What’s on in San Miguel de Allende in February?

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January 30, 2025

WhatsApp Image 2025-01-30 at 12.37.46 — Feria de la Candelaria (María Ruiz)

February arrives in San Miguel de Allende with a vibrant mix of cultural, artistic and musical events, which means it’s time to ask what’s on in the coming weeks. From celebrating long-standing traditions like the Feria de la Candelaria and its workshops to live performances that span opera and mesmerizing dance shows, this month offers something for everyone.

Highlights include the 20th anniversary of the San Miguel Writers’ Conference, the soulful melodies of the Gil Gutiérrez Trio and the exciting debut of Soul Fusion’s Black History Month festival. Whether you’re exploring local traditions, connecting with the finest in literature or dancing to the beats of electronic music, February in San Miguel is packed with events to inspire and entertain.

Feria de la Candelaria

February brings the 49th edition of the beloved Feria de la Candelaria, now set in the scenic Parque Zeferino Gutiérrez. This cherished event features over 100 exhibitors offering an incredible variety of plants, pots and gardening supplies. Traditionally held at Parque Benito Juárez, the fair has moved due to logistical changes stemming from the construction of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Cardo. The new location provides spacious grounds to explore and purchase an incredible array of beautiful plants.

Over two weeks, the Feria de la Candelaria offers a variety of engaging events. Participate in workshops on rural medicine or learn about the endemic animals and plants of San Miguel de Allende. Tap into your creativity with a fun floral mixology class or immerse yourself in the soulful experience of a cacao ceremony. Music lovers will especially enjoy the heartfelt musical tribute to Juan Gabriel. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Date: Jan. 31 to Feb. 16
Location: Parque Zeferino Gutiérrez
Cost: Free entry

La Mandrágora y Otras Yerbas

This special recital features two celebrated artists: pianist and composer Marta García Renart, known for her distinguished career that includes performances at Carnegie Hall and impactful work as a music educator, and soprano Luz Escalera, a talented performer with a solid international career. The concert offers a captivating mix of classical and Mexican music, including works by Mozart, Hugo Wolf, George Crumb and Fauré, alongside pieces by Marta García Renart and Blas Galindo. This unique program promises to celebrate European classical traditions and Mexico’s musical roots.

Date: Feb. 1, 3:45 pm
Location: Univerciudad Casa El Nigromante, Umarán 38, Centro
Cost: Tickets start at 280 pesos

Midwinter ceremony with an Amazonian spiritual elder

This spiritually rich gathering honors the midpoint between winter and spring, a time of renewal and connection. The highlight of the evening is a cacao ceremony led by Manari Ushigua, a revered elder and healer of the Sápara nation in the Ecuadorian Amazon, who will share the rainforest’s vibrant energy. The event also includes a sacred fire at sunset and a light tamale dinner, creating a powerful and reflective experience. All profits benefit Manari’s mission to support his Amazonian community.

Date: Feb. 7, 4 to 9 p.m.
Location: Montolea 11, Valle de los Senderos
Cost: 500 pesos

Noches Lúcidas House & Techno

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Born in 2018 as a beachfront block party in Nayarit, this roaming party has since held more than 50 events throughout Mexico and the United States. This electrifying event blends deep-tech vibes inspired by nightlife capitals like London and Berlin with the minimal melodies of Tulum. Founders Santa María Rivera, Bgeezy and Fouad Masoud will deliver back-to-back sets, joined by talented DJs from Morelia and Querétaro. With mesmerizing music, vibrant lights and an inclusive atmosphere, it promises to be an unforgettable night of house music and dancing.

Date: Feb. 7, 7:00 pm to 2:00 am
Location: Sai-Kó Nigiri Lounge, Calle Hernandez Macias, Centro
Cost: 150 pesos.

The Marriage of Figaro

Experience the magic of Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” widely regarded as one of the greatest operas ever composed. This sequel to Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” follows the comedic escapades of Figaro as he thwarts Count Almaviva’s attempt to exercise feudal rights over Susanna, Figaro’s bride-to-be. The opera features a captivating mix of mistaken identities, hilarious subterfuge and breathtaking arias.

The stellar cast includes Alberto Albarrán as Figaro, Enrique Angeles as the Count, Anabel de la Mora as Susanna and Jacinta Barbachano as the Countess, accompanied by Pro Musica’s outstanding orchestra. From its lively overture to its moving duets and ensembles, this performance will have you laughing and marveling at the genius beauty of Mozart’s music. Don’t miss this exquisite blend of humor, drama and timeless musical artistry.

Date: Feb. 7, 5 p.m.
Location: Teatro Angela Peralta, Centro
Cost: Starting at 300 pesos

Gil Gutiérrez Trio with Dave Rodriguez and Robert Stern

Gil Gutiérrez Trio - Live at Caffe Lena

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening of enchanting string music at Teatro Santa Ana. Renowned guitarist Gil Gutiérrez will be joined by two extraordinary musicians from New York, Dave Rodriguez on double bass and Robert Stern on violin, for a captivating trio performance. This intimate concert promises a stirring musical experience. Whether you’re a fan of classical strings or simply looking for a unique way to spend the evening, secure your spot for this special night!

Date: Feb. 14, 6 p.m.
Location: Teatro Santa Ana, Relox 50A
Cost: 550 pesos, tickets available at the theater’s box office

Darbukanos Dance

Celebrate the ninth anniversary of dance ensemble Darbukanos with a dazzling performance that transports audiences through the rich cultural tapestry of Turkish, Arab, Macedonian, Sephardic and Balkan music and dance. Founded by renowned dancer and choreographer Fridha Chacón, this talented ensemble of Mexican performers delivers a breathtaking display of hypnotic belly dances and music. Their artistry is complemented by vibrant costumes adorned with shimmering fabrics and intricate designs, which enhance the visual spectacle and deeply connect the audience to the cultural roots of this exciting show.

Date: Feb. 15, 6 p.m.
Location: Teatro Angela Peralta, Centro
Tickets: 400 pesos, available at the theater’s box office

San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival

Molly Ringwald and Danielle Trussoni — (Alistair Palmer)

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the San Miguel Writers’ Conference with a dazzling lineup of literary greats! The keynote lineup includes literary luminaries like John Irving, Percival Everett, Kaveh Akbar, John Vaillant, Jorge F. Hernández, Ruth Reichl and Jennifer Clement.

The festival offers a variety of engaging activities, including agent pitch sessions, individual consultations, post-conference workshops, open mic nights, a poetry fire circle, the Big Read event and exciting excursions. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or an avid reader, immerse yourself in this vibrant literary celebration. For the first time, the festival is honoring its home country by offering all Spanish-speaking programs at no cost to Mexican nationals. Simultaneous interpretation for presentations in English and Spanish.

Date: Feb. 12 to 16
Location: Hotel Real de Minas, Colonia San Antonio
Cost: Packages available online

Black History Month Music, Art & Food Festival

Celebrate Black American heritage and culture at Soul Fusion’s inaugural festival in San Miguel de Allende! This gathering in honor of Black History Month in the U.S. will be hosted at Geek & Coffee, a charming restaurant with a beautiful garden next to the duck pond within the fabulous Fabrica La Aurora. The celebration features live music performances by StephyLoren, Dr. Jackie “Bouvier” Copeland, Danielle Simmons and Carlos Pirex. Enjoy the offerings of incredible artisans and food vendors, plus a health and wellness area and kids’ corner for family-friendly fun. Soul Fusion is a global music movement dedicated to preserving and advancing Black music heritage through education, performances and public awareness. Everyone is welcome to join in this celebration!

Date: Feb. 22, 1 to 6 p.m.
Location: Geek & Coffee at Fabrica La Aurora
Cost: 300 pesos, kids enter for free

Hands-on jewelry design workshop with Matthew Gross

Unleash your creativity at this immersive jewelry design workshop led by the talented Matthew Gross. This hands-on experience invites participants of all ages to dive into the fascinating world of jewelry making. In this workshop, you’ll not only expand your jewelry-making skills but also draw inspiration from the beauty around you to create truly unique designs. Learn how to develop simple shapes into intricate pieces, understand the evolution of design forms over time and discover innovative problem-solving approaches that apply to other areas of design.

Date: Feb. 26, 2:45 p.m.
Location: Sala Quetzal at the Biblioteca Pública
Cost: Voluntary Donation in benefit of La Biblioteca

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].

What’s on in Oaxaca in February?

By

Anna Bruce

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January 30, 2025

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claudia-raya-oucIW6G-3h4-unsplash — (Claudia Raya/Usplash)

February is a beautiful time to visit Oaxaca. Warm in the day but cool at night. Perfect for exploring the city before getting cozy in a bar in the evening. If you decide to come for Valentine’s day the city definitely leans into decorating for the romantic holiday, with flowers and hearts everywhere. A chocolate tasting or workshop is a fun way to enjoy this day with your favorite person.

Mole fair in Mitla

One of the top things people visit Oaxaca for is the mole. February starts with a fair of seven moles in the beautiful town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla, about an hour drive from Oaxaca city. You can take a bus or shared tax from next to the baseball stadium, or one of the many tour companies can arrange a visit. This event will celebrate the gastronomic and cultural wealth of the region to enjoy the colors, aroma and flavors of the mole. You will be able to find chocolate, chocoatole and the seven different types of mole. This will be part of a broader fair in Mitla that will include music dancing.

Dates: Feb. 1 and 2, 9 to 6 p.m.
Location: San Pablo Villa de Mitla
Tickets: Free entry

Human Toys at Justa Rufina

Back in the city center, start the month with a night out and see Human Toys play in Oaxaca. They offer a sexy, subversive punk rock experience. Justa Rufina Fonda Bar, playing host, is a great place to get your dance on! They also have great food and cocktails.

Date: Feb. 1 at 9 p.m.
Location: Justa Rufina Fonda Bar, Ignacio Allende, Centro
Tickets: Available at Songkick

Lucha libre at the Auditorio Guelaguetza

This month sees a major face-off for Oaxacan Lucha Libre, with Alberto El Patron and L.A Park taking on Psycho Clown and Pagano. Lucha Libre translates as “free fight,” and is a Mexican style of professional wrestling characterized by high-flying maneuvers. Fighters often wear masks to hide their identity in and out of the ring. In Oaxaca, the regular events are usually in a small arena on the outskirts of the city. However, on Feb. 2, this bout will take place in the Guelaguetza stadium.

When: Feb 2. at 6 p.m.
Where: Auditorio Guelaguetza
Tickets: Starting at 330 pesos

15th International Organ and Early Music Festival

A unique opportunity to hear organ music and to experience Oaxaca off the tourist track with eight concerts on eight Oaxaca historic organs. Concerts will be delivered by by renowned organists Luca Scandali (Italy), James O’Donnell (UK) and José Suárez with Horacio Franco (Mexico City) on the recorder, as well as Cicely Winter, with Valentín Hernández (Oaxaca) on percussion.

Date: Feb. 5 to 10
Location: Various locations
Tickets: Organ Festival Press release

Super Bowl LIX

Watch the Super Bowl with a mezcal. This venue is usually one recommended to visit to sip Oaxaca’s most famous spirit, in an environment where they can talk you through the process. On Feb. 9 it will also be the spot to catch up with football fans and catch the sports most anticipated event. Who will take the win: Eagles or Chiefs?

Date: Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Bar El Gallo, inside the Centro Cultural del Mezcal, Calle Hidalgo 912
Tickets: Reservations can be made over the phone at 951 579 1726

“Romeo and Juliet” at La Mancha

Staying with a romantic theme, you can go and see a rendition of Romeo and Juliet. Based in Oaxaca 1828, the fight between the Liberals and Conservatives stains the streets of the city. Two young lovers refuse to accept that their love is prevented by belonging to opposing sides, but will they manage to stay together this time?

Dates: Feb. 15 and 22 at 4 p.m.
Location: Centro Cultural La Mancha, Murguia 507, Centro
Tickets: 200 pesos, available calling 971 137 5354 and 951 123 0069.

Oaxaca Food & Wine Festival

After 15 years of producing an award-winning Key West Food & Wine Festival in Key West the team are bringing the event to Oaxaca. “Known as the gastronomic center of Mexico, Oaxaca is simply the perfect place for food lovers to gather.”

Dates: Feb. 20 to 23
Location: Various locations in Oaxaca City
Tickets: On sale through Feb. 10 at oaxacafoodandwinefestival.com

Unconventional Pet Fair

(Feria de mascotas no convencionales/Facebook)

Visit the 3rd Annual Unconventional Pet Fair at the University of Oaxaca. As well as the iconic Ambystoma mexicanum — better known as the axolotl — there will also be an exhibition of reptiles and small mammals such as pygmy hedgehogs.

Date: Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia UABJO, Avenida Universidad S/N, Ex Hacienda Cinco Señores
Tickets: Free entry

Zipolite Nudist Festival

February is a great time to get down to the coast of Oaxaca. To get fully immersed, join Zipolite’s 10th annual nudist festival. The celebrations will start with a calenda, and tour the main street of Zipolite. During the festival you can go see whales, get body painted and take part in a volleyball competition.

Date: Jan. 31 through Feb. 2
Location: Various Venues: Hotel Nude Beach, Shambala Beach, Hotel el Paraiso Beach, Cobblestone, Hotel Posada México Beach, Hotel Alquimista Beach
Tickets: Most activities are free. Contact workshop leaders for paid activities.

Pauli Pocket on Mazunte beach

After spending a few days celebrating nudism, head for a dance as German DJ Pauli Pocket plays house and techno on the Oaxaca coast’s Mazunte beach. Mazunte is a firm favorite of hippies and travelling partygoers. It’s a chiller vibe than Puerto Escondido, but people get into the swing of things from the early afternoon.

Date: Feb. 2
Location: Mazunte Beach
Tickets: Details at Songkick

Anna Bruce is an award-winning British photojournalist based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Just some of the media outlets she has worked with include Vice, The Financial Times, Time Out, Huffington Post, The Times of London, the BBC and Sony TV. Find out more about her work at her website or visit her on social media on Instagram or on Facebook.

Mexico City named one of Nat Geo’s eight best food destinations for 2025

By

MND Staff

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January 30, 2025

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A Mexico City taquero prepares food in the background, with a pile of roasted nopales, meat and vegetables in the foreground — Mexico City's wide variety of food offerings, from steaming street tacos to high restaurants has won the city yet another culinary recognition. (Shutterstock)

Once again, Mexico City has won international recognition after National Geographic Traveller included the capital city among its top food destinations for 2025.

“Mexico has long been a destination for foodies,” Nat Geo said in its list of the eight best food travel destinations for this year. It also noted that the Michelin Guide 2024 is yet another reason to travel there this year.

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A post shared by Directo al Paladar México (@directoalpaladarmexico)

Nat Geo highlighted El Califa de León, Mexico’s only taquería to have been awarded a Michelin star. This tiny and unpretentious taquería in the San Rafael neighborhood of Mexico City, has been around since 1968. According to the Michelin Guide, the signature beef-filet taco is “exceptional.”

The magazine gave a special mention to restaurants featured in the 50 World’s Best Restaurant list, including Pujol, Quintonil and Rosetta; “all of which are commended for their modern and inventive takes on Mexican cuisine,” Nat Geo said.

It’s not the first time Nat Geo has celebrated Mexico City’s variety of foods and dishes, the availability of which shifts constantly throughout the day. Tacos de guisado (with stew) are typically seen at breakfast and lunchtime as is barbacoa (slow-roasted meat). Carnitas (slow-cooked pork), or mixiote (pit-barbecued meat) are generally enjoyed at midday, while street-style tacos are mainly served at night.

And let’s not forget the ubiquitous tortillas, which can be enjoyed at every meal.

Six tacos de guisados with various stewed fillings — Mexico City is known for delicious and varied tacos de guisado, which feature a range of stewed fillings. (T. Tseng CC BY 2.0)

Nat Geo also praised the cheap prices and fast service of food stalls at markets and cocinas económicas (low-cost diners), which offer everything from freshly made tortillas to juices or fresh brews, seafood, desserts and garnachas, which are fried tortillas with refried beans and a variety of garnishes.

Finally, it featured Mexico City’s cantinas, which are the equivalent of a pub in the U.K. There will often be karaoke, live music and even mariachi bands. While cantinas mostly serve drinks, some surprise their guests with free appetizers. Other cantinas have a proper menu with traditional dishes like pancita (tripe soup), birria (meat stew), caldo de camarón (shrimp soup) and more.

“You can spend the day eating, drinking and singing,” Nat Geo said.

The magazine also recommended the restaurants La Blanca Café, El Canto de las Sirenas and La Especial de París.

In addition to Mexico City, Nat Geo featured Sicily, Italy; Cumbria, U.K; Alabama, U.S; Cape Town, South Africa; Busan, South Korea; Croatia; and Catalonia, Spain.

With reports from National Geographic

In case you missed it: Archbishop asks soccer fans to stop making Jesus a Club Ámerica supporter

By

MND Staff

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January 30, 2025

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Jesus Club Ámerica — Fans of soccer team Club Ámerica have been asked to stop dressing statues of the baby Jesus with club colors. (Metropolitano Aguascalientes/Facebook)

Can you picture the Baby Jesus dressed in your favorite club’s jersey? Well, one Mexico City market has made this a reality.

According to merchants at the Historic Center’s Corredor del Niño Dios — known for it’s range of costumes for statues of Jesus — the most requested piece of clothing to dress up the Baby Jesus on Candlemas Day (Feb. 2) is Mexico City’s Club América “Tricampeón” football kit.

Kevin Álvarez celebrating a goal during the match between the Águilas del América and the Rayados del Monterrey, corresponding to the final of the first leg of the Apertura 2024 tournament of the BBVA MX League, held at the Cuauhtémoc Stadium. — Mexico City’s Club Ámerica have recently sealed their third consecutive national title. (Mireya Novo/Cuartoscuro)

The capital’s Club América, also dubbed “Las Águilas,” is the club with the largest fan base in Mexico. The team recently won their third consecutive national championship title in the Liga Mx.

“We’re going to dress [the Baby Jesus] with the uniform of the three-time champion America. That’s what people are asking for, América,” the owner of Creaciones Guadalupe told newspaper Excelsior.

But the Archbishop of Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Oscar Roberto Dominguez Couttolenc, called on parishioners to be respectful of the image of the Baby Jesus and not to dress him as a soccer fan or a superhero.

“If you support America or Cruz Azul, that’s one thing,” the Archbishop said. “Don’t dress them as Batman or other superheroes. Let’s be respectful… Just dress [the figure] as Baby Jesus.”

Batman Jesus — Sorry DC fans, Batman is also a no-go. (Pinterest)

Prices for Baby Jesus’ costumes vary, ranging from 80 pesos (US $4) to more artisanal pieces that cost around 2,000 pesos (US $100).

Vendors at the Historic Center told the newspaper Excelsior that dressing up the Baby Jesus on Candlemas Day is a Catholic tradition as old as Mexico’s love for football. The tradition of dressing up the Baby Jesus dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when nuns often dressed many religious figures in garments they had woven themselves. Over time, this practice was passed on to parishioners, who continue the tradition by dressing the figurines today.

Candlemas is a holiday that celebrates the purification of the Virgin Mary after giving birth — following Jewish traditions of the time — and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem. This celebration is still alive in much of Latin America and Spain.

In Mexico, observants dress up a Baby Jesus figure to take it to the temple in remembrance of the presentation day. There are no references in the Bible as to whether the Baby Jesus was a fan of Club Ámerica, however.

With reports from Excélsior

Even more Mexican heartthrobs — A gringo guide to must-listen pop stars

By

James Monack

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January 30, 2025

7

Man in leopard print bathrobe standing in front of wall papered with Mexican newspapers makes devil-horn rock sign with one hand while holding album with another — (Jimmy Monack)

Staying power is an elusive quality when it comes to pop music, perhaps more than any other profession — but how do Mexican female pop stars known for high-energy shows complete with athletic dancing and lung-draining choruses still sell out an auditorium thirty years after hitting the scene? One-hit wonders need not apply.

There you are, the expat at your new Mexican friend’s house, enjoying drinks and conversation. You have just impressed your hosts by mentioning Luis Miguel and Juan Gabriel. Now it is time to take it to a whole new level and blow their minds with your knowledge of Mexico’s female pop idols. These first three will serve you well.

Alejandra Guzmán

Undoubtedly, upon seeing this name, some will instantly shout, “Alejandra Guzmán is not pop! She’s rock!” This correct response is, “Who cares?” It is a bit like someone saying, “That’s not deep dish! It’s Neapolitan!”

Guzmán was somewhat destined for greatness as her parents, famous actress Silvia Pinal and pioneering rocker Enrique Guzman, booked her on their own TV show when she was two months old. The rest is, as they say, history.

Guzmán indeed has a bit more edge than many Mexican pop stars. While she can certainly hit the high notes that send cellphone flashlights waving right to left in a concert hall, she effortlessly switches from a breathy melody to a tiger-like growl, and that’s when you need to watch out.

Consider the song “Mírala Míralo” off her 1993 album “Libre.” The raspy quality of her singing adds plenty of danger. The song “Diablo” has her at her most dangerous. Regardless of the costume she might wear, one always speculates that somewhere underneath, there is probably a weapon.

Alejandra Guzmán - Como Ladrones (En Vivo)

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Alternatively, the bossa-infused “Enternamente Bella” shows a tender side while still retaining that smoky, sensual voice. “Lado Oscuro” is a song that conjures an image of a woman at the bar in a dusty saloon who knows, despite her explanation, that others will never experience pain the way she has.

Gritty, guttural and badass. Alejandra Guzman is the perfect introduction to the great women of Mexican music.

Nickname: Reina del Rock
Comparable Idol: Pat Benatar

Yuri

Headbands and leg warmers. If that doesn’t tell you the era Yuridia Valenzuela Canseco is from, then you have no right to sing along to “Mickey” or “I Want Candy” ever again. The difference between Toni Basel, Bow Wow Wow and Yuri is that the latter can still sell out 10,000 seats, as she will most likely do this Feb. 5 at Auditorio National in Mexico City.

Yuri - Detrás de Mi Ventana (Primera Fila) (En Vivo)

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Born in Veracruz in 1964, Yuri started as a typical teeny bopper with an expected career of about an hour after the first hit, soon to be discarded. Yet, by 2025, she has more than proved herself as an artist willing to grow and mature.

For the bubblegum intro, take into consideration “Maldita Primavera,” “Dame un Beso” or “Déjala.” And it is impossible not to hear the influence of Paula Abdul on “Sabes lo que pasa.”

If you really want to sit in the feathered-hair epoch, listen to “Tú iluminas mi vida.” Yes, that’s a Spanish version of “You Light up My Life” by Debbie Boone. But one can’t have a career solely based on sugar-coated songs and aerobic exercise outfits. To her credit, Yuri has recognized this.

Like many artists with decades-long careers, Yuri does much less dancing and lets her voice speak for itself. A song like “Acompáñame” could have been written in the 1940s in its classic simplicity, while “Ay, Amor” could have been written for an 80s metal hair band.

She is in good company with artists who are still going strong in the over-60 club, like Tracy Chapman, Tommy Lee and Lenny Kravitz. At 61, Yuri still has years of stage presence left.

Nickname: “La Madonna Mexicana”
Comparable Idol: Well… Madonna

Gloria Trevi

With massive staging, multiple costume changes, and a battalion of dancers, Gloria Trevi is the definition of a superstar with super hair.

Gloria Trevi - Todos Me Miran (En Vivo Desde La Arena Ciudad De México)

Watch this video on YouTube

Born in 1968 in Monterrey, Nuevo León, she was soaking in hard rock such as Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple by the time she hit high school. Add to that ballet lessons, and it’s no wonder she would eventually command a stage with cemented swagger.

Her 1989 debut album,“¿Qué Hago Aqui?” was an instant chart success with songs like “Cosas de la Vida,” “Besame Aquí” and a quintessential 80s-sounding cover of the Stones with “Satisfecha.” The production is right in line with the sound of Huey Lewis and Dexys Midnight Runners, but hey, it was the ‘80s.

While she had many studio hits, it’s widely agreed that her most important album is the live one, “Gloria En Vivo.” This is quite unusual, as live albums are rarely favorites in an artist’s catalog. Sure, there is “Frampton Comes Alive” and Nirvana’s “Unplugged,” but most live albums are a celebration of a hit record. Ms. Trevi is part of a very exclusive club.

One could claim that Gloria Trevi is just as rock and roll as Alejandra Guzmán. Yet with her staging, special effects, and choreography, a Gloria Trevi show has everything one could want.

Nickname: “La Atrevida”
Comparable Idol: Cher

Who else?

We could certainly add more to the list, like Ana Barbara, Ana Gabriel, Paulina Rubio and more, but you’ll have to check them out for yourself.

How did we do? Leave your suggestions in the comments section and expand all our playlists.

Jimmy Monack is a teacher, photographer and award-winning writer. He profiles interesting people all around the world as well as writing about and photographing rock concerts. He lives in Mexico City. www.jimmymonack.com

Sheinbaum thinks 25% Trump tariff won’t happen: Wednesday’s mañanera recapped

By

MND Staff

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January 29, 2025

23

U.S. commerce secretary nominee Howard Lutnick said Wednesday that "as far as I know, they [Mexico and Canada] are acting swiftly" to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Mexico's President Sheinbaum has maintained that she doesn't think the 25% tariff on Mexico will happen. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

The Mexican government, the Mexican export sector and the Mexican people got some good news Wednesday about Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

Howard Lutnick, United States President Donald Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, said that Mexico and Canada can avoid blanket 25% tariffs on their exports — as Trump has pledged to impose — if they act quickly to stop the flow of fentanyl to the U.S.

Howard Lutnick, a balding man in a suit, sitting at a table in front of a microphone as he testitfies in his confirmation hearing for Commerce Secretary before the U.S. Senate. — Howard Lutnick is Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. commerce secretary. (Screenshot/U.S. Senate)

“This is a separate tariff to create action from Mexico and action from Canada and as far as I know, they are acting swiftly, and if they execute it, there will be no tariff. And if they don’t, there will be,” Lutnick said at his U.S. Senate confirmation hearing.

Mexican officials have stressed that they are already taking strong action against narcotics, touting arrests of high-profile cartel figures and large drug seizures, including the confiscation of more than 1 tonne of fentanyl in two busts in Sinaloa last month.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has said on repeated occasions that she expects to reach an agreement with the United States government to avert Trump’s proposed 25% tariff.

At her morning press conference on Wednesday — held before Lutnick’s confirmation hearing — she remained confident that Mexico would avoid the 25% duty that Trump said his administration could impose on Mexican and Canadian exports on Feb. 1.

Donald Trump standing against a blue background in a dark blue suit and tie and clapping — While Trump’s circle has put out conflicting messages this week about the inevitability of Trump’s 25% tariff on Mexico, President Sheinbaum told reporters Wednesday she’s convinced it won’t happen. (Ron Sachs/Consolidated News via Shutterstock) Credit: Ron Sachs – CNP

Confident that Trump’s tariff threat won’t eventuate

A reporter noted that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that Trump still intended to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian exports to the United States this Saturday.

“The truth is we don’t think it’s going to happen,” Sheinbaum said.

“And if it does happen we have our plan … that I’ll reveal in due course,” she said. “But we don’t think it will happen.”

Sheinbaum said in November that Mexico would impose a retaliatory tariff on U.S. exports if Trump acted on his threat, but more recently she has focused on avoiding the commencement of a trade war.

She said Wednesday that her government is now engaged in dialogue with the Trump administration before stressing, once again, that she doesn’t believe the proposed 25% tariff will eventuate.

A letter to Google over Gulf of Mexico name change

Sheinbaum said that the government would send a letter to Google after the tech company announced it would change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” in Google Maps in the United States following President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming the body of water.

“If you remember, Trump’s decree has to do with the continental shelf, which is different to the Gulf as a whole,” she said.

“So we’re sending a letter to Google,” Sheinbaum said, explaining that one of its aims would be to ensure that the company is aware of “this international division.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in a dark suit standing at the presidential podium during a press conference in the National Palace press briefing room. She is standing in front of a projection screen displaying posts from Google's X social media page about the Gulf of Mexico's impending name change on Google Maps — Sheinbaum told reporters Wednesday that Mexico’s government will petition Google Maps to use the name “Mexican America” in certain searches. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

“… Tomorrow, we’ll show you the letter that we’re going to send today,” she said.

“… To change the name of an international sea it’s not a country that changes it, it’s an international organization,” the president added, referring to the International Hydrographic Organization.

“… And, by the way, we’re going to ask [Google] for Mexican America to appear [on Google Maps], for the map of Mexican America to appear when one types in Mexican America,” Sheinbaum said.

After Trump announced his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America earlier this month, Sheinbaum proposed calling the United States — or at least the country’s southwest — “Mexican America,” as part of the U.S. was referred to on a 17th-century map she presented.

Esteban Moctezuma to remain as Mexican ambassador to US

Sheinbaum confirmed that Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma — federal education minister during the first two years of the 2018-24 government led by ex-president Andrés Manuel López Obrador — will remain as Mexico’s top diplomat in the United States “for the time being.”

US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, left, Mexico Ambassador to U.S. Esteban Moctezuma, right — Mexico Ambassador to the U.S. Esteban Moctezuma, right, with former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, left, at the North American Leaders’ Conference in 2023. (Photo: @USAmbMex/Twitter)

“All the ambassadors are always under review. … We’re going to look at whether there will be a change or not,” she said.

Moctezuma, who became ambassador in early 2021, said in a video message on Tuesday that his “responsibility” and “conviction” is to “stand up for Mexico,” and “especially our people” during the second Trump administration.

“… I am a soldier for Mexico and we’re living in times that call for unity in order to defend our people and our national interests,” he said.

By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies ([email protected])

Mexico finds alleged cartel encampment on island by Texas border

By

MND Staff

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January 29, 2025

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A green tarp held up by stakes in the ground in a grassy, sandy area. Underneath and around the lean-to are clothes and other gear not clear enough in the photo — A lean-to at a supposed "narco encampment" discovered by Mexican authorities Tuesday on Isla de los Castores, an uninhabited island in the Rio Grande in Tamaulipas. (Government of Mexico)

Federal and Tamaulipas security authorities discovered on Tuesday a so-called “narco-camp” on an island in the Rio Grande from which suspected cartel gunmen allegedly engaged in a confrontation with United States border patrol agents in Texas on Monday.

Soldiers, Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) agents and state police located the camp on a small island called Isla Los Castores near the town of Los Guerra, Tamaulipas, according to media reports.

A semicircle of uniformed Mexican soldiers and state police officers from Tamaulipas, Mexico advancing through grassy scrub with tall bare trees in the background. — Tamaulipas state law enforcement, along with the Mexican military were involved in the raid on Isla Los Castores Tuesday. (Government of Mexico)

They reportedly seized weapons, ammunition, radios and tactical gear from the narcocampamento, where sleeping pads and kitchen utensils were also found.

The discovery came a day after U.S. border patrol agents patrolling in Fronton, Starr County, Texas, “received gunfire from cartel members in Mexico,” according to Chris Olivarez, spokesperson with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

In a post to X, Olivarez included footage of the alleged cartel gunmen on an island.

“DPS Drone Operators captured the gunmen fleeing Mexico due to military presence, & seeking refuge on an island between the US & Mexico. The State of Texas will continue to monitor the area closely & use every resource available to prevent transnational threats to our law enforcement partners & the homeland,” he said.

Fox News reported that “U.S. Border Patrol agents exchanged gunfire with suspected cartel members near the U.S.-Mexican border on Monday.”

“… A group of illegal aliens was attempting to cross the Rio Grande while bullets were fired but did not make it across,” Fox News said. “Neither the Border Patrol agents nor the suspected cartel members were hit.”

Map of parts of Texas and northern Mexico showing the Rio Grande river running through the border between the two countries and the Gulf of Mexico on the right. — Fronton Island (marked by the blue pin) is an uninhabited island also in the Rio Grande River, in Starr County, Texas. It is located near Isla las Castores. Texas authorities have been patrolling Fronton Island since at least 2023, after clearing out evidence of occupation, allegedly by cartels smuggling migrants across the Rio Grande into the U.S. (Wikimedia Commons)

“… The area where the gunfire exchange took place is near Fronton Island, also unofficially known as ‘Cartel Island’ due to the criminal activity there,” the news outlet said.

At her Tuesday morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum cast doubt on the accuracy of media reports, saying that the government had received “a note” about the alleged incident from a Mexican Consulate in the United States that didn’t “precisely” match “the information that appeared in the media.”

Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero said that the FGR was investigating. No arrests have been reported in connection with the apparent confrontation with U.S. border patrol agents.

The incident occurred one week after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States and five days after Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses announced that he had approved the immediate deployment of 1,500 additional active-duty troops to the United States’ southwest border.

The new United States government is bolstering security along the 3,145-kilometer-long U.S.-Mexico border as it seeks to stem the flow of migrants and narcotics into the U.S.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on X on Wednesday that he had issued five executive orders “directing Texas state agencies to partner with the Trump Administration.”

Those orders included “directing state agencies to assist federal immigration officers to investigate, arrest, detain, and deport illegal immigrants in Texas” and “directing the Texas Military Department to assist the United States Northern Command in repelling the invasion, securing the southern border, and neutralizing foreign enemies infiltrating Texas.”

With reports from Excélsior, El Financiero, Reforma and Noticias de Tamaulipas

Mexican moviegoers are asking for a refund after watching ‘Emilia Pérez’ in theaters

By

MND Staff

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January 29, 2025

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Mexico's consumer protection agency Profeco said that it is currently reviewing demands for refunds from consumers who paid to watch the controversial film "Emilia Pérez" at Cinépolis theaters. (Canva)

Mexico’s Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) is investigating complaints from consumers seeking a refund from the Mexican movie theater chain Cinépolis after watching the film “Emilia Pérez.”

Since last Thursday, the agency has received many complaints on social media from consumers demanding the money spent on their movie tickets back, the head of Profeco Iván Escalante said during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Monday morning press conference.

#BoletínDePrensa Derivado del reclamo de algunas personas consumidoras a través de redes sociales por el incumplimiento de la “Garantía Cinépolis”, la Profeco entabló pláticas con Cinépolis para precisar los términos y condiciones de dicha garantía, conforme a lo estipulado en la… pic.twitter.com/sXHaaAdC1U

— Profeco (@Profeco) January 24, 2025

Several moviegoers criticized the cinema for allegedly not honoring its “‘Cinépolis Guarantee,” which promises to reimburse the cost of your ticket if you are dissatisfied with the film.

“We contacted [Cinépolis] immediately,” said Escalante. “What they’re telling us is that it was a guarantee that they ran as a campaign to recommend certain films, but that in reality, since [the campaign] had been around for a long time and had not created any major problems, they left the guarantee in place, but had not trained their staff on how to [administer reimbursements].”

Emilia Pérez, directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, had 10 nominations and four wins at the Golden Globes on Jan. 5 in Los Angeles. It has since broken the record for the most Oscar nominations earned by a non-English language film, with 13.

However, many Mexicans have responded negatively to the film, which portrays the leader of a cartel as a redeemed figure. They criticize the director for a perceived lack of cultural awareness about the disappearance of hundreds of thousands of people in Mexico as a result of cartel activity.

Zoe Saldana and Sofia Gascon Alarcon in a scene from Emilia Perez — Despite sweeping the Golden Globes, “Emilia Pérez” has deeply offended a large segment of Mexico’s population. (Netflix)

“Turning the country’s biggest security crisis into a musical where the protagonist is one of the perpetrators of that crisis shows a profound lack of respect,” wrote Mexican writer María Meléndez for Mexico News Daily.

“The impunity enjoyed by those responsible for over 300,000 dead and 121,000 missing isn’t material for a comedy,” added Meléndez.

At its Mexican premiere on Jan. 15, the French filmmaker responded to the criticism. “The drama of the missing is something that shocks me deeply,” Audiard said. “It’s a tragedy that’s largely invisible outside of Mexico, and my goal was to generate dialogue, not offense.”

Profeco said that it is currently reviewing demands for refunds from consumers who paid to watch “Emilia Perez” at Cinépolis theaters.

The agency has recommended that Cinépolis “recommend” rather than “guarantee” films under its policy, to avoid customer disappointment.

With reports from El Universal, Aristegui Noticias, The Guardian and El País

Nonstop PHL-Mexico City flight to resume this summer

By

MND Staff

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January 29, 2025

1

Starting June 5, Aeroméxico and Delta Airlines will connect Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) with a non-stop flight for the first time in five years.

The route will operate daily year-round on a Boeing 737 aircraft.

New Destination Alert! 🚨 Nonstop flights between Mexico City and #PHLAirport start on June 5th! Pack your bags and get ready to explore the vibrant culture, colorful streets, and iconic flavors of Mexico City @AeromexicoUSA ✈️ Book Now: https://t.co/LdzGP2Iiv5 pic.twitter.com/8TSDrOecRE

— PHLAirport (@PHLAirport) January 27, 2025

“Prior to this announcement, anyone needing to travel to Mexico City had to start their journey at another airport or have a layover along the way,” CEO of PHL Atif Saeed said in a press release.

In a statement, Aeroméxico said Philadelphia is the largest market in the United States without direct flights to Mexico. In addition to Philadelphia, Aeroméxico also recently added nonstop routes to Boston, Newark and Washington D.C.

According to PHL, regional demand for flights to Mexico is on the rise. Airport officials told the news site Philly Voice that there has been a 50% increase in air traffic from Philadelphia to destinations in Mexico since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Since 2014, air traffic from Philadelphia to Mexico has increased by 8.3% annually.

The partner airlines also announced a direct flight between San Luis Potosí International Airport (SLP) in the Bajío region and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia (ATL). This route will operate daily on an Embraer 190 aircraft.

ATL is Delta’s headquarters and the world’s largest air travel hub. It serves more than 150 U.S. cities and more than 65 international destinations, with over 900 daily flights and more than 81 million annual passengers.

Aeroméxico said the two new routes to the eastern U.S. will be operated under its transborder joint venture with Delta, which has served more than 50 million customers since it took effect eight years ago.

The Mexican airline said that its joint venture with U.S.-based Delta “celebrated significant growth in 2024, introducing 28 new scheduled and seasonal routes,” adding that “the expansion in 2025 will continue this trajectory.”

With reports from T21 and Aviation Week

Interior Minister: Job offer for repatriated Mexicans raised to 50,000

By

MND Staff

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January 29, 2025

2

Mexico’s private sector has stated its commitment to offering 50,000 jobs to Mexicans deported from the United States — 15,000 more jobs than originally proposed — following U.S. President Donald Trump’s promise of a “mass deportation” of migrants illegally residing in the U.S.

At a meeting with representatives of 70 companies on Tuesday, Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez recognized the cooperation of the business community in response to an “appeal to goodwill.”

Companies affiliated with Mexico’s Business Coordinating Council (CCE), headed by Francisco Cervantes Díaz (center), initially committed to offering around 35,000 jobs to Mexicans deported from the United States. (Rosa Icela Rodríguez/X)

Rodríguez explained that the private sector-supported hiring program will allow returning migrants to reintegrate into the labor market through the Labor Inclusion Program for Repatriated People, an initiative of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE).

“If at least one in every 20 establishments employed one new person, we could hire 50,000 people. That is equivalent to hiring a quarter of all repatriations that occured in 2024,” said Roberto Campa, head of corporate affairs at Femsa (the parent company of Oxxo), at the meeting.

According to a presentation given by President Sheinbaum on Tuesday, Mexico received 181,202 Mexican deportees in 2024.

President of the CCE Francisco Cervantes Díaz said that the private sector must make their “greatest effort” to capitalize on the work experiences that repatriated Mexicans have had in various industries like manufacturing, agriculture and other sectors.

Available jobs will be advertised in collaboration with the employment agency ManPower, the Labor and Social Welfare Ministry (STPS) and the National Employment System (SNE). Listings will be published on the SNE website starting Feb. 3, Díaz explained. After Feb. 10, they will update the list of vacancies every Monday.

Francisco Cervantes, president of the CCE, said that the private sector must make their “greatest effort” to capitalize on the work experiences that repatriated Mexicans have had in the United States. (Rosa Icela Rodríguez/X)

Campa noted that this program is exclusively for Mexican citizens.

For the program to succeed, Díaz added that they need the support of the federal government, the STPS and local governments.

Alejandro Malagón Barragán, President of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin), said that sectors with job postings include housing, construction, processed food and beverages and restaurants.

Some of the businessmen who attended the meeting included Julio Carranza Bolívar, president of the Association of Mexican Banks (ABM), Juan José Sierra Álvarez, president of the Employers’ Confederation of Mexico (Coparmex) and Juan Pablo Molina, vice president of Labor Welfare of the National Agricultural Council (CNA), among others.

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government recently launched a “comprehensive program” for Mexicans deported during the second Trump administration.

The program — called “México te abraza,” or “Mexico embraces you” — provides welfare support for deportees, registration with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and economic aid so that returning migrants “can return to their places of origin,” Sheinbaum said.

With reports from La Jornada and El Economista