred foreigners from the United States, Canada and Europe who heard all the services offered to ensure their safety and tranquility, as well as facilitate the realization of the activities that this group of new residents carries out, whether of a private nature or with an altruistic character.

The event, located at the Cultural Center of Puerto Progreso, also had the presence of Commander Jorge Armando Albert Camargo, Operational Director of the Comprehensive Public Safety Centers (Zone 4); of the Subsecretary of Public Security, Alejandro Ríos Covián Silveira; representing the head of the Ministry of Public Security (SSP), Luis Felipe Saidén Ojeda; Manuel Rosado Heredia, director of Tourism and Commerce of the City Council of Progreso; Natalia Almaguer, head of the Department of American Citizens Services of the US Consulate in Merida; and Speranza Avram, representative of the Volunteers of the United States Consulate and of the “Beach Area News” group.

In an interview, Speranza Avram pointed out that she decided to permanently settle on the Yucatan coast four years ago, attracted by the beauty and tranquility of its beaches, by security, by the Yucatecan traditions and the good treatment of the inhabitants of Progreso. She said she was very happy to live in Yucatan, a place she had visited many years ago, until she decided to buy a house and settle permanently.

The attendees enjoyed trova music, jarana dances and tasted baked pork cakes and cold agua fresca. In addition, booths with tourist information and medical, commercial and legal services were set up.

For its part, the Coordination of International Affairs of the State Government reported that its function is to be the link of the State Executive with the outside, give technical support to the secretariats in internationalization matters and provide assistance for the realization of international tours.

At the event, it was explained that the foreign community that arrives to Yucatan–people choosing to come at their own expense–positively impacts the local economy and when this population returns, it creates a very important social bond with the beach community, when performing altruistic activities.

The Coordination of International Affairs Office has a Foreigner Service Window which provides assistance and support to foreign citizens who reside in the Yucatan coast on a temporary or permanent basis. Their role is to put them in contact with the corresponding authority to solve all kinds of problems.

Its mission is to work so that every visitor who comes to the territory is treated with the same kindness and respect with which our fellow citizens are treated It is guaranteed that every effort will be made to make every visitor or resident feel as welcome as they would at home. The Coordination office encourages anyone needing assistance to not hesitate to contact the Foreigner Attention Window for guidance of any kind.

The Foreigner Service Window is physically located in the International Affairs Coordination office, in the Siglo XXI Administrative Building, on the 4th floor, Calle 20-A, No. 284-B x 3-B, Col. Xcumpich. Tel : 999 920 39 47 Ext. 47257. Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Or by Email (in English or Spanish): olivia.bakker@yucatan.gob.mx.

GOOGLE MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/ZXnsfwDyTbN2

Happy Holidays, everyone! Despite several days of windy weather, isn’t it great to be living or visiting at the beach, as opposed to shoveling snow up north?

This Newsletter will cover the following topics:
• Security updates regarding recent home break-ins and police activities
• A reminder about the Dec. 19 Snowbird/Expat Welcome Party and a link for you to RSVP
• Hold the date: January 15 for a meeting to welcome Merida’s new US Consul General and the Yucatan’s new Director of Foreign Affairs
• Update on the Expat census survey – have you been counted yet?
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Security Updates:

Over the past month, we have heard about three home break-ins that occurred in the Chelem/Churburna area. In only one of these cases, the homeowners went to the Fiscalia to report the crime and as a result, the robbers in this case were apprehended and put in jail.

If you are the victim of a crime, the only way to help the police apprehend criminals is to go to the Fiscalia office in Progreso and report the incident. Information on how to do this is included in the Beach Area News security brochure, located here on the Beach Area News website. Please note that if you require a translator one will be provided by the Fiscalia, but you may need to reschedule your visit. (If a translator is required, only the translator provided by the Fiscalia is acceptable.)

The police have informed us that they have at least one English-speaking officer on duty at all times. Here are their names and the cell phone number that they are using. (We suggest placing these names and the number in your Contacts list on your phone.)
• Carlos Fernando Burgos Becerra
• José Sánchez Toledo
Call the officer on duty at Cel: [2019: deleted  old number]

If you have an emergency, it is always best to call 9-1-1 first, in order to activate an immediate response. You can ask for an English speaker on this line, but in addition, if you wish assistance in English and are unable to reach someone at 911, you can call one of the officers above for assistance.
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Over the past few days, there have been at least two incidents of municipal police officers requesting money directly from expats. Information regarding these illegal requests, including photos of the truck number and the officers involved, was provided to the Beach Area News team who alerted the Yucatan State Security Comandante. As a result, two officers were immediately fired and additional individuals were disciplined.

Please remember that state and municipal police officers are never allowed to request or receive money directly. The Yucatan security officials are serious about reducing police requests for money, and we can help them by never offering or paying money to a police officer. Instead, request a ticket from the officer, and if possible, note the number of the truck and the name of the officer; photos are best, and you do have the right to take them. You can send this information to team@beachareanews.com and we will forward the information to the appropriate officials. More information on what to do if an officer requests money and how to pay a ticket is located on our website.

As demonstrated by the recent response of the police leadership, if you report an incident of inappropriate police behavior, action will be taken.

On a related note, here is a brief article about the new Mexico President Lopez Abrador commenting on Yucatan’s status as “one of the safest states in the country.”
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The City of Progreso has distributed a useful list of emergency and other phone numbers that you may wish to have handy. We have posted this list on our website here (that link will download a 1-page PDF file).
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Dec. 19 Snowbird/Expat Welcome Party

The City of Progreso and the State of Yucatan Governor’s Office of Foreign Affairs are hosting a Welcome Party for snowbirds and expats in the Yucatan. Over 140 people have confirmed their participation, but there is room for more! The event will be held on Wednesday, December 19 from 5 pm – 7 pm at the Cultural Center in Progreso. Please take a moment to let us know you will be there by clicking on this link .
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Save the date – January 15: There will be two meetings in Progreso on January 15 to provide information to snowbirds and expats. The first meeting, held from 2 pm to 3 pm will be an opportunity to meet the new US Consul General, Courtney Beale, and members of her staff. Representatives from Mexican Immigration and US Social Security will also participate in this informative meeting.

From 3 pm to 4 pm, the new Yucatan Coordinator of Foreign Affairs Lic. Ariadne Fernanda Morales Acevedo and her staff will provide information on the services provided by her office.  Representatives from Yucatan security will be available as well to answer your questions.

Both meetings will be held at the La Cola del Cocodrilo Restaurant (the Tail of the Crocodile) on Calle 40 x 23 y 25 in Progreso.  An invitation and more specific agenda information will be distributed after January 1.
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Snowbird and Expat census survey: We are trying to get an accurate count of how many expats and snowbirds are in our area. More than 570 people have completed our census so far — have you? If not, please click this link to answer five simple questions. Your response is completely anonymous! And if you have completed the survey, Thanks! …and be sure to share this info with your expat and snowbird neighbors who may not have seen this information.
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The Beach Area News Team wants to wish everyone a happy holiday season! If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at team@beachareanews.com

The Beach Area News Team
Bob Rentz, Speranza Avram, Karen Cloutier, Dave Bloch and David Nevers