To become the first Latin American to take the gold in the event, Yareli Acevedo had to beat out two former Olympic medalists. (Gobierno de México)
Mexico City native Yareli Acevedo won gold in the women’s points race at the 2025 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago, Chile, over the weekend, making history as the first Latin American to capture the title.
The 24-year-old student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) finished with 63 points, edging out two medalists from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris: Anna Morris of Great Britain with 58 points and New Zealand’s Bryony Botha with 56 points.
Upon her return on Wednesday from the Championships in Chile, Acevedo posed for a photo at the airport with her family. (conadeoficial)
Finishing ahead of Morris was no mean feat, as the 30-year-old from Wales won two medals at last year’s world championships in Denmark, and one more last week in Chile.
Acevedo has become just the second Mexican ever to win a world track cycling title, following Nancy Contreras’ 2001 win in Belgium. A two-time Olympian, Contreras has been distinguished as one of Mexico’s “Leyendas Deportivas” (Sports Legends).
Acevedo returned to Mexico with a hero’s welcome, celebrated on Wednesday by the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (Conade) at Villas Tlalpan, an elite sports training center in Mexico City.
She showed her gold medal and expressed gratitude for the support received throughout her career.
“This medal is the result of all the work, effort and tears of these past years,” she said. “It’s the fruit of that entire journey.
“It’s a feeling I still haven’t processed,” she added. “It hasn’t sunk in yet.”
¡Oro para México🥇🇲🇽❤️!
Yareli Acevedo 🇲🇽 es CAMPEONA DEL MUNDO🥇🌍 en la prueba de puntos en el Mundial de Ciclismo de Pista 🚴♀️
— Fan México 🇲🇽 rumbo a LA2028 (@MLosAngeles2028) October 26, 2025
As a student at the Faculty of Accounting and Administration at UNAM, Acevedo must balance academics with her rapidly rising athletic career, which has included international wins in Turkey and Paraguay in 2025.
Her achievements include a gold medal at the last Pan American Games in 2023 in the omnium — a multi-race event often compared to a decathlon — along with a silver.
She recently ranked second worldwide in endurance events according to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
Her victory on Sunday covered 25 kilometers — 100 laps over a 250-meter track. Competitors raced in a single final, with points-earning sprints occurring every 10 laps; riders could also earn 20 points by gaining a lap on the field.
It’s a race that requires intense strategy, as athletes must decide when to put their mettle to the pedal.
“I knew it was all or nothing,” she said. “If my strategy failed, I would finish fifth, but if I went all out, I would become world champion. I was going all out; I had no strength left.
“That day, I pedaled with all of Mexico behind me, with my heart and a strong desire to succeed, and I did it. It has been an epic year for me.”
Looking ahead, Acevedo said her next goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Responding to a complaint, Profepa agents found tree stumps and avocado plants which were determined to pose an "imminent risk of ecological imbalance." (@Profepa_Mx/X)
Mexican authorities closed off five hectares within a protected biosphere reserve after discovering illegal logging had taken place and unauthorized orchards had been planted.
After receiving a complaint last week regarding logging and land use violations, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) inspected a property in the influence zone of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in the state of Michoacán.
At the site of the violations, trees were cleared to make room for avocado plants. (Profepa)
Within the ejido property in the municipality of Contepec, Profepa agents detected an avocado orchard comprising roughly 500 avocado plants between 0.80 and 1.80 meters tall and several lime trees on land designated as protected forest land.
Inspectors verified the damage to the oak-pine forest ecosystem in this 2.2-hectare area of the property, identifying 12 oak tree stumps that represent an estimated total volume of 3,616 cubic meters of wood.
In another area measuring 2.82 hectares in the upper part of the forest, Profepa agents counted approximately 470 avocado plants.
As the tree stumps did not have official markings identifying the responsible logging company, Profepa said in a press release, it determined that illegal logging had taken place and took appropriate action.
In a statement posted on X, Profepa confirmed the total temporary closure of both areas within the El Rincón section of the ejido because of “unauthorized timber harvesting and land use violations.”
“Due to the imminent risk of ecological imbalance, the closure of the affected surface area … was carried out,” it said. “Profepa works to ensure the protection and conservation of the monarch butterfly’s habitat, a natural heritage of Mexico and the world.”
The affected area is located within a designated “area of cooperation” on the western edge of the butterfly reserve, one of the 232 Protected Natural Areas in Mexico.
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — comprising an area of 56,259 hectares about 100 kilometers northwest of Mexico City — was declared a federally protected natural area in 2000.
The reserve — also a UNESCO World Heritage Site — straddles the Michoacán-México state border and is one of the primary overwintering sites of the eastern population for this species. Millions of butterflies (Danaus plexippus plexippus) arrive in the reserve during their annual migration, which lasts from October through March.
The vegetation that predominates in the reserve consists of coniferous and oak forests, according to the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp).
The forests of pine and drought-resistant oyamel fir trees produce microclimates that provide shelter for the butterflies when temperatures fall to freezing and/or when winter rains occur.
Port authorities are expecting nearly 100,000 cruise passengers to disembark in Cozumel between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2 aboard 25 different ships. (Cuartoscuro)
Cruise season is underway in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, with the Caribbean island of Cozumel preparing for a massive influx of visitors over the coming months.
Port authorities reported that more than 97,000 cruise passengers are expected to arrive in Cozumel between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2 aboard 25 different ships, reinforcing the island’s position as a leading cruise destination in the Caribbean and the Americas.
Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez celebrated the robust cruise ship traffic, attributing the growth to collaboration between the community, private sector and government.
“This growth is no coincidence; it is the fruit of a collective effort that strengthens our economy and projects us onto the world stage,” he said.
On Monday alone, the Directorate of Tourism and Economic Development anticipated the arrival of six cruise ships, including two unscheduled arrivals, bringing the total number of visitors for that day to 29,688 visitors — the busiest day of the week.
To kick off the high season, which runs from October through April, the island welcomed the Norwegian Aqua cruise ship for the first time. Docking at the Punta Langosta pier on Oct. 10, this massive cruise ship brought with it over 5,000 people, including passengers and crew.
“It is a completely new, state-of-the-art cruise ship, and … these arrivals benefit Cozumel because they strengthen the economic impact and consolidate its position as a leading port in the Caribbean,” Pablo Aguilar Torres, representative of the Cozumel Tourism Promotion Council, said.
Cozumel has become a popular island in the Caribbean thanks to a wide range of tourist attractions, which include diving in one of the world’s largest coral reefs, lush natural parks and archaeological sites like the Maya ruins.
Mahahual, located along Quintana Roo’s “Costa Maya,” also draws large numbers of cruise tourists. In the first six months of the year, Cozumel and Mahahual combined received a total of 3.6 million cruise tourists, accounting for more than half of the national figure of 5.6 million.
Overall, Cozumel is estimated to end the year with 1,285 cruise ship port calls, a number similar to that of 2024.
Metepantle is based on creating a mosaic of terraces where the crops are planted alongside succulents that nourish the soil and hold water. In so doing, it conserves over 140 native species, including 40 local varieties of corn. (GIAHS/Mexico, Meteplante)
A three-millennia-old farming method still used today in the central Mexican state of Tlaxcala has been recognized as a world agricultural heritage site by the United Nations.
The metepantle agricultural system, developed by Indigenous farmers over centuries, is an ecologically sustainable method of growing corn, agave, beans, squash and other Mexican staples in challenging mountainous terrain while preserving water and native species.
The recognition of the metepantle system came from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), whose director-general, Qu Dongyu, visited Españita, one of many Tlaxcala communities that practice metepantle. Dongyu called metepantle “a powerful example of long-term agricultural resilience in fragile mountain environments.”
Metepantle is based on creating a mosaic of terraces where the crops are planted alongside succulents that nourish the soil and hold water. In so doing, it conserves over 140 native species, including 40 local varieties of corn, thanks to a sophisticated system of seed conservation, exchange, and community networks.
“It’s a living museum,” said Mexico’s Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Julio Berdegué.
As Dongyu put it, “More than an agricultural system, metepantle is a philosophy that teaches us to produce with respect, to live in harmony with the Earth, and to build the future on the wisdom of the past.”
Junto a la gobernadora de #Tlaxcala, Lorena Cuéllar (@LorenaCuellar), y el director general de la @Fao, Qu Dongyu (@FAODG), participé en el reconocimiento al Sistema Importante del Patrimonio Agrícola Mundial (SIPAM) Metepantle.
The FAO’s designation of metepantle as what’s officially known as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) positions Mexico as “a regional leader in agricultural sustainability,” according to a press statement from the Agriculture Ministry.
The FAO has to date designated a total of 102 GIAHS across 29 countries, including two others in Mexico — the chinampas in Mexico City’s Xochimilco borough and the Maya milpas (cornfields) in the Yucatán Peninsula.
During his visit, Dongyu met with Mexican government officials and some 500 farming families and community leaders. He also carried out field visits to local institutions, including the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
The FAO is collaborating with the CIMMYT on several projects, including the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils, Recarbonizing Global Agricultural Soils and the flagship One Country, One Priority Product initiative.
“In these challenging times, we must work together to transform our agri-food systems, preserve traditional knowledge and promote new technologies that improve the lives of farmers,” Dongyu said.
The annual contraction in Q3 was the first year-over-year decline for the Mexican economy in any quarter since the final three months of 2021. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)
The Mexican economy contracted 0.3% in annual seasonally adjusted terms in the third quarter of 2025, according to official preliminary data published on Thursday.
A 2.9% year-over-year decline in secondary sector activity, which includes Mexico’s large manufacturing industry, caused the annual contraction between July and September.
The annual contraction in Q3 was the first year-over-year decline for the Mexican economy in any quarter since the final three months of 2021.
The economy also contracted 0.3% compared to the second quarter of the year, according to INEGI’s preliminary data. The quarter-over-quarter contraction was the first since the final three months of 2024.
INEGI will publish final economic data for the third quarter on Nov. 21.
Secondary sector slowdown stunts growth
In addition to contracting 2.9% on an annual basis, the secondary sector declined 1.5% in the third quarter compared to the previous three-month period.
The secondary sector includes manufacturing, construction, mining and electricity generation.
Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis at Banco Base, highlighted that the secondary sector has now contracted in annual terms during four consecutive quarters.
Secondary sector activity has been declining even as Mexico’s export revenue — which mainly comes from the shipment abroad of manufactured goods — continues to grow despite the U.S. government’s imposition of tariffs on a range of Mexican products.
Mexico’s primary sector grew 3% in annual terms in the third quarter and 3.2% compared to the second quarter.
The tertiary, or services, sector grew 0.9% annually between July and September and 0.1% compared to the second quarter.
An up-and-down economy
In annual terms, the Mexican economy has contracted twice and grown twice during the past four quarters.
¿Señales de recesión?
En México, las actividades secundarias registraron una caída trimestral de 1.47%.
Desde 1993, solamente en 12 ocasiones la caída trimestral de las actividades secundarias ha sido igual o mayor al 1% y 10 de estas caídas ocurrieron en periodos de recesión.…
GDP declined 0.6% in the final quarter of 2024 before increasing 0.3% in the first three months of 2025 and 0.6% in the second quarter.
In the first nine months of 2025, the Mexican economy expanded 0.5% in annual seasonally adjusted terms and just 0.2% in original, or unadjusted, terms.
It appears inevitable that in 2025 Mexico will record its worst economic result since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions caused an 8.5% contraction.
Mexico City is the most famous Day of the Dead destination in Mexico. But is it the most authentic? (Visit Mexico)
Millions of tourists are expected to spend Day of the Dead in Mexico City this year, and for a city that houses more than 22 million people, that’s quite a number.
The capital attracts revelers for a variety of reasons: a well-connected airport, plenty of sightseeing, an outstanding culinary scene and, let’s be honest — Mexico City knows how to throw a party.
Thousands participated in Mexico City’s famed Catrina and Alebrije parades last year, commencing the two-week season celebrating Day of the Dead. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)
But in a country heavily stocked with traditional Pueblos Mágicos, is CDMX the best place in Mexico to spend Día de Muertos? It seems that millions think so – after all, the nation’s largest Day of the Dead parade marches down Paseo de la Reforma annually, not to mention the city stages a series of colossal sculptures in the Zócalo and a haunting La Llorona that wails before spectators in Xochimilco’s misty canals.
Coyoacán’s cobblestone streets are adorned with ofrendas (altars offered to the dead, usually loved ones, but not always). Condesa bakeries compete for the city’s best pan de muerto. Independent theaters stage dozens of Mictlan-themed performances depicting the Mexica (Aztec) underworld.
There is no lack of celebration during Day of the Dead in Mexico City; the question is, are these celebrations a bit, well, inauthentic?
The tradition’s intimate roots
A century ago, Day of the Dead throughout the country was largely a private affair: Families built small altars at home, purchased (or baked!) pan de muerto, and decorated their loved ones’ graves with flowers and candles. There were no megaofrendas, no giant processions and very few community events — though in Mexico City, the holiday was already gaining commercial ground. According to Columbia University anthropology professor Claudio Lomnitz, the 18th-century Day of the Dead market in CDMX was so large, it required government oversight.
Of course, an overcrowded tianguis selling holiday trinkets still pales in comparison to what we see today, and the evolution from intimate familial remembrance to a multimillion-peso-generating tourist attraction can be largely attributed to Mexico City’s aforementioned ability to throw a fine fiesta. Starting with food, of course.
Mexico City’s pan de muerto routes
Pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, is a popular seasonal specialty. (Wikimedia Commons/J. Méndez)
Don’t quote me on this, but I reckon if you ask your average visitor what their favorite part of Day of the Dead is, they’ll say the pan de muerto – i.e. bread of the dead. Historically, the sweet delight was a fusion of the bread introduced by the Spanish and the offering rituals of Mexico’s Indigenous peoples. Today, it’s far from a simple Day of the Dead food — it’s an opportunity for the city’s best bakeries to highlight their creativity by inventing all sorts of interesting variations. Within a few blocks’ radius of Mexico City’s bustling central zone — namely, the Condesa, Roma, Polanco and Juárez neighborhoods — you’ll find pan de muerto infused with lavender, injected with chocolate ganache or smothered in a seasonally appropriate pumpkin jam.
To identify the best of the best, social media influencers and the like started documenting — even ranking — pan de muerto from various bakeries. This turned into a trend known as the “Pan de Muerto Route” that is so popular with both locals and visitors that EcoBici introduced its own bike-friendly self-guided tour.
Contests large and small for the best bread of the dead take place all throughout town; Museo Kaluz has been hosting an annual Festival de Pan de Muerto since 2021 — Escandon’s La Maison Croffle won best bread in 2024.
Things to do in Mexico City for Day of the Dead
As far as Mexico City’s Day of the Dead activities, the options are seemingly endless. The calendar is dominated by multiple processions up Paseo de la Reforma — the three biggest being a celebration of catrinas, alebrijes and, lastly, the Grand Parade, which is, by far, the largest spectacle and — as many are surprised to find out — quite new.
The parade began in 2016, thanks to the 2015 James Bond film “Spectre,” which featured a fictional Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City that inspired the city government to put on its own version.
Mexico City’s parade was inspired by the 2015 James Bond film “Spectre.” (Screen Capture)
The Grand Parade currently hosts musical entertainment and up to 40 floats. Face painters and flower vendors are everywhere in the streets. There are altars and installations in parks, museums, shops and cafes. Restaurants, from Testal to Pujol, offer menus incorporating themed ingredients like mole and marigolds. Some revelers head to the Mixquic cemetery on November 2 to see the grave sites transformed by candles and traditional decor, though overtourism at the site — like crowds and traffic jams — is becoming a significant concern.
Where to go instead: Unique Day of the Dead towns in Mexico
Needless to say, if you’re seeking an experience that borders on the authentic, Mexico City may not be the place for you. Thankfully, there are numerous options in towns nearby. If you can follow some simple rules — asking permission before taking photos of people or grave sites, refraining from talking when everyone else is quiet, avoiding stepping on piles of flower petals in front of someone’s door and understanding that eating the bread off a public altar is forbidden — you’ll likely be welcomed with open arms.
Are the following options hidden and bona fide traditional? Perhaps not totally, but you are guaranteed a less-chaotic, more charming approach to arguably the most wonderful holiday in Mexico.
Atlixco, Puebla
A carpet of flowers for Day of the Dead celebrations in Atlixco, Puebla. (Leigh Thelmadatter)
How to get there from CDMX: Take a direct bus from TAPO (La Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente)or Taxqueña using the ADO or Estrella Roja bus companies. The eBus to Puebla will drop you a 30-minute Uber ride from Atlixco. Driving directly takes 2–3 hours.
Why you should go: Atlixco shines during Day of the Dead with flower carpets, marigold fields, and monumental catrina displays. Visitors can explore vibrant marigold fields, festive streets and small parades honoring local traditions.
Huaquechula, Puebla
Ofrendas, or altars, welcoming back visiting souls can be seen in homes and public spaces during Dia de Muertos. (Poblanerías)
How to get there from CDMX: Take a bus or car from TAPO to Puebla, then transfer on local transport to Huaquechula; the trip usually takes 2–3.5 hours. Why you should go: Huaquechula goes all out for the holiday. It’s known for its remarkable multitiered altars and open homes with family ofrendas, as well as a center square that’s full of decorations and entertainment and that features an open-air market.
Tepoztlán, Morelos
Lanterns, mountain backdrops and local hospitality make Tepoztlán an excellent destination for Day of the Dead celebrations. (Meer)
How to get there from CDMX: Direct passenger vans and buses leave frequently from Terminal Taxqueña; road travel takes about 1.5 hours.
Why you should go: The Tepoztlán Day of the Dead scene is considered a spiritual and cozy affair, featuring mystical candlelit cemetery vigils and Indigenous rituals amid mountain backdrops, plus vibrant lanterns and local hospitality.
Huamantla, Tlaxcala
Streets become outdoor art galleries during Day of the Dead festivities in Huamantla. (tipsparatuviaje)
How to get there from CDMX: ADO buses from TAPO to Huamantla take 2–2.5 hours.
Why you should go: Huamantla’s intricate sawdust carpets — made with vibrant colors and ingenious designs — transform the streets into outdoor art galleries, captivating visitors with visual spectacle and strong community pride.
Cholula, Puebla
Volcano views are a feature of Day of the Dead celebrations in Cholula. (Gobierno de México)
How to get there from CDMX: Take an ADO bus from TAPO or an Ebus from the Torre del Angel stop to Puebla, then taxi 20 minutes to Cholula. Driving directly takes about 2 hours.
Why you should go: Cholula’s Day of the Dead celebration is a lively one, featuring plenty of vibrant altars, illuminated church processions and colorful street celebrations with volcano views — plus festive tram rides through the charming town.
Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog or follow her on Instagram.
The proposed legalization of euthanasia is in part the culmination of energetic protests by death-with-dignity activists, including many who themselves are suffering from terminal illnesses. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)
The lower house of Mexico’s legislative branch was scheduled to receive on Wednesday a bill to legalize medically assisted suicide, currently prohibited throughout the country.
The legislation before the Chamber of Deputies, dubbed the Ley Trasciende (Transcendence Law), has been promoted by the Dignified Death Now Coalition, which seeks to reform Mexico’s General Health Law on euthanasia in order to “define, recognize and guarantee the constitutional right to a dignified death.”
In presenting the euthanasia legalization bill to the Senate, supporters of the proposal spoke, including Senator Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas, Senator Margarita Valdez Martínez and the activist Samara Martínez. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)
Activist Samara Martínez, who is living with end-stage renal disease, has been a leading voice in the pro-euthanasia campaign, working alongside the coalition to promote the right to assisted death.
“The Transcendence Law does not seek to promote death; it seeks to humanize it,” Martínez said during an earlier presentation of the proposal in the Senate on Tuesday. “It seeks to ensure that no Mexican man or woman has to die suffering in pain, in fear, but above all, in agony. Because dying in peace is also a right.”
The proposal supports the right to decide on the end of life, voluntarily, with full information and free from coercion. It states that procedures must be requested by patients with terminal illnesses or irreversible suffering and be approved by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, psychologists and thanatologists.
It also highlights the need to provide a team of medical personnel who do not conscientiously object to euthanasia.
“I speak to you from experience,” Martínez stressed. “I have seen colleagues die in conditions that no human being should have to endure.”
A group of patients suffering from chronic degenerative diseases and their caregivers recently gathered at the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City in support of the proposal.
Currently, Mexico’s General Health Law Article 166 Bis 21 prohibits “the practice of euthanasia, understood as homicide out of compassion, as well as assisted suicide.”
However, 20 Mexican states allow for passive euthanasia, allowing patients to refuse medical treatment in critical moments.
In a 2022 survey by the Mexican organization For the Right to Die with Dignity, seven out of 10 participants said they supported the right to medically assisted suicide.
The passing of a Law on Dignified Death in Uruguay earlier this month has drawn greater attention to the cause across Latin America.
The 53rd International Cervantino Festival recently drew film and music fans in Guanajuato. (Facebook)
The 53rd International Cervantino Festival kicked off in Guanajuato on Oct. 10 with more than 3,400 artists from 31 countries and a special focus on this year’s cultural guests of honor: the state of Veracruz and the United Kingdom. Music, dance, opera and theater performances, along with films and visual art exhibitions, were featured through Oct. 26 and drew more than 330,000 attendees from across Mexico and elsewhere.
Top names included Mexican singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas, who performed with the University of Guanajuato Symphony Orchestra; Nathy Peluso, a Spain-based Argentine rapper; Damon Albarn, a UK singer-songwriter and record producer who performed with Africa Express; Kid Koala, a Canadian scratch DJ and record and theater producer; and Javier Camerena, an operatic tenor from Xalapa who has performed in Europe and the U.S. Many of the performances required paid tickets via Ticketmaster, but several offered free admission.
Origins of the festival
Guanajuato is draped in color and noise when the Cervantino comes to town. (Cathy Siegner)
Named for Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, Cervantino has been regularly held in Guanajuato since 1972. However, it was inspired by playwright and professor Enrique Ruelas, who adapted short, comic plays by Cervantes and presented them in the Plaza de San Roque in the 1950s.
One of the many highlights from last week’s loaded Cervantino schedule was Channel One Sound System, a UK-based dub reggae sound system featuring Mikey Dread and three MCs performing with turntables, microphones, amplifiers and loudspeakers to an enthusiastic crowd Oct. 21 at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas esplanade.
The University of Guanajuato hosted a series of films from U.K. and Mexican directors, which, on Oct. 22, included “Mujer de Tierra,” a 2021 short documentary from Evelyn Muñoz Marroquín, and “Chicharras,” a 90-minute feature from Luna Marán released in 2024. Films from U.K. directors Stephen Frears, Ken Loach, Danny Boyle, Mike Newell and others were also spotlighted as part of this year’s festival.
Los Bitchos, a London-based “cumbia-rock” band, took the stage at the Alhóndiga on Oct. 22 and presented an energetic and mainly instrumental set that had the crowd up front on their feet and dancing throughout. Members are pan-continental and consist of lead guitarist Serra Petale from Australia, Uruguayan Agustina Ruiz on synthesizer and keytar, bass player Josefine Jonsson from Sweden and drummer Nic Crawshaw from the U.K.
Scotland and Mexico meet musically
Celtic Fandango, a blend of 14 Mexican and Scottish musicians, enthralled a packed audience at the Alhóndiga on Oct. 24 with a lively and emotive fusion of Veracruz fandango and traditional Gaelic tunes, interspersed with dance steps from both cultures.
On the Mexican side of the stage were Juan José Duarte, Nabani Aguilar Vázquez, Mariel Henry, Sergio Medrano, Julio Aguilar Caletti, Adrián Carrillo and Luis Huerta demonstrating versatility on a variety of traditional and modern instruments. On the Scottish side were Donald Shaw, Ross Ainslie, Kathleen Macinnes, John Sikorsky, Ciorstaidh Beaton, Patsy Reid and Sorren Maclean doing the same.
Celtic Fandango, a mix of 14 Mexican and Scottish musicians, was a big hit at the International Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato. (Facebook)
The creative combination of accordions, harps, violins, guitars, upright bass, bagpipes, whistles, flutes, keyboards, drums, dance and voice proved so exhilarating that the crowd stood as one after the finale and called for an encore, which they happily received.
Bagpipes draw a crowd
For anyone needing another dose of bagpipes, the San Patricio Battalion Bagpipe Band marched to the rescue on Oct. 25 with a one-hour mobile performance that started at Plaza Allende and ended at Teatro Juárez. A big crowd walked along with the pipers and drummers, stopping when the band did and taking cell phone videos of each tune they played.
The Mexico City-based band formed in 1997 to honor the St. Patrick’s Battalion, Irish soldiers who left the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War to fight with the Mexican Army. It’s considered the first Scottish pipe band in the country and is known for combining Mexican music and bagpipes, which the audience clearly appreciated.
A cosmic send-off
The Sun Ra Arkestra of Philadelphia took an Alhóndiga crowd on an interplanetary musical trip Oct. 25 with a two-hour extravaganza of avant-garde jazz, blues, bebop and big band swing. More than a dozen Arkestra members, some band veterans since the 1970s and 1980s, came to Guanajuato for the show, and all sported the colorful, spangled outfits and creative headgear for which they’re known.
Bandleader and saxophone player Knoel Scott stepped in for longtime Arkestra bandleader Marshall Allen, who is 101 years old and no longer tours. Scott simultaneously directed the horn and reed sections, signaled to piano player Farid Abdul-Bari Barron, singer Tara Middleton and drummer George Gray, played the sax and occasionally sang. Later, he even performed some impromptu cartwheels at the front of the stage to loud applause.
The audience refused to let the band go after their hour-and-a-half set and repeatedly shouted for more until they returned to the stage for a long jazzy number during which half the band played their way single-file through the delighted audience. It was a cosmic send-off for the festival’s final Saturday night.
Cathy Siegner is an independent journalist based in San Miguel and Montana. She has journalism degrees from the University of Oregon and Northwestern University.
The fog was caused by a sharp drop in temperature overnight in the Valley of Mexico. (@LisetGlezG/X)
A dense fog bank descended on the Valley of Mexico before dawn Thursday, prompting cancellations and flight delays at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM).
#ArptoBJ ✈️
A partir de las 8:14 horas se normalizaron las operaciones de despegue y aterrizaje, luego de la presencia de niebla en la zona del aeropuerto.
Mantenemos coordinación con las aerolíneas para que todas las operaciones se lleven a cabo con seguridad.
Consulta con tu…
— Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez CDMX (@AICM_mx) October 30, 2025
“As of 8:14 a.m., takeoff and landing operations returned to normal after fog cleared in the airport area. We are coordinating with the airlines to ensure all operations are carried out safely. Please check with your airline for the status of your flight,” the AICM said.
The forecast for an overnight drop in temperature led the Mexico City government to activate a Yellow Alert for several of the city’s boroughs. A Yellow Alert for cold temperatures advises residents to dress warmly, cover their nose and mouth, protect their pets and avoid sudden changes in temperature.
The cooling temperatures — which dipped as low as 4 degrees Celsius (39F) — produced a thick fog bank over southern and eastern Mexico City, initially causing problems for arriving flights and primarily affecting Terminal 1.
The airlines Aeroméxico and Volaris also issued an advisory, informing their passengers that some flights would be affected. Aeroméxico shared links related to flight status and reticketing options on X. Volaris also shared a link on its social media channels for passengers to check their flight status.
Travelers wishing to inquire about their flight status can check directly with the airline, or can track it from the Official Flight Status page by filling in your flight code, city of origin and airline.
Riviera Maya visitors will find plenty of events to enjoy in November. (Unsplash/Eduardo Cano Photo Co.)
Hands down the best way to finish Day of the Dead celebrations I’ve seen, disembark the Muertobus, finish up your hot chocolates at Hanal Pixan and grab your cotton candy. This month is all about festivities and concerts. With a couple of triathlons to help run off those Halloween sweet treats. The Yucatán’s biggest state fair, Feria Yucatán Xmatkuil, is a highlight this month, with everything from cattle shows to famous pop stars. Plus, enjoy a cabaret with Barry I. White for Thanksgiving, and finish the month with romance.
There’s always time for romance in the Riviera Maya. Join hundreds of couples and get married for free. Read on to find out how.
Forget Autobus, we’ve got a Muerto bus!
Want to see Day of the Dead altars on the Riviera Maya? Hop aboard the Muerto bus. (Experience Puerto Morelos)
Vegetarian and pet-friendly are music to my ears! I’m dying to ride the Muerto bus and visit all the stops on the route of altars. Alux alters (cheeky Mayan spirits), heart altars and best of all fantasmas (ghosts). After all, my black cat’s name is Fantasma, and he was born on Halloween, so I’m thinking I could take him with me! This proves to be a fun night filled with phantoms and all the fun of Halloween.
Date: Nov. 1-2, 6 p.m.
Location: Parque de Colonia, Puerto Morelos
Cost: Free, show up and wait in line.
Yucatán’s Xmatkuil Fair
Don’t miss the state’s biggest fair, which draws millions of visitors annually. (Feria Yucatán Xmatkuil)
Where cultural heritage and modern entertainment intersect, this year’s fair has a star-studded lineup. But it’s more than just concerts. It’s rides and regional cuisine, art and animals, agriculture and much more. Having celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, it’s the state’s biggest fair, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Dates: Nov. 7-30
Location: Xmatkuil Fair, Merida. Free shuttles from central Merida on fair dates.
Price: The fair is mostly free, but concert prices vary depending on the artist and whether you want VIP service.
Infinite Open Golf Tournament
Interested in a free golf tournament with incredible views? It’s coming up on the Riviera Maya. (Eventbrite)
It’s not every day you get to golf overlooking the Caribbean. That’s tempting enough for a non-golfer like me to hire some clubs and hit a few balls. What a lovely way to spend a Thursday. So, if you’re like me and like to get out in the sunshine, dawdle around a golf course, and enjoy a cool beverage afterward, head to Playacar to play!
Date: Nov. 13, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba, Playacar, Playa del Carmen
As always, there’s a great lineup of artists scheduled to perform at the Cancún Jazz Festival. (Facebook)
This is right up my alley and I’m tempted to get on a bus and head to Puerto Morelos. Get your groove on at the 11th Annual Cancún Jazz Festival. It’s a great lineup this year and fills up fast, so if packages sell out, you can always stay in town. Or email them at info@jazzfestevents.com to make sure you don’t miss out.
Date: Nov. 15-17
Location: Dreams Jade Resort & Spa, Puerto Morelos
Don’t worry. Beginners are welcome at this triathlon. (Xel-Ha Triathlon)
My kind of triathlon, the Xel-Ha Triathlon folks are sweet enough to break it into Beginners and Olympic categories. Guess which one I would be (wink wink). This one is fun for the whole family. Yes, there are events for the kids, plus the usual women’s and men’s categories. So if you’ve ever thought of trying, this might be the one for you!
Date: Nov. 15-16
Location: Xel-Ha Park, near Tulum.
Cost: Entry starts at 1,599 pesos.
Buccanos Kitchen Experience
Food, wine and Cozumel. What’s not to like? (Cozumel Sun)
I love cooking and I love Buccanos, so this is a match made in heaven. Delve into making a delectable three-course meal, learning from amazing chefs. With the freshest ingredients, locally sourced goods, and perfect wine pairings, it’s an evening any foodie would adore. Classes are with Inés, the owner and a fantastic chef and restaurateur.
Date: Nov. 19
Location: Buccanos, Cozumel
Cost: US $160
Ironman Cozumel
Few places provide a more picturesque backdrop for Ironman competitions than Cozumel. (Zona Turística)
Called Ironman in paradise, I’m volunteering in the medical tent again this year for Ironman Cozumel. I promise to cheer you on. Swim through crystal clear Caribbean waters, cycle along pristine coastline and through vibrant green jungle. It’s one of the most beautiful places for an Ironman event. So if you want to give this one a go, I’ll be there to hold your hand when you’re finished.
Date: Nov. 23
Location: Cozumel Island
Cost: US $808
Thanksgiving with Barry I. White
Spend Thanksgiving with Barry I. White and receive a soulful serenade for the holiday. (Eventbrite)
Enjoy a luxurious Thanksgiving celebration this year with Barry’s soulful serenades under the stars, with a red carpet dinner and a show. Forget the hassle of cooking a huge meal, indulge in an award-winning chef’s traditional Thanksgiving meal, then get on the dance floor to help dance off too much turkey. It doesn’t stop there. Don’t forget the cocktail party afterward.
They’re Queen songs, so of course you know the words. (Eventbrite)
If you’re in my age group (even if you’re not), you’ll love this one. Kick back for a great night’s entertainment with a glass and sing along to Queen’s greatest hits, as performed by pianist Homero Lezzama. Come on, I know you know all the words! So don’t be surprised if I’m singing along at the next table! You can even choose your own seats by the stage.
Mexico Correspondent for International Living, Bel is an experienced writer, author, photographer and videographer with 500+ articles published both in print and across digital platforms. Living in the Mexican Caribbean for over 7 years now she’s in love with Mexico and has no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.
