Javier de Lope has poured his energy into the creation of companies in various fields, then selling them when they hit their stride.
Stories by Leigh Thelmadatter
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Chiapas gallery expresses Mayan culture in new ways
Galería MUY is a multi-faceted project involved in production, education, and fair commercialization of fine art grounded in indigenous cultures.
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In Mexico, tuna is not a fish but a fruit
Some cactus in Mexico is economically important as a commercial crop, and others are only harvested wild as a local delicacy.
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Reinventing Guadalajara ceramics: the legacy of artisan Jorge Wilmot
Eight years after his death, the legacy of artisan Jorge Wilmot lives on in the establishment of the Guadalajara area as a source for world-class ceramics.
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The rain brings out a culinary delight in Mexican forests
The rainy season is upon us and if you live anywhere near a forest in Mexico, you may have the chance to try some local delicacies — wild mushrooms.
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If you build it, they will come: an art school and San Miguel
Mexico has always attracted adventurous foreigners looking for something different, but the expat enclave phenomenon we know now began in the 20th century.
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Mexican teachers working to overcome challenges during the pandemic
Mexico has used distance education to serve rural populations. But nothing done before could prepare for a shutdown of the school system.
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Musician’s efforts introduce rural children to the performing arts
Not content with a successful international career, a Mexican musician has chosen to work at providing artistic opportunities to Mexican children.
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The huipil, a ‘canvas’ for culture and identity, is truly indigenous
Some truly indigenous garments survived the European influence brought by the Conquest. One of the most important is the huipil.
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Rebellious artist Manuel Felguérez dies at the age of 91
A rebellious abstract artist who broke with the work of the muralists to open up a world of possibilities for Mexican artists died at his home in Zacatecas.
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The true story of Mexico’s ‘Happy Chicken’ restaurant chain
A family-owned stand selling grilled chicken in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, is now an international business with over 1,000 outlets.
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Historical printing techniques are preserved on an old hacienda in Veracruz
Tucked away in the rainforest of northern Veracruz is La Ceiba Gráfica, a restoration project dedicated to preserving pre-20th century printing.
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Most pilgrimages and sanctuaries are now Catholic but roots are pre-Hispanic
The Spanish imposed Catholicism on their newly conquered lands, but pilgrimage was part of indigenous life for many centuries prior.
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From floating islands to abandoned lots: urban gardening in Mexico
The modern concept of reclaiming urban space for agriculture has become popular due to concerns about the environment, food quality and food availability.
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In a country with no tigers, the tiger dance survives, particularly in Guerrero
Mexico has “tiger” rituals in the form of dance and they have two things in common: the image of a fierce wildcat and a purely pre-Hispanic origin.
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Mexico’s artisans struggle to survive in a Covid-19 world
Artisans face an unprecedented situation, perhaps even catastrophe. “Non-essential businesses” are shut, tourism is dead and street traffic is nil.
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Mexico’s favorite taco has immigrant roots
Mexico’s most popular taco originated in the Middle East but why they should be called “shepherd’s tacos” is anybody’s guess.
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Which are the real alebrijes? Papier-mache from CDMX or carvings from Oaxaca?
There are essentially two craft figures that claim the title – wood carvings from the state of Oaxaca, and papier-mache figures from Mexico City.
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Alec Dempster, a Canadian ambassador of traditional Mexican music
It might have been the gods that ordained the musician and artist to become an ambassador of Mexican culture to the outside world.
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The María doll: from street vendor to international icon
Now a symbol of Mexico found in tourist promotions all over the world, she has a surprising but unknown backstory.
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Native corn gets legal protection, prevents ‘intellectual plundering’
A controversial law to protect native corn was approved by the Senate, ending the possibility of the “intellectual plundering” of indigenous communities.
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Expat life in the time of coronavirus: hunkering down to wait out the storm
Many citizens of the US, Canada and other countries hurried home with the outbreak of Covid-19, though more than a few stayed put. They have their reasons.
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In quarantine? Here are 6 museums you can visit without leaving home
Although Mexico’s museums are shut due to Covid-19 restrictions, some offer online tours, enabling those in quarantine to browse their collections.
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Pilar Luna, pioneer of underwater archaeology, dies at 76
After a decades-long career researching and protecting Mexico’s underwater cultural heritage, Pilar Luna died on March 15.
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The quest to preserve Mexico’s richest legacy: its cuisine
Recognizing the richness of Mexican culinary traditions, several groups of devotees are working to preserve the legacy of generations in the kitchen.
