Noticias en inglés. Dec 30

Summer in Winter

Yesterday the malecon was alive with national and foreign tourists and brought back memories of summer.

The Carnival Elation arrived Thursday and two other ships are expected Friday.

 Many people have arrived from Mexico City with the plan of spending New Year’s with their families here in Yucatan.

The good weather helped make the day and the service providers were satisfied.

There were just over 6,000 people on the malecon yesterday will over 600 passengers from the Elation enjoyed all the amenities available.

During the month things have been slow but “today has been good” said Wenceslao Lopez, a street vendor.

“I’ve hardly stopped all day and hopefully tomorrow with 2 cruise ships it will be even better” said Georgina Tenorio and Alicia Pech, masseuses. 

But it was domestic tourism that took over the beaches yesterday mostly from Mexico City. 

“I came on business but today was a free day so I came to the beach” said Alvaro Tiburcio, who will spend the New Year in Progress, like Alfredo de Hoyos, who is here with his wife from Monterrey.  “It is my first time here. I like the warmth of the people and the tranquility” he said.

“We wanted a good beach with good prices” commented Juan Blanco from Puebla. 

“I came with my parents to visit my brother who has been living here for 7 years” said Marcelino Herrera. 

“We come once a year to visit my in-laws and always come to the beach at least one day” said Alfonso Cuervo.

Curious Event in Dzan

A bird of unknown species was hunted down last week at a ranch after allegedly killing several pigs and sheep.  The animal has prompted fear among the people because it is not a common species.  It has been described as a red heron, Tigrisoma lineatum similar to one caught in June in Tzucacab.

The bird is about two feet tall and measures 30 inches from beak to its long legs and has plumage similar to turkeys.  The bird was hunted down and shot on the ranch of Agustin Castillo near a well.

The dead animals were found gutted and clawed and the owner’s son feared for the rest of the herd.

 
And So It Begins

The only candidate running for President of Mexico is PRI Enrique Peña Nieto will visit Merida Tuesday January 3^rd at the Sport Park Kukulcan.

He begins his tour today in Hidalgo and tomorrow it will be Campeche. 

The former governor of Mexico will take a break from his tour from Dec 31^st until Jan 2^nd.

Another candidate coming to Yucatan to strengthen his presidential campaign will be PRD Andrés Manuel López Obrador who will be in the State January 6^th and 7^th.

Putting a Damper on Celebrating

The high prices of grapes, apples, pears and cider is putting a dent in Christmas and New Year celebrations according to venders at Lucas de Gálvez in downtown Merida.

The cost of grapes has risen to $80 per kilo due to poor crops so the 12 grapes tradition for New Year’s may not be done.

Cider that comes from Puebla and Mexico City have increased in price forcing many families to buy beer or soft drinks.

Since the increase in grape prices appeared in the market place, the sales have dropped dramatically.

Most people here in Yucatan buy red or green grapes to celebrate the New Year but with the increase in cost that is less likely. 

The increase is affecting not only the grapes but  apples have risen in cost to $60 a kilo and pears cost $50 pesos and sales have begun to decline said the traders in Lucas de Gálvez.

So perhaps the people here are losing interest in the traditional ways of celebrating the season not because of disinterest but because of escalating costs.

Another Harsh Reminder

Due to the increase in the ingredients needed the cost of the traditional Rosca de Reyes will increase by 10% announced Leticia Pech Gamboa.

The President of the local branch of the National Bakery Industry (CANAINPA) Pech Gamboa said the price of sugar, butter, cheese, flour and other products have substantially increased.