Yucatan News: Fairs and Festivals
Cold Front Number Three
We’ll just bet that our new expats had no idea they were not only living through a norte this weekend, but actually the third one this year! Temperatures hovered between 30 C (86 F) and 33C (91.4 F) during the day and went down to between 19 C and 22 C at night. Reports of rain say that it was imperceptible. If that sounds like heaven to you, there is one factor we have not mentioned: the wind. Gusts were 60 to 80 mph all along the Gulf Coast of Yucatan. That’s fine when temperatures are in the 80s, but not so good when temperatures drop into the 60s. For our new expats, if you don’t like the weather in Yucatan, give it an hour. Before the day is over, Yucatan’s weather is guaranteed to come up with something new.
New Unemployment Numbers in Yucatan
It has just been announced that Yucatan has an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent, second only to the state of Guerrero, which has a rate of 2.1 percent. There is, however, an internal disparity that is hidden in these figures. As it turns out, 8.2 percent of Yucatan’s working population is underemployed. This means they must work longer hours and take on second jobs just in order to survive. These numbers have been fairly stable throughout 2015. The main sectors of employment in Yucatan include concentrated services: 42.1 percent, commerce: 19.1 percent, manufacturing: 16.5 percent, agricultural activities: 13.1 percent, construction: 7.7 percent, “other” business activities (mining, electricity, water and gas supply): 0.6 percent, and 0.9 percent did not specify their employment sector. Yucatan’s 2.7 percent unemployment index is in comparison to a 3.0 percent unemployment index in Campeche and 3.9 percent in Quintana Roo.
Street Vendors Abandoning New Mall
Over the course of the past year, the City of Merida constructed a space for 72 street vendors, encouraging them to move into their own mall and to improve the dignity of their trade. Unfortunately, the mall – located at Calle 61 x 54 y 56 – is experiencing a mass exodus. Vendors are heading back to the streets because the new mall is not located close enough to bus and tourism routes. They were willing to give it a chance, but it didn’t work out. Some of the vendors are waiting for a wholesale trade season before they head back to the streets. This is a shame, because this mall is secure and even has a childcare facility. Maybe something can be worked out to bring traffic to them and they can go back to this long-awaited mall of their own.
Uxmal Protected by Unesco’s Blue Shield
Uxmal is the latest in a list of archaeological properties that are now under the Special Protection of Unesco, through the Blue Shield of the International Registry of Cultural Property. There are nine such sites in Mexico that include the pre-Hispanic cities of Palenque, Teotihuacan in the State of Mexico, Chichen Itza in Yucatan and El Tajin in Veracruz, as well as the archaeological sites of Monte Alban, Oaxaca and Paquime, Chihuahua. Now there is also the pre-Columbian City of Uxmal and it's three associated sites (Kabah, Labna, and Sayil) in Yucatan, along with the archaeological monuments of Xochicaico in Morelos and the ancient Mayan City of Calakmul in Campeche. The State of Yucatan continues to be a wonderful place to live and to retire. We doubt anyone could ever work through seeing all of its attractions.
Banning Mosquitoes a Constant Vigil
We’ve got dengue fever on the run, with public health specialists promising a vaccination soon. In the meantime, it is up to the people to destroy mosquito breeding places in order to keep the population safe. Toward that goal, October 17 and 18 will see all of Yucatan out cleaning everywhere mosquitoes breed near people. Please put these dates on your calendars. If your own property is already clear, why not volunteer to help a needy organization, cultural center or church? Every mosquito we prevent from being born helps ensure a great life for us all!
Here Comes the Fitness Lifestyle
For a long time, incomes have been going up in Yucatan, while the health status of the people has taken a negative hit, especially with respect to diabetes and blood pressure. Now, overweight is epidemic among children and new numbers report that seven of every 10 Yucatecos is overweight. Ouch. The solution is complex, but Yucatan has never backed away from a fight. If you don’t walk, run, or ride a bike, you can bet that somebody is going to suggest it – and soon. In addition, Yucatan is the first state in all of Mexico to weigh and measure every school child.That data is going to be used to design diet and exercise programs that are affordable and practical for this population.
Mexican Develops Cancer Vaccine!
It is expected that the first dose of this new vaccine will be ready in 2022. It will first be used to prevent tumors of the ovary, colon, lung and prostate. Those targeted for its use will be those who are predisposed to developing such tumors, as well as those who are already in terminal stages of the disease. This is in an effort to improve survivability rates. It has taken two young researchers 14 years to come up with this vaccine. They are Juan Pablo Marquez Manriquez, senior researcher at the University of Washington (UW), and director of the Cancer Research Center in Sonora (CICS). They have already proven this vaccine to be effective in animals and non-toxic to humans. In 2016, the last phase will begin with 400 human test subjects in Mexico and the United States. This vaccine has the potential to revolutionize the world of science across the globe. As news of this success spread, a number of well-respected specialists now say that the next ten years will bring about amazing changes in our ability to prevent and treat many of the worst chronic diseases. This vaccine is set to go on the open market in seven years. By that time, other chronic diseases should be on the run as well.
Slow Food Yucatan
One of the most important things you can do for your own health is to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables from the growers themselves. The relationships you develop with them ensure that you get the latest information on quality and use of the produce you buy. Slow Food Yucatan markets are the best and most enjoyable place to shop in Merida for organic and locally grown foods. The market is held on Saturdays, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at Centro Comercial Colon (Av. Reforma x Av. Colon).
It’s Time for the Fair at Xmatkuil
Yucatan’s State Fair opens on November 13 and ends on December 6. A total of 2.2 million people are expected to attend. There is a 20 peso entrance fee, but it is expected that discount coupons handed out by participating companies will allow many people to enter for even less. At this point, there is no listing of the times the gate opens and closes, but announcements say that bus and taxi service will go on 24 hours a day.
International Festival of Mayan Culture
Yucatan’s relatively new International Festival of Mayan Culture will take place during the last two weeks of October this year. The dates are October 16 through 25. There will be a grand tribute to Armando Manzanero on the night of October 25. This will be a “must see” event since this man is one of the most precious treasures of Yucatan. Check the Yucatan Living Calendar of Events for the particular events in this festival.
For Friends of Natasha Paloma and Lupe Quintal
To learn more about Café Pantaleon, visit their Facebook page. Be sure to see all of the photos to get an understanding of what Natasha and Lupe mean to area expats.
For those of you who already know this favorite place in Progreso, you should know that Natasha has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma that has progressed to the point where it is too late for treatment. She is not doing well and is using morphine patches to ease the pain. She does not have medical insurance and she has stopped going to the oncologist. We suspect that cost is a factor. Natasha told us that they are unable to handle any more medical expenses. Lupe stated that they bought a three-month supply of morphine patches when she was first diagnosed (late July).
Natasha's friends want to help make her last days as comfortable as possible and to help take care of any final expenses. Locals all remember the generosity Natasha has shown to all who came to her seeking local information, using her internet or phone or translating. To that end, three expats (Mandy Martin, Ian Douglas and me, Clay Samis) have opened a bank account to receive donations from her friends which we will forward to Natasha. For information about how to donate to Natasha, contact Mandy Martin at m.martin@xplornet.com, Ian Douglas at idouglas@sympatico.ca or Clay Samis at claysamis@hotmail.com.
If you live in Mexico, Reg Deneau in Merida is accepting donations for Natasha. A box of morphine patches is about 1500 pesos and is enough for 16 days. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help.
Posted By Khaki Scott
