The peso closed at 20.57 to the US dollar on Friday. (María Ruiz)
The Mexican peso depreciated sharply against the US dollar on Monday and continued to weaken on Tuesday after Donald Trump pledged to impose a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian exports to the United States on the first day of his second term as U.S. president.
The Bank of Mexico’s official USD:MXN exchange rate at the close of markets on Monday was 20.28.
Donald Trump on Monday pledged to impose a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian exports to the United States on the first day of his second term as U.S. president. (Facebook)
However, the peso depreciated to 20.71 to the greenback shortly after Trump outlined his tariff plan on his social media site Truth Social on Monday evening.
The slide to 20.71 represented a 2.1% depreciation for the peso compared to the Bank of Mexico’s end-of-day rate.
The peso recovered somewhat in early trading on Tuesday, but at 11:45 a.m. Mexico City time, it was trading at 20.81 to the dollar.
Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis at Mexico’s Banco Base, said on X shortly after 10:30 a.m. that the Mexican peso was the currency that had depreciated the most against the US dollar on Tuesday.
She also noted that the Canadian dollar had depreciated to its weakest position against the US dollar since April 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was in its early stages.
On Monday, Siller said that the Mexican economy will go into recession if Trump keeps his word and imposes a 25% tariff on Mexican exports to the United States. She said Tuesday that if the incoming U.S. president’s tariff threat “materializes,” foreign companies will “gradually” leave Mexico.
Supported by strong inflows of remittances and foreign investment as well as the substantial difference between the Bank of Mexico’s key interest rate and that of the United States Federal Reserve, the peso performed extremely well against the US dollar in 2023 and hit an almost nine-year high of 16.30 to the greenback in April.
However, it depreciated significantly after the comprehensive victories of Claudia Sheinbaum and the ruling Morena party in the presidential and congressional elections on June 2.
Donald Trump on Monday pledged to impose a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian exports to the United States on the first day of his second term as U.S. president. (Facebook)
Donald Trump on Monday pledged to impose a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian exports to the United States on the first day of his second term as U.S. president, a move that President Claudia Sheinbaum said would be met with a reciprocal tariff on U.S. exports to Mexico.
“As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” he wrote on Truth Social on Monday evening.
“Right now a Caravan coming from Mexico, composed of thousands of people, seems to be unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently Open Border. On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” Trump wrote.
The president-elect said that the tariff would remain in effect “until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” Trump said.
In a separate Truth Social post, the former president said that his administration would impose an additional 10% tariff “above any additional Tariffs” on Chinese imports until the Chinese government stops the flow of fentanyl and other drugs to the United States “mostly through Mexico.”
Imposing tariffs on Mexican and Canadian exports to the United States would violate the terms of the USMCA, but Trump — at least in his rhetoric — appears to have no qualms about breaching the free trade pact he signed during his first term as U.S. president.
President-elect Donald Trump appears to have no qualms about breaching the free trade pact he signed during his first term as U.S. president by implementing high tariffs on Mexico and Canada. (File photo/Jonah Elkowitz for Shutterstock)
The president-elect’s pledge to impose a 25% tariff on the United States’ biggest trade partners on his first day in office is a bold but unsurprising move. Whether he actually keeps his word is far from certain, considering his past conduct.
His latest tariff pledge, or threat, could be a similar ploy to pressure Mexico to crack down even further on the flow of migrants and drugs to the U.S. If the Mexican government were to deploy additional human and monetary resources to stem those flows, Trump could claim again that he succeeded in getting Mexico to do what he wanted.
Sheinbaum: ‘To one tariff, another will come in response’
On Tuesday morning, Sheinbaum gave no indication that Mexico would “fold,” as Trump claimed was the case in 2019.
At her regular daily press conference, the president told reporters she would send a letter to the president-elect “today.”
At her regular daily press conference, Sheinbaum shared a letter responding to Donald Trump’s 25% tariff threat. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)
Sheinbaum read out the entire letter, which in its penultimate paragraph said that a U.S. tariff on Mexican exports would be met with another tariff “in response.”
In her letter, the president also:
Told Trump that Mexico has developed a “comprehensive policy” to attend to migrants who “cross our territory” en route to the United States. She told the president-elect that he “probably” isn’t aware of the efforts Mexico has made to stem migration to the U.S.
Highlighted that “encounters” between United States authorities and migrants on the Mexico-U.S. border declined 75% between December 2023 and November 2024.
Told Trump that Mexico and the United States need to jointly develop “another model of labor mobility” that responds to the U.S. need for workers and provides “attention to the causes that lead families to leave their places of origin.”
Told Trump that if the United States allocated “a percentage” of what it spends on “war” to “the construction of peace and to development,” it would be able to substantially reduce migration.
Pointed out that Mexican authorities have seized tonnes of drugs so far this year, confiscated more than 10,000 weapons and arrested over 15,000 people “for violence related to drug trafficking.”
Highlighted that 70% of “illegal weapons” seized in Mexico come from the United States.
“We don’t produce the weapons, we don’t consume the synthetic drugs,” Sheinbaum wrote in her letter to Trump.
“The deaths due to crime that responds to the demand for drugs in your country, unfortunately, we are the ones who … [suffer] them,” she told the president-elect.
Sheinbaum told Trump that neither the migratory phenomenon nor drug use in the United States will be effectively dealt with through threats and tariffs.
“Cooperation and reciprocal understanding of these great challenges is needed. To one tariff another will come in response and that’s the way it will be until we place common companies at risk. Yes, common ones. For example, among the main exporters from Mexico to the United States are General Motors, Stellantis and Ford Motor Company, which arrived in Mexico 80 years ago,” she wrote.
“The deaths due to crime that responds to the demand for drugs in your country, unfortunately, we are the ones who … [suffer] them,” Sheinbaum told the U.S. president-elect. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)“Why impose a tax that places them at risk? It’s not acceptable and would cause inflation and job losses in the United States and Mexico,” Sheinbaum continued.
“I’m convinced that the economic strength of North America lies in maintaining our trade partnership. In that way, we can continue being more competitive against other economic blocs. I believe that dialogue is the best path for understanding, peace and prosperity in our nations. I hope that our teams can meet soon,” the president’s letter concluded.
The broader response to Trump’s latest tariff threat
Gerardo Fernández Noroña, president of the Senate:
Ricardo Monreal, the ruling Morena party’s leader in the Chamber of Deputies:
“The imposition of a possible tariff on Mexican products goes against the USMCA and doesn’t resolve the common problems on the border between Mexico and the United States. We urge [the incoming Trump administration] to use the bilateral institutional mechanisms to combat the trafficking of people, drugs and weapons.”
San Miguel de Allende's Mercado Ignacio Ramírez offers visitors the chance to engage with the best of Guanajuato - from art to food. (All photos by Sandra Gancz Kahan)
No trip to San Miguel de Allende is complete without exploring the Mercado Ignacio Ramírez and the Mercado de Artesanías, bustling hubs of tradition, craftsmanship and community. Just a short walk from the city’s central square, this bustling marketplace offers a quintessentially Mexican experience.
Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover or simply looking to soak up the local vibe, these two markets offer a fascinating shopping experience and an exciting peek into the city’s soul. Locals gather for groceries, friendly conversations and shared meals, while visitors are warmly welcomed.
A kaleidoscope of colors and flavors
The Mercado Ignacio Ramírez offers food and local produce to hungry visitors.
Get ready for a sensory fiesta as you step into these vibrant markets. The air buzzes with energy as vendors showcase their offerings. Stalls are tightly packed and overflowing with a mesmerizing array of goods. Spanning three city blocks and housed under the same roof, these two markets promise a long and amusing stroll: wear comfy shoes!
At the Mercado Ignacio Ramírez, the spotlight is on food, including fresh produce, affordable meals, vibrant flowers and medicinal herbs. Visitors settle onto high stools at the bars of food stalls to enjoy irresistible goodies, from tacos and tortas to fruit juices and ice cream. Every bite here is a taste of tradition served with friendliness.
The Mercado de Artesanías (Crafts Market) is a showcase of local artistry, offering beautifully embroidered textiles that range from clothing to tablecloths, alongside an impressive variety of decorative items crafted from papier-mache, tin and clay. You’ll also discover finely made kitchen tools, including authentic molcajetes, Talavera ceramics and colorful glassware. The market is brimming with treasures, from exquisite jewelry to decorative tiles, mirrors, pewterware, leather goods, wool products, shoes, toys and so much more!
Proud longtime vendors
Indigenous craft workers sell their products at the Mercado de Artesanías.
Many vendors at the Mercado Ignacio Ramírez have deep roots in the market’s history, with their stalls passed down through generations. When I asked a few vendors how long they’d been there, most of them replied: Forever! For many, the market has been their home and family’s livelihood since childhood. One vendor fondly recalled how her grandmother’s stall, selling the same types of snacks, was originally located in the nearby Plaza Cívica. The move to the current indoor market, she explained, happened when “El Caballito” was installed.
The ‘little horse’ she mentioned is actually a towering statue of Ignacio Allende on horseback, honoring the San Miguel-born hero of Mexico’s fight for independence. The nearby plaza, where the statue now stands, was once the market’s original venue and heart of the town, before the Jardín Principal became the central gathering place.
At an impressive flower stall, I met Emiliano, the welcoming vendor behind Florería Mary. He proudly continues a family tradition, running the stall that once belonged to his mother. Florería Mary’s vibrant selection includes stunning bird of paradise flowers for just 20 pesos each and radiant roses for 10 pesos, offering both beauty and great value. Emiliano’s charming demeanor, combined with his dedication to preserving his family’s legacy, has made his stall a beloved spot in the market.
Aida Mendoza greeted me warmly at her stall, where she crafts my favorite earrings using tiny, intricately threaded beads. Her jewelry is unique in its technique, which she explains differs from the Wixárika (Huichol) art sold at the neighboring stand. While other Wixárika artisans glue tiny beads onto sculptures, Aida threads them with string to create wearable art. Originally from San Pablito Pahuaclán in the mountains of Puebla, Aida moved to San Miguel and set up her stand five years ago. She speaks softly, feeling self-conscious about her Spanish, which is her second language. Despite this challenge, she has built a thriving business that supports her family. Her children, born in San Miguel de Allende, attend school in Spanish, while Aida and her husband proudly teach them Hñähñu (Otomí) at home to preserve their heritage.
Vendor Aida Mendoza displays her wares. She works at the market to support her family and preserve her Otomí culture.
The Mercado Ignacio Ramírez and Mercado de Artesanías offer endless inspiration. A visit here is as much about enjoying the moment as it is about purchasing something truly special.
Tips for visiting
Forgot your shopping bag? Don’t worry, sturdy grocery bags are inexpensive and abundantly available.
Bring cash: Few vendors accept credit cards.
How to get there: The four entrances are located on the streets of Colegio, Relox, Hidalgo, and Loreto, but you can simply ask any taxi driver or local and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Opening hours: Every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sandra Gancz Kahan is a Mexican writer and translator based in San Miguel de Allende who specializes in mental health and humanitarian aid. She believes in the power of language to foster compassion and understanding across cultures. She can be reached at: [email protected]
The Guadalajara hotel zone is the area surrounding the Expo Guadalajara Club, a conglomerate of 19 hotels surrounding the Expo Guadalajara. (Shutterstock)
The hotel area surrounding Expo Guadalajara is one of the most important destinations in Mexico for the convention and business tourism industry, according to Bernardo Aguilar, president of the Jalisco Hotel Association (AHJ) and the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area Tourism Trust.
Aguilar told the newspaper El Economista that in the first 10 months of this year, more than 800,000 people stayed at one of the 19 hotels comprising the Expo Guadalajara Club, a conglomerate of hotels surrounding the Expo Guadalajara. During this period, these hotels reported booking 600,000 rooms and an economic revenue of 700 million pesos (US $34.4 million).
The Expo area has seen around 5,000 events this year, including those hosted at Expo Guadalajara, Mexico’s largest event venue. (Expo Guadalajara)
“The 19 hotels that make up this group have cutting-edge infrastructure, with an offer of around 3,400 rooms, which makes Guadalajara a fairground and hotel area without comparison at the national level,” Aguilar said.
According to Aguilar, the Expo area has seen around 5,000 events this year, including those hosted at Expo Guadalajara, Mexico’s largest event venue.
With a total surface area of 119,000 square meters and a capacity for 60,000 people, the Expo hosts over 1,200 events each year and attracts around 2.1 million national and international visitors.
Some of the scheduled events at the Expo for the next three years include the 2027 World Congress of Dermatology, the 2027 World Congress of Physiotherapy and the 2028 International Conference on Robotics and Automation.
Beyond this hotel complex, other areas of Guadalajara are also attracting hotel investment.
Within the next two years, six new hotels from international chains plan to open in the city, with a total investment of 2 billion pesos (US $96.4 million), Aguilar said. These will mainly be business hotels, averaging around 150 rooms each.
Some will be located along the airport highway and Periférico Sur, one will be located in the historic center of Zapopan, and another will be located in the Providencia neighborhood, Aguilar added.
One of the Expo’s largest events is the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), the largest book fair in the Spanish-speaking world, which will kick off on Nov. 30. Last year, this event drew over 800,000 visitors to the Expo, breaking the FIL’s previous attendance record.
But what one sees as polite omission, another might take as flat-out lying. Being polite while also communicating what you mean can be a tricky balancing act, it’s true. And for those of us from more direct cultures, it’s downright opaque. Why would someone just not say what they mean?
“Gracias”, “chance sí”, “ahorita” are some of the Mexican favorites to turn down someone. Watch out for them! (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)
Nothing is as simple as it seems, I suppose. Still, there are plenty of recognizable broad strokes we can examine here.
A lesson in keeping the negative to yourself
An impressive example of this tendency came years ago when I lived in Querétaro. I’d been working at a language school then — the kind that says they’ll help with immigration papers but never do. It was someone’s birthday, and teachers and students alike all went out to a bar to celebrate. It was a good time!
The next day, the director of the school told us teachers that one of the students wouldn’t be coming to class that day; there’d been an issue with his car. What was the issue? Someone had broken into it and stolen his car radio and CD player!
Mexicans have a really hard time saying ‘no’ in fear of hurting someone’s feelings. (Alice Mortiz/Cuartoscuro)
And when had this happened? It wasn’t when we were inside the bar, no. It happened at the school before we all left. He’d given some of us a ride, even, and had said nothing about his missing equipment.
It’s been almost 20 years, and I’m still shocked he kept that in.
He didn’t want to say anything about it because he didn’t want to ruin the evening before it had even begun. I myself would have been physically incapable of not saying anything. Just, wow.
Now that I’ve been here a while longer, I’ve seen more examples. People simply seem loath to talk about things that will make people gloomy. What for? We can get sad all on our own, after all.
So the first rule of communication, then, is to not disappoint. That is, of course, if you want the person you’re talking to to feel good. I’d personally rather be momentarily disappointed than later be sitting around like a dummy waiting for someone who’s not going to show, but that’s on me, I guess.
Don’t expect anything as obvious as a shake of the head. (Christopher Ott/Unsplash)
So knowing that “no” is a “no-no word” here, how might you decipher what people mean when they give you an answer?
Words that actually mean ‘no’: an anthology for foreigners
Well, that’s just what I’m here to help you with! Below is a list of “actually, that might mean ‘no'” words and phrases.
“Gracias”
This one is tricky. I sometimes have to stop myself from pedantically saying, “Um, that’s not one of the options for a yes or no question.” I can tell you from experience that challenging someone’s politeness in this way makes you look like an ass.
The way I’ve personally gotten around this is to pause comically and ask, “¿Gracias ‘sí,’ o gracias ‘no’?” That will usually get a grin and an actual answer, which, by the way, is almost always “Gracias, no.”Remember that you can use it, too! It’s especially helpful when you’re wandering through a market and merchants are offering their wares. It also usually works if the “market” is coming to you in the form of individual sellers! An emphatic “muchas gracias” will usually transmit the idea that, while you are very grateful for the offer, you will not be purchasing a bottle of perfume on that particular day.
“A lo mejor sí”
“A lo mejor” is a phrase that means “probably” or “likely.” It’s important to note, then, that all interpretations leave some wiggle room for it maybe not working out. If it doesn’t actually work out, well, they haven’t lied! There was always a chance.
“And then he tried to ask me a question I couldn’t say ‘no’ to.” (Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash)
This is, to me, one of the more dismissive ways to say no, a kind of “uh-huh, sure” version. In Mexico, this kind of dismissive “doing what you can to leave the conversation already” is called “dar el avión” (to… give the plane?). And when you “das el avión,” it’s often detectable. There are two likely outcomes of this, then. One is that the other person sighs, gives up, and goes on their way. Another is that they get frustrated: “¡No me des el avión!” If that happens, you’d better think of a better, more convincing way to say “no.”
“Déjame ver/checar”
This one is similar to “a lo mejor sí” in that it’s very likely to be an actual “no.” It means “Let me see” and “Let me check.” Spoiler alert: they will likely conclude, and may or may not tell you, that the result of the seeing/checking was negative.
“Ahorita”
This is one that my kid uses on me all the time, and it drives me crazy. We speak in English together, so her version is “in a minute.” “Ahorita” could be when someone will definitely do something right then. Or it could mean anywhere from right that moment to when hell freezes over.
In my experience it’s typically the latter, or alternatively, after the person’s finally been worn down from enough nagging about it. So beware, people. If you’re hearing “ahorita” from your partner frequently and it’s not turning out to be “right now for real” kind, there will probably be some frustration in your future.
“Estamos en contacto”
This one is kind of fun because it sounds so official and business-like. “We’ll be in touch.” Oh, will we? Most people don’t intend for this to be a lie, it’s just nicer to say than, “We may never see each other again, I don’t know, but you’re pleasant enough.”
Alas, this is a short list. I’ve got a word limit! But I’d love to hear more examples of “This is what they actually meant” in the comments. Consider this your official call for stories!
Mexico is the third-worst country in the world with regard to the mistreatment of animals, according to a 2021 report by the national statistics agency INEGI. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)
Last week, Mexico’s Senate approved historic legislation that, once ratified by the states, will enshrine animal protection in the Constitution.
The bill was passed unanimously by the Chamber of Deputies on Nov. 12 (450-0) and, on Nov. 20, the Senate approved the measure unanimously as well (117-0). The legislation must now be approved by a majority of Mexico’s 32 local congresses to become law.
The reform was passed unanimously in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)
The new law amends three articles of the Constitution and empowers Congress to enact animal welfare laws. It also mandates the humane treatment of animals as a mandatory guideline in all educational institutions nationwide.
The Humane Society International (HSI) praised the legislation: “By granting animal protection the highest importance in Mexico’s legal framework, the reform safeguards the legal protection granted to animals from being easily undone by future legislation.”
The reform aims “to protect animals, guarantee their well-being, provide them attention, good treatment, maintenance, accommodation, natural development, health and avoiding abuse, cruelty, suffering, zoophilia and the deformation of their physical characteristics, as well as ensuring the animal health, […] and satisfactory treatment of and general welfare of animals,” as per the bill’s text.
“With this constitutional reform,” said Anton Aguilar, executive director for HSI Mexico, “the government has taken a significant step toward ensuring that the protection and welfare of animals become a priority in public policy.”
The new law empowers Congress to enact animal welfare laws, while also mandating education on the humane treatment of animals in all educational institutions nationwide. (Magdalena Montiel Velázquez/Cuartoscuro)
Secondly, the reform requires all public schools to include the protection and welfare of animals within their curricula.
The reform also requires Congress to pass legislation that coordinates all federal, state and municipal laws related to animal protection and establishes penalties for violations.
According to El Economista, Senator Luis Donaldo Colosio of the Citizens Movement (MC) party said the reform is a crucial step toward making Mexico a country where all forms of life are respected. “Empathy must transcend words and be reflected in our actions,” he said.
Senator Paloma Sánchez of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), citing past INEGI surveys, told the online publication Línea Directa that there are 80 million pets in Mexico, but approximately 70% of all dogs and cats are homeless.
“This … reform has the power to transform the lives of millions of animals — from stray dogs and cats enduring cruelty, disease and neglect, to the billions of farm animals exploited for food, and the countless wildlife threatened by illegal trade,” HSI Director Aguilar concluded.
At her Monday press conference, Sheinbaum discussed government initiatives to prevent violence against women and the symbolism of having a female president. (Presidencia)
On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that her government is implementing a range of “actions” and making various law changes in favor of gender equality and the protection and strengthening of women’s rights.
Speaking at her Monday morning press conference, Sheinbaum also said that her administration is committed to “eradicating” violence against women.
The two main tenets of the government’s strategy are “prevention” of violence against women and “zero impunity” for crimes committed, she said.
“In the face of any femicide: zero impunity. In the face of sexual violence against women: zero impunity,” Sheinbaum said.
Women’s rights pamphlets will be ready soon
Sheinbaum told her morning presser that the government’s women’s rights pamphlet is currently being drawn up and will be unveiled soon.
“The pamphlet has to do with the rights enshrined in the constitution, in laws,” she said, adding that it will explain “what equality means” and expose societal prejudices that have an adverse impact on equality.
As mayor of Mexico City, Sheinbaum led a similar educational campaign to inform Mexico City residents about the rights women are entitled to, how to recognize various types of violence and the public services available to women. (Gobierno CDMX)
Sheinbaum spoke about some prejudices that remain prevalent in Mexico, such as that women and girls should clear the table at meal times and do the dishes.
“Contributing to household chores is a task for everyone,” she said.
Sheinbaum also said there is no reason why girls can’t play with cars and marbles and boys can’t play with dolls.
“Something as simple” as telling a girl she can’t play with cars can have an impact on her future life, the president said.
“Saying ‘you can’t play with this’ or ‘you can’t play with marbles’ … limits the dreams a girl can have,” she said.
Sheinbaum said last month that the government’s women’s rights pamphlet should be distributed to men as well as women because everyone needs to know about women’s rights.
Having a presidenta for the first time has triggered a ‘cultural transformation’ in Mexico
One reporter asked Sheinbaum about the impact her ascension to Mexico’s top political position has had on the country. At the conclusion of her question, the journalist noted that a young girl in Chiapas impersonated Mexico’s first female president, or presidenta, at a Revolution Day parade last week. (A video of the girl’s performance went viral on social media.)
“Las niñas incorporan a su discurso la nueva visión de la importancia de las mujeres en la vida pública”, resaltó la presidenta @Claudiashein sobre video grabado durante un desfile de la Revolución mexicana en Chiapas. pic.twitter.com/eVe1FMxzyO
A female president “is a symbol that transforms mindsets,” Sheinbaum said.
“It’s not enough [just] with the symbol, we have to develop policy, change the constitution, change legislation and develop actions for the protection and promotion of women’s rights,” she said.
“But … [a female president] is a symbol, when a girl sees a presidenta obviously she can imagine that she too can be a presidenta,” Sheinbaum said.
“… And that represents a change in mindset, and not just in girls, in boys as well, in men as well, it’s a cultural transformation,” she said.
Incoming Veracruz governor is ‘a woman of character with many convictions’
Sheinbaum noted that she will attend Rocío Nahle’s inauguration as governor of Veracruz this Sunday.
Nahle, federal energy minister during most of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s six-year term, is “a woman of character with many convictions, who loves Veracruz, who loves its people,” the president said.
“And I know that she will do a great job. And we’ll be there supporting her with everything she needs,” Sheinbaum said.
Mexico City enlisted the help of 400 workers to plant 147,000 nochebuenas across town. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro) (Ismael Rocha/X)
As part of an annual tradition, 39 kilometers of poinsettias were planted across Mexico City on Nov. 22, marking the start of the festive season.
Mexico City’s Public Works and Services Ministry enlisted the help of 400 workers to plant 147,000 nochebuenas — the common name for the flower in Mexico — along 12 primary roads throughout the capital, covering a total of 38.66 km.
— Secretaría de Obras y Servicios CDMX (@SOBSECDMX) November 23, 2024
Around the globe, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) have become synonymous with the Christmas season. The bright red flowering plant is native to Mexico and 30 varieties are grown in six states, including Morelos, Michoacán, Mexico City and Puebla.
Before the arrival of the Spanish in 1519, the ornamental plant was grown in the gardens of the Mexica royalty, such as Moctezuma II and Nezahualcóyotl.
Then came Robert Poinsett, the plants’ English-language namesake.
When Poinsett, the first U.S. minister to Mexico, visited during Christmas in 1825, he sent some samples to the Bartram Botanical Garden in Philadelphia. The poinsettias were exhibited there in 1829 to great success, before being introduced to Europe.
Poinsettias mainly come in red, white and pink and can be bought from 40 to 300 pesos (US $2- $15) (Parker Sturdivant/Unsplash)
Where to find poinsettias in Mexico City
You can see the striking red plants along the following streets:
Paseo de la Reforma: from Periférico to Eje 2 Norte
Canal de Miramontes: from Calz. del Hueso to Canal Nacional
Viaducto Río Becerra: from Puente La Morena to Viaducto Miguel Alemán
Renato Leduc: from Calz. Tlalpan to Calle Coapa
Periférico Sur: from Camino a Santa Teresa to Calle Forestales
Eje 6 Sur: from Avenida Javier Rojo Gómez to Gabriela Mistral
Avenida Chapultepec: from Circuito Interior to Avenida Niños Héroes
Avenida 8: from Circuito Interior to Viaducto Río de la Piedad
Eje 3 Oriente: from Calle 310 to Calle 306
Ejército Nacional: from Bahía de la Concepción to Calle Kepler
Calzada de la Viga: from Calle Campesinos to Avenida Recreo
Calzada México-Tenochtitlán: from Calle Valerio Trujano to Calle Héroes
As part of the annual Festival de Nochebuena, poinsettia growers offer flowers for sale in public plazas across the capital. They mainly come in red, white and pink and can be bought for 40 to 300 pesos (US $2- $15), depending on the size of the plant.
They will be available for purchase in the following places:
The main squares of the Coyoacán, Gustavo A. Madero, Iztapalapa, Tláhuac, Iztacalco and Milpa Alta neighborhoods, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 1
Chapultepec Park (at the Puerta de los Leones entrance), from Nov. 19 to Dec. 1
República de Guatemala, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 1
Tourism Ministry, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 19
Francisco I. Madero Avenue, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1
Pabellón Cuemanco, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1
Mexico City Zócalo, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1
Paseo de la Reforma, from Dec. 2 to 15
You can find all of the festival’s points of sale on this map.
The flower farmers of Xochimilco have produced roughly 1.8 million poinsettias for sale in Mexico City this year. If sales go well, they could generate 70 million pesos for over 5,000 families, including families of growers and day laborers hired for cultivation and marketing, according to the Mexico City government.
Students hold a demonstration in support of judicial reform at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in September. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro.com)
More than 18,000 people expressed interest in standing as candidates in Mexico’s first ever judicial elections in 2025, the federal government announced Monday.
Arturo Zaldívar, coordinator of policy and government in the administration led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, thanked 18,447 people for registering their interest in participating in the judicial elections scheduled to be held on June 1, 2025.
Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Arturo Zaldívar, coordinator of policy and government in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s cabinet, thanked the many judicial hopefuls for their applications. (Claudia Sheinbaum/Cuartoscuro)
Mexico’s Congress and the judiciary also accepted registrations, as they — in addition to an “executive power” committee headed up by Zaldívar — will select candidates to contest the judicial elections. The Congress received more than 11,900 registrations while the judiciary received over 3,800.
Some would-be judges likely submitted registrations to the federal executive, the Congress and the judiciary.
Sheinbaum called the candidate registration drive “a complete success.” (Presidencia)
Sheinbaum said that the registration process for judicial aspirants — which began on Nov. 5 and concluded at midnight Monday — was “a complete success.”
“[It was] something unprecedented, historic,” she said.
A second round of judicial elections is scheduled to be held in 2027.
Critics of the judicial reform argue that the direct election of judges will politicize the judiciary, but Sheinabum and other government officials reject claims that Mexico’s courts will lose their independence. The president asserts that a judicial overhaul via the election of judges is necessary to eliminate corruption and other ills from Mexico’s justice system.
Almost 500 people interested in becoming a Supreme Court justice
Zaldívar said that 10,862 men, 6,101 women and 106 people who identify as nonbinary successfully registered their interest in contesting next year’s judicial elections.
An additional 1,378 people made errors when submitting their registrations and will therefore not be considered by the executive’s candidate evaluation committee.
Zaldivar said that 480 people “aspire” to become Supreme Court (SCJN) justices. But just 27 will ultimately be selected to contest the election to win one of nine positions on the bench of Mexico’s highest court.
At least eight of Mexico’s 11 Supreme Court justices will not participate in the judicial election process, having already announced that they will resign next year. (SCJN)
More than 10,000 people registered their interest in contesting federal district judge elections, while over 5,000 want to stand as candidates in circuit court elections.
The remainder of those who registered on the federal government website want to become electoral judges or magistrates with the Judicial Discipline Tribunal.
Minerva Martínez Garza, an academic and former president of the Nuevo León Human Rights Commission, is among those hoping to win a position on the SCJN.
She told the Associated Press that the election of judges will help Mexico’s justice system overcome “the legitimacy crisis” it suffers.
“We need a justice system that provides results,” Martínez said, adding that the recently-enacted judicial reform will help to eradicate corruption in the judiciary and favor a more rapid delivery of justice.
“This change is profound,” she said.
The Morena party’s passage of reforms to Mexico’s judicial system elicited protests across the country, often led by judicial branch employees. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)
Sergio Méndez Silva, a legal official with the Fundación para la Justicia (Foundation for Justice), a Mexico City-based non-governmental organization, has a different view about the direct election of judges.
“One doesn’t choose a doctor for an operation based on popularity,” he said, explaining that a surgeon is chosen because of his or her “technical knowledge, expertise and skill.”
“… The same thing [should] apply for a judge,” Méndez said.
He expressed concern about the makeup of the executive, congressional and judicial committees that will assess the qualifications and experience of those vying to become judges, asserting that people aligned with the ruling Morena party are among their members.
Over the next three weeks, the federal executive’s candidate evaluation committee will look at the qualifications and experience of those who expressed interest in becoming judges to determine whether they comply with the “formal requirements,” Zaldívar said.
Presentation of five letters of recommendation from neighbors and colleagues.
Lawmakers had proposed setting a minimum age of 35 for judges but ultimately decided against that requirement.
Zaldívar said the top judicial candidates will be selected by Dec. 14. A lottery system will then determine which of those candidates will be on next year’s ballot. (Galo Cañas Rodríguez/Cuartoscuro)
Zaldívar said that the executive’s evaluation committee will be looking for people who are “honest, qualified” and “committed” to delivering “the justice we all expect” as well as “building a better justice system.”
“It’s clear that the one we have now doesn’t satisfy the yearnings and legitimate demands of the people of Mexico,” he said.
Zaldívar said that the “most suitable” candidates will be selected by Dec. 14. Those “finalists” will participate in a public interview process after which some of them will be selected as candidates via sortition, or selection by lottery.
The official said that the response from Mexico’s lawyers to the call to register as judicial election candidates was “amazing.”
“The results are spectacular, they exceeded all expectations, which demonstrates the interest of the people of Mexico in this process,” he said.
“… It’s a historic event because for the first time we’re going to elect judges in Mexico, it’s an event that will completely transform our democratic, social and political life,” Zaldívar said.
The festival expects roughly 800,000 attendees at the festival this year. (FIL/Rafael del Río)
The 38th Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), the largest literary event in the Spanish-speaking world, is once again expecting an attendance around 800,000 during its run from Saturday, Nov. 30, through Sunday, Dec. 8.
Held at the sprawling Expo Guadalajara convention center, the fair will feature nine days of literature, art and cultural exchange, featuring 850 writers from 43 countries speaking 19 languages. Two of the writers scheduled to appear are Nobel Prize winners and one is a Pulitzer Prize winner.
This year’s prestigious Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Prize will go to Argentine novelist Gabriela Cabezón Cámara for her novel “Las niñas del naranjel” (“The Girls from the Orange Grove”). (FIL Guadalajara)
This year’s theme, “Camino de ida y vuelta” (“Round trip”), will include welcoming Spain as the guest of honor for the first time in 24 years. Spain’s presence will include its largest-ever delegation, comprising 229 writers, artists and professionals. Last year’s guest was the European Union.
Notable Spanish figures set to attend include Irene Vallejo, Fernando Aramburu, María Dueñas and Rosa Montero — all of them award-winning writers.
Aramburu and Montero will have the honor of kicking off the talks and panels at the Carlos Fuentes Literary Hall, a prestigious FIL space dedicated to celebrating literary excellence and fostering discussions with renowned writers. It is named after iconic Mexican novelist and essayist Carlos Fuentes.
Other highlights will include appearances by Tanzanian-born British Nobel laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah, who will deliver a keynote address and present his novel “The Deserter,” and Nobel Prize-winning chemist Morten Peter Meldal of Denmark, who will discuss “From the Molecule to Medicine.”
British Nobel laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah will deliver a keynote address and present his novel “The Deserter.” (Ediciones Salamandra via Guadalajara FIL)
Mia Couto, recipient of this year’s FIL Prize for Literature in Romance Languages, will also give a talk during the opening ceremony. Born in Mozambican, Couto is considered one of the most important figures in Portuguese literature.
Mexican author Cristina Rivera Garza is also scheduled to appear. She won a 2024 Pulitzer Prize for her “Liliana’s Invincible Summer: A Sister’s Search for Justice,” a nonfiction, genre-bending account of her sister’s 1990 murder at the hands of an abusive ex-boyfriend.
FIL’s programming features over 3,000 activities, including exhibitions, workshops and live performances.
Events like the Festival of European Letters, Latinoamérica Viva, and the International Caricature and Comics Meeting will explore diverse literary and artistic voices. Panels will cover a range of topics, from LGBTQ+ literature to artificial intelligence in science.
Awards are also a substantial part of FIL’s identity. Eight FIL awards and four awards in collaboration with other literary entities will be presented.
Already announced in October, the festival’s most prestigious award, the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Prize, will go to Argentine novelist Gabriela Cabezón Cámara for her 2023 novel “Las niñas del naranjel” (“The Girls from the Orange Grove”). Not yet available in an English translation, the historical and adventurous bildungsroman explores themes of colonialism, identity and the blending of cultures.
Spain’s pavilion will showcase sustainability and diversity, with 15,000 books and cultural exhibits.
Beyond literature, the FIL Forum will present flamenco and electronic music performances, exhibitions such as “Foodscapes” and a film series that includes big-screen adaptations of iconic works.
!["The deaths due to crime that responds to the demand for drugs in your country, unfortunately, we are the ones who ... [suffer] them," Sheinbaum told the president-elect.](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1007644_Conferencia-Matutina-Sheinbaum-8_impreso.jpg)
