In expat enclaves, some have discovered a love of art and have been inspired to make their newfound passion a business.
Stories by Leigh Thelmadatter
-
-
Mexico does the (corn) mash
Whisky makers here are using the nation’s abundant varieties of corn to make their versions of the alcoholic beverage like no one else’s.
-
An aspiring Australian poet found his calling making films in Mexico
T.S. Eliot’s genius made young Michael Rowe give up poetry, to his adopted country’s benefit: he now writes and directs movies in Spanish.
-
Non-toll roads are the best way to see Mexico; just heed a bit of advice
Road tripping will show you more of the country, especially via the smaller, bumpier “libre” roads. Here’s a primer on driving them safely.
-
Pioneering farmers aim to change Veracruz’s mediocre coffee reputation
Small growers who took a chance on high-quality crops are creating demand for beans from a state previously most known for supplying Nescafé.
-
Blight or culture? A CDMX borough’s battle with colorful vendor stalls
Opponents say that the Cuauhtémoc government’s whitewashing of vendors’ unique, colorful signs erases a city tradition going back a century.
-
Entrepreneurs in expat enclaves find success with English bookstores
Their brick-and-mortar shops often become community meeting spots by inviting customers to pull up a chair, stay awhile and read.
-
Hidalgo biosphere reserve offers something new to see at nearly every turn
This UNESCO-recognized natural treasure boasts lush flora, pristine waterfalls and diverse landscapes you’ll never tire of hiking.
-
In a land dependent on rain, ancient god Tlaloc is alive and well in Mexico
The Mexica rain god’s image has long been found all over Mexico — from murals to logos — and he’s even still worshipped in some places.
-
Primer: If your child’s in a Mexican school, don’t ignore Teachers’ Day
Teachers may be get a bad rap the rest of the year, but they’re feted on this holiday. Leigh Thelmadatter explains why it’s such a big deal,.
-
These expat authors put their love affair with Mexico into their mystery novels
Jinx Schwartz and John Scherber are two examples of foreigners who liked their adopted home so much, they set their fiction books here.
-
Almost as many legends surround Zacatecas’ House of 100 Doors
This restored 19th-century adobe home that is said to have been built for love now houses a collection of handcrafts and folk art.
-
Bacanora? Tuxca? Charanda? Mexico’s wealth of regional liquors includes many you might not know
Colonial-era laws encouraged local ingenuity and the creation of several lesser-known agave and sugar cane spirits still enjoyed today.
-
How Asia came to influence the design of Mexico’s iconic rebozo
Mexico’s patriotic shawl, made by indigenous weavers influenced by countries they never saw, is an early example of globalism.
-
Canadian sommelier started over in Vallarta with wine school for Mexicans
Kami Lee Robb opened Vino Vallarta to teach wine appreciation to gringos, but hospitality workers turned out to be her most eager students.
-
Fiery Holy Week ‘Burning Judas’ tradition was almost killed by the PRI
The practice of destroying Judas effigies nearly ended in the 1950s when officials banned fireworks, likely to quash the mockery of leaders.
-
Paricutín, the volcano that fascinated the world, still captures imaginations
Its sudden emergence in 1943 buried two Michoacán towns in lava but also gave scientists the rare chance to watch a volcano’s birth.
-
For authentic Mexican handcrafts, don’t miss Uruapan’s April artisan fair
Starting this weekend, the annual Palm Sunday Handcraft Market brings Michoacan’s ‘best of the best’ creators to offer their pieces for sale.
-
Tree of life sculptures by artisan Tiburcio Soteno put Metepec on the map
Tiburcio Soteno, who died on March 20, was included in Fomento Cultural Banamex’s prestigious artisan registry and collected worldwide.
-
National Museum show tackles issues of indigenous creativity and identity
A new Mexico City exhibit that tosses out any lines between “artist” and “artisan” is at an unusual venue: the nation’s bastion of fine art.
-
A quick guide to Mexico’s expat ‘boat people’ subculture
Dream of cruising through Mexican waters on your boat? You’re not alone. From Baja and beyond, a network of expat boaters is thriving here.
-
Once considered radical, former president Benito Juárez now a national hero
On Monday, Mexico will cerlebrate the birthday of Benito Juárez, who united a struggling nation and sowed the seeds of modern democracy.
-
Tony Burton writes for expats as eager to learn about Mexico as he was
After a Mérida trip in 1977, he fell in love with the country and has since explored, researched and written about it for more than 40 years.
-
Toluca’s stunning Sun Man masterpiece remains little known elsewhere
Despite this massive stained glass mural’s stunning optical effects on equinoxes — the artwork Comsovitral isn’t well known outside the state.
-
Mexicans may run with papier-mache bulls but it can still be dangerous
How to get a danger-fueled rush when your town doesn’t have Pamplona-style antics? For some Mexicans, the answer is fireworks-loaded toritos.
