Take a visual tour of Mexico’s year – from north to south, from triumphs to tragedies – with this selection of pictures from each month of 2023.
January
Immediately after the arrest of Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, on Jan. 5, presumed cartel members launched a series of armed attacks around Culiacán, and major travel routes around the state were blocked with burning vehicles. (Alma Fonseca / Cuartoscuro.com)
February
Protesters in cities all over Mexico showed up in the streets to express support for a robust National Electoral Institute in February after the president’s electoral reform bill was passed. It was later struck down by the Supreme Court. (Fernando Carranza García/Cuartoscuro)
March
Guanjuato’s infamous mummies were displayed as a part of the state stall at the Tianguis Turístico in Mexico City in March, leading to some public health concerns . (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)
April
Mexico City’s Iztapalapa , the site of Mexico’s oldest example of the country’s Holy Week passion play traditions, attracts millions of viewers each year and widespread participation from the borough’s residents. (Galo Caños Rodríguez/Cuartoscuro)
May
In May, the active Popocatépetl volcano , which straddles the states of México, Puebla and Morelos, experienced tremors and explosions, putting the area on high alert. (Mireya Novo/Cuartoscuro)
June
Low levels of rainfall across Mexico caused drought in many states, including in Campeche (seen here). June also saw an intense heat wave across much of the country. (Michael Balam/Cuartoscuro)
July
Cancún was the busiest tourist destination over the summer vacation, with 73% to 82% occupancy over July. (Cuartoscuro)
August
Children as young as 7 participated in the 29th annual tortilla race in Tehuacán, Puebla and it was won by a 12 year-old girl. (MIREYA NOVO/CUARTOSCURO.COM)
September
The country celebrated Independence Day with parades like this one in Mérida, Yucatán. (Cuartoscuro)
October
Hurricane Otis made landfall as a Category 5 storm in Acapulco on Oct. 25, the most powerful to ever hit Mexico’s Pacific coast. (Cuartoscuro)
November
On Day of the Dead in Tapachula, Chiapas , migrants showed their solidarity with victims of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco. (Cuartoscuro)
December
The first phase of the 1,554-kilometer Maya Train railroad was inaugurated on Dec. 15 by President López Obrador. (Lopezobrador.org.mx)