From excellent to awful, this is how respondents rated 2018. el financiero
Mexico’s president today characterized 2018 as “a good year” and nearly half of Mexicans are in agreement, according to a new poll.
Andrés Manuel López Obrador said in a year-end video message that it has been “the year of hope” because Mexicans chose “transformation and true change,” referring to the July 1 election results that put him and his Morena party in power.
But 2018 has not been easy nor has it been “all happiness,” he said, citing the deaths of Puebla Governor Martha Érika Alonso and her husband the ex-governor, Senator Rafael Moreno Valle.
The two were among five people killed when the helicopter in which they were traveling crashed near the city of Puebla on December 24.
The president repeated his pledge for a full and independent investigation, a probe that is being conducted by investigators from the United States and Canada.
Meanwhile, a national telephone poll by the newspaper El Financiero revealed that 46% of Mexicans believe 2018 has been good if not better. Neither good nor bad was the opinion of 29% while 24% said it was bad, very bad or awful.
The positive assessment was probably fueled by the conclusion by 49% that their lives in general had improved while 13% felt things had gone backwards.
Thirty-eight per cent saw advances in their personal finances; 17% saw a reversal.
For 39% the best thing that happened in 2018 was the conclusion of former president Enrique Peña Nieto’s six-year term, and for 38% it was the election of López Obrador.
The latter was also selected as man of the year by 47%, followed by filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón (Roma) with 15% and Argentinean soccer player Lionel Messi with 10%. Russian President Vladimir Putin made the list, with 9%, well ahead of United States President Donald Trump, who was selected by 2%.
The worst thing about the year for 46% of respondents was insecurity. For 26% corruption was the worst and for 19% the economy.
Devastation left by last week's fire in Zihuatanejo.
Once again Zihuatanejo shines.
Fire broke out high above the city of Zihuatanejo in the Buena Vista and Linda Vista neighborhoods on December 23, affecting some 150 homes and approximately 290 people.
I climbed to the top of the mountain to view the devastation first-hand and was met by friendly neighbors whose homes had not been touched. Climbing higher still I saw people not so fortunate, but already hard at work clearing their land of debris and charred household belongings in anticipation of rebuilding their homes.
Municipal government workers were also on site, with heavy equipment to level the ground and remove some of the larger piles of garbage and remains of lost homes lost. It seemed to me that much had been accomplished in just five short days.
Later, I had the opportunity to interview Zihuatanejo’s first lady, Lizette Tapia Castro, head of the DIF family services agency and wife of Mayor Jorge Sánchez.
With so many rumors flying as to the cause of the fire, I hoped to find a definitive answer to the question on many people’s minds. Officially, the cause has not yet been determined until the authorities make their final report. Unofficially however, it is believed and reported by neighbors in the area to have been caused by young children playing with firecrackers.
Millions of pesos in damage on the hill overlooking Zihuatanejo.
Regardless, efforts to contain the fire seemed to me to be swift and efficient. Led by the municipal government and coordinated by the DIF, people were housed and organized in the Municipal Auditorium of Zihuatanejo near the central part of town within hours. In the first few days, 400 volunteers from the community assisted victims to make sure they were given food, water and clothing, and that their animals were rescued and cared for.
Families carved out space on the floor of the auditorium and were immediately tended to by Red Cross workers, as well as DIF staff of 10 and a small army of volunteers. Supplies such as blankets, inflatables mattresses and sheets and personal hygiene products, to name a few, were distributed by the Red Cross as well another kit containing pots and pans, dishes and cleaning supplies.
Over the next couple of days, I spent a few hours sorting through mounds of clothing that poured into the shelter, chatting with other volunteers and recipients while they tried to get some semblance of order. For the most part, people were upbeat and cheerful, surprising considering the trauma they had just experienced. Of course, the numerous children seemed unfazed as they played together.
Inside the municipal building, several long tables laden with pharmaceuticals and personal hygiene items were set up and manned by pharmacists and medical personnel who dispensed what was needed.
Lizette Tapia also explained that within the week the state of Guerrero will supply families with construction materials including galvanized metal roofing, a sturdier option then the tar paper roofs they had before. As well, each family will receive a brand-new mattress, including a base to set it on, a refrigerator and a full stove.
Red Cross workers with aid for victims.
The state has pledged 2,500 pesos (US $127) to each family immediately and an additional 2,500 pesos a week later so they can begin construction of their homes. The plan is to have the municipal building vacated by the first week of January.
Before the fire, many of the victims lived in houses made of cardboard and plastic and cooked on tiny two-burner stoves or even open fires. Some had never owned a mattress or fridge. For everyone, 5,000 pesos is a lot of money, and there will be opportunities down the road to apply for grants to continue to build with concrete.
The foreign community pulled together, as they always do in Zihuatanejo. Various groups and individuals started fundraising, including the organization known as Por Los Niños, which raised over 153,000 pesos (US $7,800) in less than two days with the promise of more to come.
The money is earmarked for school supplies, uniforms, backpacks and shoes, while other cash donated will purchase propane tanks and water storage tanks. These, too, are luxuries not everyone owned before the fire. Additional cash, if any, will be used on an ongoing basis as people struggle with health issues from the contaminants that polluted the air during the fire.
There were many takeaways that have resulted from the tragedy. Perhaps the best for me is how the community and government have pulled together in an obviously well run and professionally executed manner that all can be proud of.
Children play at the municipal shelter.
And I for one couldn’t help but think that for many people affected, this could well be a blessing in disguise.
If you wish to donate, you may do so directly with the DIF. The account name is Municipio de Zihuatanejo de Azueta DIF Municipal Apoyo, Bancomer account number 0112356473.
To help with educational supplies you can donate through Por Los Niños.
The writer is a Canadian who has lived and worked in Mexico for many years.
Buy some grapes, pack a suitcase and take care choosing the color of your underwear on Monday. Those are just three New Year’s Eve traditions in Mexico with which you can kick off the new year.
The idea of starting afresh is appealing to many who see the new year as a chance for a clean slate and a new start. Many will be thinking of resolutions to guide them into the coming year.
All over the world there are traditions with which to see in the new year and Mexico is no exception, with a number of rituals to clear out the old and bring in the new. Here are a few that you may want to try.
The 12 grapes of new year
Stock up on seedless grapes before your New Year’s Eve party to take part in the 12-grape ritual common in many parts of the country. It is likely that the tradition came to Mexico from Spain, but nonetheless the practice of eating 12 grapes in the countdown to midnight (or some say at the stroke of midnight) remains incredibly popular.
Take each grape and make a wish on each one as you pop them into your mouth. Some say that if the grape is sweet you will get your wish but if it is bitter you might be in for a tricky month, so pay attention to the flavor of each fruit as you chomp them down.
The empty suitcase
If you want travel to be in your future in 2019 get some suitcases ready on New Year’s Eve. Don’t pack the suitcases, however, because for this ritual they should be empty. As the clock strikes midnight, grab your bags and head out for a walk around the block under the light of the moon. The belief is that this ritual will ensure that you get to enjoy new horizons in the coming year.
The color of your underwear matters
You might notice that markets and supermarkets in Mexico are selling lots of underwear in bright red, yellow and green colors in the lead-up to New Year’s. This is because according to tradition the color of your New Year’s Eve panties can help you attract what you are most looking for in the coming year.
Don a red pair if you are looking for love, yellow if you want to attract wealth and green if you want good health. You may also choose to wear white underwear if you are looking for a more peaceful 12 months in 2019.
Sweep out the old to make space for abundance
Grab a broom and get ready to sweep out the old. On New Year’s Eve, a common ritual is to ceremoniously sweep dirt out from the front door of the house before throwing some coins outside the door and then sweeping them back inside. The symbolism of this ritual is rather obvious: letting go of the old and welcoming in the wealth. Get your brooms and coins ready if wealth and abundance are what you are after in the coming year.
Burning of the old year
In Quintana Roo and some other parts of Mexico there is a tradition, likely Spanish in origin as well, that involves making a doll that acts like an effigy of all the bad or stagnant energies of things from the previous year. The doll sometimes represents a political figure but can just be a symbolistic representation of all of the negative occurrences from the last 12 months.
At midnight the doll is burned. As it goes up in smoke and disappears it takes all of those bad things from the previous year with it.
Bringing light into the new year
The universal symbolism of light plays a role in this New Year’s tradition. Light up your house by turning on all the lights before midnight so that your home is as bright as possible. The idea is that the light will attract prosperity and abundance in the year to come.
Pick the color of your candles wisely
Another tradition related to light is to burn a particular color candle depending on what you are hoping to attract in the new year. If you want a peaceful year light a blue candle, if you are looking for abundance find yourself a yellow one, for love light a red one or to rid yourself of negative energies, a purple candle is for you.
Green candles are said to bring good health, orange ones attract success and if things are a little muddled and you need some clarity, light up a white candle to help clear the way in 2019. Once lit, it is believed that your candle should not be put out until it has burned all the way down so that all the positive energy fills your home.
Let there be lentils
If you are hoping for an abundant 2019 make sure to cook up some lentils on December 31.At the stroke of midnight, grab a spoonful of the cooked lentils and eat them. It is quite likely that this tradition comes from Roman times when a purse of lentils would be given to friends or family with the idea that they would become gold coins.
The abundant sheep
You may have seen a number of stores and market stalls around Mexico selling sheep figurines alongside things like candles, crystals, potions and lotions. This is because sheep are believed to bring abundance. Once purchased, place your sheep by the front door, maybe with a gold coin or two, and wait for the money to come rolling in in 2019.
Wear something new while enjoying your New Year’s dinner
Another tradition is to wear a new item of clothing or accessory to your New Year’s dinner or festivities. It is said that this will help attract abundance in the coming year. Out with the old, in with the new, as they say.
Whatever form your New Year’s Eve takes, here’s hoping that all your wishes come true.
Susannah Rigg is a freelance writer and Mexico specialist based in Mexico City. Her work has been published by BBC Travel, Condé Nast Traveler, CNN Travel and The Independent UK among others. Find out more about Susannah on her website.
Two years after an explosion that killed 42 people, the San Pablito fireworks market in México state has reopened.
Between Thursday night and Friday morning, the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) approved applications for operating permits from 168 stallholders at the market, located about 40 kilometers north of Mexico City in the municipality of Tultepec.
A further 89 stallholders are still waiting for permits to be granted.
All licenses held by vendors who worked at the market were suspended after the December 20, 2016 explosion that in addition to claiming the lives of 42, left more than 60 people injured and completely destroyed the market.
Tultepec Mayor Armando Cervantes Punzo said the new permits allow up to 25 kilograms of fireworks to be stored in each of the 300 new stalls.
“It’s a great release of pressure that the permit suspensions have been lifted . . . [The new market] is a regulated sales space that complies with all the applicable regulations,” he said.
San Pablito, after and before the 2016 explosion.
Cervantes told the newspaper El Sol de México that the market met all the relevant safety requirements in October but the granting of the new permits was delayed by bureaucracy that was further complicated by the change of federal government.
He said the new market was built in accordance with state government and Sedena safety guidelines, adding that vendors now have no excuse for selling fireworks illegally.
Market manager Germán Galicia Cortez said the market was built using a special explosion-resistant cement produced by Mexican cement company Cemex.
The México state government contributed 35 million pesos (US $1.8 million) for the construction of 150 stores within the market while the Tultepec municipal government chipped in seven million pesos (US $356,000) towards building the remaining 150.
Around 10,000 people in Tultepec depend on the fireworks industry for their livelihoods.
The intelligent speed bump in its inactivated position.
The bane of motorists across the country is slowly going high tech, bringing traffic control into the 21st century.
An “intelligent” speed bump is being installed for a trial run in the Panorama neighborhood of León, Guanajuato, replacing a tope, as they are called in Spanish, a lump of concrete on the roadway that either slows down motorists or destroys their vehicle’s suspension if they fail to spot it in time.
The new, dynamic tope is equipped with a system that allows it to detect the speed of an oncoming vehicle. Those travelling under the 40 km/h limit will pass freely without having to slow for a speed bump, but motorists exceeding the limit will be forced to slow down when the speed bump rises from the surface of the road.
The tope will also be raised during opening and closing times at a nearby school, and pedestrians will be able to control it with the press of a button to allow them to cross the road in safety.
The trial will run for three months, after which the municipality will analyze its viability and determine the possibility of installing more of them on other thoroughfares.
Intelligent speed bumps have already been installed in Morelia, Michoacán, and Puebla.
Military officials check weapons of municipal police.
Federal and state security forces assumed responsibility for policing in three municipalities in Morelos yesterday due to suspicions of criminal activities or corruption within the ranks of local police.
Officials are conducting an inspection of the municipal police forces’ weapons and ammunition and reviewing the list of inscribed officers in Jiutepec, Yautepec and Cuernavaca.
The three municipalities are among the most violent in the state.
Military sources said there have been citizen complaints of irregularities in the conduct of Cuernavaca police.
New mayors and other officials were being sworn in this weekend in all three municipalities.
The spending of over 3 billion pesos (US $159 million at the time) from the national disaster relief fund Fonden in 2017 was administered imprecisely, lacked transparency and suffered irregularities, according to an internal report by the Secretariat of the Interior.
The analysis looked at 10 disaster declarations in which funds were granted to rebuild roads, water, marine, tourism and education infrastructure.
Seven of the declarations were issued in the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca in the aftermath of a hurricane and a series of earthquakes. The OIC also found “imprecise follow-up and supervision of activities related to the allocation [of funding]” because the governments of both states failed to follow new rules.
Before that update, Fonden regulations established that the federal and state governments each contributed 50% of the funding required to rebuild damaged public infrastructure.
The new rule dictates that the Fonden Technical Council must approve the percentage of federal contributions to the disaster relief fund.
The OIC probe found that all 32 states failed to follow the new procedure.
Street vendors have invaded Mexico City’s emblematic central square despite assurances from the new city government that they wouldn’t be permitted to sell their wares there.
The sellers commonly known as ambulantes or toreros have also recently moved in on other parts of the capital’s historic center where they are ostensibly banned. Those locations include city hall, the crowded pedestrian street Madero and in front of the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts).
According to Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum “the zócalo [the central square] is not open” for informal commerce but the newspaper Milenio reported today that vendors selling there have not been removed by authorities.
Arts, crafts, clothing, toys and food are among the products ambulantes sell either by setting up portable shops or by roaming from place to place.
Police in most cases do nothing to stop the practice unless they have been given specific orders to carry out an operation against it.
The owners and managers of brick-and-mortar establishments claim that the growing presence of the informal economy on the city’s downtown streets is having a negative impact on their businesses.
“It mainly affects us because the street vendors divert attention away from us . . . They’re very insistent with people and they don’t come in here anymore,” the manager of a men’s clothing store on Madero Street told Milenio.
A café employee on the same street said that on occasions when police have tried to crack down on the practice, fights have broken out.
“. . . For businesses that pay taxes, [the situation] is ugly. As far as I know they don’t have permission [to sell here] . . .” she said.
City resident Luz Muñoz said she hasn’t seen the capital’s downtown so crowded and chaotic for years and that the vendors are at least partially to blame.
“. . . You can’t walk because the streets are full, it feels more unsafe and [the street stalls] look bad, especially at Bellas Artes,” she said.
A street sweeper said that the amount of rubbish on the downtown streets has also increased significantly as a result of the high number of hawkers.
In 2007, the former Mexico City government, led at the time by current Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, cleared a large area of the downtown of street vendors and in the decade since only small numbers have moved back in.
But with a new mayor in office, the ambulantes have reappeared en masse. Some are demanding that they be given be permanent spaces in the street to set up shop and that the massive informal sector be legally recognized.
Diana Sánchez Barrios, president of an organization that represents informal economy workers, acknowledged that street vendors in the historic center shouldn’t be selling there but argued that they have no other choice.
“People have to go out to earn their bread. . .” she said.
Guerrero farmers have been devastated by the collapse in opium prices.
Drug trafficking gangs in Guerrero are turning their attention to mining as opium gum prices plummet, violence increases and the opioid known as “china white” floods into Mexico, a local bishop says.
Salvador Rangel, bishop of the diocese of Chilpancingo-Chilapa, told reporters this week that cultivating opium poppies is no longer profitable due to the low prices their paste yields.
So they are turning their attention to mines and sawmills.
Turf wars between competing criminal gangs have intensified, Rangel said, as they attempt to seize control of gold and silver mines and lumber mills.
The bishop conceded that the Christmas truce he attempted to broker was unsuccessful.
“As long as drugs, in particular opium gum that is extracted from poppies, doesn’t provide a good profit, the problems will continue,” Rangel said.
Bishop Rangel concedes he was unable to broker a Christmas truce.
“The price fell completely. Three years ago, [opium gum] cost 35,000 or 40,000 pesos [US $1,800 to $2,000] a kilo and now they’re paying 3,500 or 4,000 pesos [US $180 to $200]. The people in the Sierra with whom I have contact don’t want to plant [poppies] anymore, they say simply that ‘it doesn’t maintain us anymore.’”
The bishop said that in mountainous areas of Guerrero, where the cultivation of poppies has supported communities for decades, people are now living in poverty.
“. . . Especially the campesinos [small-plot farmers], who were forced by organized crime to plant [poppies] and sell to a certain group. A lot of murders occurred in Guerrero because one community chose to sell to a different group who paid better,” Rangel said.
“They’re going through an unprecedented situation because of the fall in the price of opium gum and the invasion of china white into Mexico from the United States. It’s an opportune moment for the government to do something to support these people who are very poor. Hunger is the mother of all wars. If only there was economic stability so that there would be social stability,” he added.
Earlier this year, a group of community leaders from the state’s Sierra region appealed to then president-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador to legalize the cultivation of opium poppies for use in the manufacture of legal pharmaceuticals.
An all-female mariachi band from Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, has given Bohemian Rhapsody, the most streamed song of the 20th century, a distinctly Mexican touch.
The 11-member Innovación Mexicana band released their version two weeks ago, a mariachi interpretation of the rock classic, performed with traditional mariachi instruments and a piano.
The 6-1/2-minute video posted to YouTube has earned over 143,000 impressions and overwhelmingly positive comments.
The hit by the band Queen, released in 1975, has been rediscovered by the streaming-era generation thanks in large part to the eponymous film released last month, accumulating a total of 1.6 billion streams on YouTube and Spotify.
