Mexico City for 1: The ultimate solo dining guide

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September 30, 2025

A man sitting alone in a restaurant — Take some time for self care and treat yourself to a gourmet night out — maybe even at one of these gems. (Shutterstock)

Eleven percent of global travel is now done solo — and that number is projected to grow by 9%–13.5% annually through 2030. That’s huge. Alongside this trend, dining out alone is becoming increasingly normalized. In fact, reservations platform OpenTable reported an 8–10% increase in solo dining bookings worldwide just last year.

Fortunately, Mexico City is packed with opportunities to treat yourself to a solo date — because, really, who’s a better companion than you?

A chef prepares Japanese yakitori, grilling skewers of seafood, meat, and vegetables over a robata grill at a fine dining restaurant in Mexico. — At Mexico City’s Cafe Hiyoko sushi bar, you can sit at the counter and watch your meal being made — a perfect activity for the solo diner. (Cafe Hiyoko/Instagram)

Of course, while it’s possible to dine solo just about anywhere, it can feel awkward to sit at a table for two (or four) surrounded by couples and groups. Think school cafeteria flashbacks, where you’re the kid sitting alone while everyone else is deep in chatter.

That’s why we’ve scouted out a handful of spots that are especially solo-friendly, with counter seating, kitchen-facing bars, cozy tables for one and even communal setups. So grab a book — or your phone, if you must — settle in and enjoy some quality time with your most loyal lifelong friend: you.

Pasta Mestiza, Roma Norte

Counter dining at Pasta Mestiza — Solo diners at Pasta Mestiza can enjoy handmade pasta and chat with the chef while also making new friends. (Instagram)

In the bustling Mercado Roma, this gem offers handmade pasta in a unique and brilliantly executed mix of flavors that traverses Mexico, Italy and the Middle East. Pasta Mestiza‘s stall offers a limited number of countertop seats looking over the kitchen, where you can watch the magic at work in front of you. Grab a glass of Mexican wine and strike up a conversation with Chef Rotem over a mouthwatering pasta barbacoa or the spot’s incredible dish deconstructing Mexican street corn (esquites). Not to be missed.

Hiyoko, Cuahtemoc

Food at Hiyoko in Mexico City — Counter dining offers a front row seat for Hiyoko’s creative cuisine. (Instagram)

A cozy Japanese sushi bar, Hiyoko is all about attention to detail. This intimate sushi-ya keeps things refreshingly simple: a handful of counter seats wrapped around the kitchen, where the fresh sushi is prepared right in front of you. It’s the kind of spot where solo dining feels completely natural — you can watch the chefs work or simply savor piece after piece, in peace. Order an omakase progression if you’re in the mood to be surprised, or keep it casual with some nigiri and sake.

Curiosa, Condesa

Mono-table seating is one of many attractions at Curiosa Juice Bar and Cafe in Mexico City.

Admittedly, I’m biased as I own and love this place. But the mono-table seating and thoughtful menu offerings make it a natural haven for solo diners looking to escape the chaos of big groups and overloaded plates. Think of Curiosa as a cross between a health-forward café and a smoothie bar. It’s not uncommon here to see solo scribblers journaling over a berry almond butter smoothie while another devours gluten-free apple-cinnamon waffles with a Kindle read in hand.

La Docena, Polanco

La Docena in Mexico City — Watch food prepared from your counter perch at La Docena while enjoying the people-watching in trendy, upscale Polanco. (Facebook)

We know La Docena is an international chain, but hear us out. The Polanco location offers well-prepared and fresh seafood in a buzzy atmosphere. Center-based bar seating ensures you can observe both the food prep proceedings and have a covert people-watching session over the well-heeled Polanco crowd. It’s lively and consistently delicious. Order the lonja de pescado, a few oysters and a tostada de atún (I maintain theirs is much better than that of the over-hyped Contramar).

Escándalo, Roma Norte

There are no bad seats, only exceptional tacos and mezcal, at Escándalo in Mexico City. (Instagram)

The brainchild of the team behind Michelin-recognized Cariñito Tacos, Escándalo is a low-key neighborhood spot balancing quick bites with an old-school feel. Grab a mushroom taco at one of the standing outdoor countertops (I like to slather mine with each of their tasty salsas), or settle in at the mezcal bar for a guided tasting. It’s casual, delicious, and perfect for a solo stop that can be as quick — or as extended — as you’d like.

Parker & Lenox, Juárez

A jazz trio performs on stage under warm, glowing lights for an audience at Parker & Lenox, an intimate speakeasy-style jazz club in Mexico City. — At Parker & Lenox, the vibe is glam speakeasy, featuring casual dining, craft cocktails and live jazz and blues, making for an unforgettable experience. (Parker & Lenox/Facebook)

Take yourself out for some jazz and truffle fries at this speakeasy-style venue. The velvet seating, dim lighting and red-curtained stage ooze old-school glamour. Mosey on up to the long wooden bar for a carefully crafted cocktail (there are over 30 to choose from) and enjoy live jazz, blues, or fusion. Parker & Lenox‘s food menu is light — think “munchies” more than fine dining — which makes it ideal for a solo nightcap with music.

Ticuchi, Polanco

Ticuchi in Mexico City — Homemade esquites prepared with fresh corn, queso fresco, and chili powder, served in a corn husk at Ticuchi. (Ticuchi/Instagram)

From the team behind Michelin-starred Quintonil, Ticuchi is more accessible and decidedly more fun. Think moody lighting, a square bar, sexy music and elevated Oaxacan plates. Snack on aguachile or tostadas while soaking in the lounge vibe — sometimes even with a live DJ. Perfect if you’re looking to dine solo but still crave some nocturnal energy.

La Cocina del Bizco, Roma

La Cocina del Bisco, Roma, Mexico City — Tapas, counter seats and occasional live music are among the many reasons solo diners gravitate to La Cocina del Bisco in Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood. (Facebook)

Festive, eclectic, and never boring — Bizco is equal parts tapas bar and live-music venue. Slide into the bar counter with a glass of chilled albariño, snack on tortilla de patatas and manchego, and enjoy the din of conversation and (sometimes live) music. Dining alone here feels more like joining a party you didn’t know you were invited to.

Café Nin, Juárez

Cafe Nin in Mexico City — The staff always have a smile and a delicious drink on hand at Cafe Nin. (Instagram)

Already an expat darling, Café Nin is the more casual sibling of Rosetta, under famed chef-owner Elena Reygadas. It blends the pedigree of Panadería Rosetta’s beloved baked goods with a café-bistro vibe that invites lingering. For solo diners, Café Nin is excellent: there’s bar or counter seating, intimate tables and ample outdoor or patio spots. The pace allows for reading, working or simply watching the world go by. It’s polished but relaxed —sophisticated without formality. Enjoy a pan dulce with a chai latte in the mornings, or lasagna for lunch.

Sapo Botanero Asiático, Roma Norte

@omarxplora Gran BOTANERO Asiático ubicado en La Roma Norte. 📍Sapo (BOTANERO Asiático) Guadalajara 61, Roma Nte #cdmx #restaurante #restauranteasiatico #japon #fyp ♬ Japanese Trap Beat – Akirih

One of Roma’s buzziest recent openings, Sapo is a high-top-heavy Asian spot with a wrap-around bar. Expect bold flavors — yakitori skewers, bao, crispy bites — paired with craft cocktails or sake. The energy is electric, and with all seating at the bar, solo diners fit right in.

Voraz, Roma Sur

Voraz restaurant in Mexico City — Fine dining with vintage vibes characterizes Voraz seafood restaurant in Roma Sur. (Instagram)

Still fresh on the scene, Voraz is generating well-earned hype. Its sleek concrete bar setup is tucked slightly away from the main dining area while still within it (facing a nice mirrored wall for undercover people-watching). The menu changes seasonally, but the food is always fresh and innovative and the cocktails are uniquely inventive. This is a place to come alone, indulge and leave inspired.

Baldío, Condesa

Baldío in Mexico City — Grab a seat at Baldío’s high-top window overlooking the kitchen and watch the kitchen magic at this sustainable Michelin Guide favorite. (Michelin Guide)

Baldío, recently awarded a Michelin Green Star for its environmental practices, works closely with local farmers, revives ancestral chinampa agriculture and minimizes waste through fermentation and whole-ingredient cooking. The space is warm and natural, with wood accents and an open kitchen. For solo diners, Baldío is particularly welcoming: Grab a seat at the high-top window bar overlooking the kitchen and watch the fire-roasted vegetables, pipián sauces, and creative ferments come to life. It’s cozy yet elevated, and the kind of place where each dish provides food for thought.

So, there you have it — just a few of the many places to take yourself out to in Mexico City. The beauty of solo dining in the nation’s capital is discovering that some of the city’s best culinary experiences happen when you’re fully present with just yourself.

Where are your favorite solo snacking spots in the city? Share them in the comments below.

Monica Belot is a writer, researcher, strategist and adjunct professor at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she teaches in the Strategic Design & Management Program. Splitting her time between NYC and Mexico City, where she resides with her naughty silver labrador puppy Atlas, Monica writes about topics spanning everything from the human experience to travel and design research. Follow her varied scribbles on Medium at medium.com/@monicabelot.

15 hotels and beach clubs in Tulum agree to grant free beach access following Jaguar Park controversy

By

MND Staff

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September 30, 2025

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Tulum beachfront — In Tulum, many beaches that were once open to everyone now have fees and physical barriers that restrict their use to beachfront hotel guests. (Ana y José Hotel/Facebook)

Fifteen hotels and beach clubs in Tulum, Quintana Roo, have agreed to provide free beach access with no cover charge or minimum consumption requirement, according to Municipal President Diego Castañón Trejo.

“We are very pleased to announce that this weekend, we were able to add 15 more beach access points, thanks to the willingness of hotel owners and beach clubs in the area, who have agreed to allow people access through their facilities,” he said.

The list includes some of the most iconic beach clubs and boutique hotels in Tulum:

Papaya Playa Project
La Eufemia
Casa Violeta
Ahau
Selina Tulum
Vagalume
Kanan
Dune Boutique Hotel
Ikal
Shambala Petit Hotel
Cabañas La Luna
Panamera
Aldea Tulum
Akiin Beach Club
Coco Tulum

Castañón said these efforts are part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and make it easier for both locals and tourists to enjoy Tulum’s beaches at no additional cost.

This agreement represents a rare show of solidarity from the private sector and local government, following complaints surrounding tourism costs. The move comes after hundreds of Tulum residents protested for free beach access, following the imposition of an entrance fee for previously free beaches at the newly opened Jaguar National Park.

“The beaches are life, they are history, they are the heritage of our grandparents and the future of our children,” protesters in Tulum were recently reported saying. “No government or business will be able to take them away or privatize them.”

The Jaguar Park, adjacent to the Tulum ruins, is a protected natural and cultural reserve that spans a large area of jungle and coastline. Following the protests, the southern access to the Jaguar Park beaches will remain open year-round at no cost.

Free access to beaches is a constitutional right under Mexican law

Although the Mexican Constitution recognizes beaches as national assets for common use, there are no clear and effective laws guaranteeing free and open access for all. Thus, this constitutional right is often violated with instances of blocked access, unjustified charges and occupation by tourist developments that restrict collective use of the coastline.

In some tourist destinations, such as Tulum, this problem has become particularly evident – beaches that were once open to everyone now have fees and physical barriers that restrict their use.

Earlier this month, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama led a meeting with Adolfo Héctor Tonatiuh Velasco Bernal, general director of Grupo Mundo Maya (the management company in charge of Jaguar Park), to strengthen coordination between institutions at all three levels of government and ensure free access to the beaches of Tulum.

A statement following the meeting said that these actions reaffirm the government’s commitment “to working in a coordinated manner to ensure that Quintana Roo’s natural spaces are accessible to all, strengthening the region’s social and tourism development.”

With reports from La Crónica de Hoy, La Jornada Maya and Sol Yucatán

You can find the oldest living organisms in existence in Mexico

By

Bel Woodhouse

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September 30, 2025

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Stromatolites in Bacalar Lagoon — These remarkable stromatolites in Bacalar Lagoon are considered living fossils. (Instagram)

I first came across stromatolites seven years ago during a private sail around Bacalar. Nonchalantly sitting along the shore, I wasn’t sure what I was looking at. Our captain, Darius, said, “See over there? They are the oldest lifeforms on earth,” while pointing at some mangroves near shore.

Looking closer, he shared the fascinating history of these rock-like columnar communities of bacteria. I won’t lie, I found it so fascinating that I jumped in and swam over for a closer look (while keeping a safe distance, as I didn’t want to touch or disturb them.) I mean, they’re billions of years old. Imagine if I broke one? Or worse, killed off some little life forms with my big sausagey human hands! Eeek, not this nature geek.

Living since the Big Bang

Stromatolites fossil — This stromatolite fossil from Western Australia is 3.4 billion years old. (Wikipedia Commons/Didier Descouens)

Being the oldest life forms on earth, scientists theorise they’ve been around since the Big Bang. Long before life emerged from the primordial ooze to conquer land and evolve into mammals, then primates, then man.

So, I wanted to know more about these stromatolites, believed to be the first living things on Earth. Tell me you’re not curious about their formation, their history and especially their age.

Only found in a few places on earth, the only other place I know to see these structures is on the other side of the world, in Shark Bay, in my native Australia. So, recently, when a friend flew down to come on an adventure with me, I told her about them. We were doing a trip around southern Mexico on the new Maya Train, which gave us the perfect excuse to stop in Bacalar and check them out.

Where to find stromatolites

Bacalar is stunningly beautiful and one of my favorite places in Mexico. Being able to see these living and fossilized life forms is a rare treat. Not only did we see them, we floated past masses of stromatolites in the rapids about twenty minutes outside of town in crystal clear water.

I adore Bacalar; it’s one of my all-time favorite places in Mexico. Mentioning these, she was as intrigued with the stromatolites as I have always been. So, that was the way we wanted to end our trip. With a few days lakeside to relax, enjoy some amazing food, and swim with stromatolites.

A living history of the Riviera Maya, and the world

How I love exploring the living history of the Riviera Maya. It’s one of the reasons I chose to live here. The rich Mayan ancestry is fascinating of course, but there’s also unique natural history. Like being able to walk through a 5-million-year-old cave system, rated third on National Geographic’s top underground walks of the world. It was magic.

Stromatolite formation in Bacalar, Riviera Maya — An up-close look at a stromatolite formation in Bacalar. (Wikimedia Commons/Jiinjung)

Its extensive formation of stromatolites in the northern end of the lagoon, known as the rapids, is over 10km long (6.2 mi). The living giants are not only rare, but this bed of formations is the largest on Earth. I should say, the largest in size of living freshwater formations. Not only of the microbialites, but of any organism on Earth.

Now, can you see why I geek out on this stuff? What an amazing world we live in, where the existence of the first life on Earth is just down the road. To me, that is pure magic.

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.

Sheinbaum’s 1-year ‘accountability tour’ to wrap up with Zócalo event: Monday’s mañanera recapped

By

MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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Sheinbaum Sept. 29 — Sheinbaum said on Monday that she will deliver a speech recapping her first year as president in Mexico City's central square, the Zócalo, this Sunday. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

Monday is the penultimate day of the first year of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s six-year term.

At her press conference on Monday morning, she spoke about a “rare” incident at Mexico City airport and the Mexico City-Toluca railroad, among other topics, such as Mexican corn.

Sheinbaum announces expanded seed bank protection for Mexico’s 64 corn varieties

Sheinbaum also commented briefly on her “unprecedented” national “accountability tour.”

CDMX air traffic control tower was struck by lightning twice

Sheinbaum acknowledged that the air traffic control tower at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) was struck by lightning on Saturday — twice, in fact, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT).

The first lightning strike caused an electrical fault in the control tower and one runway at the AICM was subsequently closed for almost two hours on Saturday night, SICT said in a statement.

“During this period, the other runway continued to operate. As a result of the meteorological conditions, some flights were diverted to other airports,” the ministry said.

“Later, a bolt of lightning struck the control tower again. However, thanks to the redundant emergency communication systems, at no time was contact with aircraft lost,” SICT said.

“Between 20:01 and 20:33, departures were suspended to give priority to landings. … From 20:33, normal operations were reestablished with the resumption of take-offs,” the ministry said.

Sheinbaum said that the air traffic control tower’s systems had to be rebooted after the first lightning strike.

“And for safety, what is done in these cases is to stop [flight] operations,” she said.

Asked whether the interruption to operations could have been avoided with “better infrastructure,” Sheinbaum noted that the air traffic control tower has a lightning rod.

“It has everything, but this is something that is impossible to diagnose,” she said.

“It’s not that it can be avoided, but rather there are protocols in place for when lightning strikes [the air traffic control tower]. It is very unusual or rare for it to happen, but if it does occur, there is an emergency protocol to prevent any accidents,” Sheinbaum said.

CDMX-Toluca train to be fully operational by late 2025 or early 2026

Sheinbaum noted that the Mexico City-Toluca commuter train, “El Insurgente,” has been conducting trial runs to the Observatorio station in the national capital.

Once completed, the train — known as “El Insurgente” — will connect the Metropolitan Area of Toluca in México state with western Mexico City. — The Mexico City-Toluca commuter train — known as “El Insurgente” — will connect the Metropolitan Area of Toluca in México state with western Mexico City. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)

Construction of the railroad began in 2014 during the presidency of Enrique Peña Nieto, but the first (partial) service didn’t run until 2023. As of September 2024, travel between Toluca and the Santa Fe station in Mexico City has been possible, but the Vasco de Quiroga and Observatorio stations in the capital remained out of action.

Sheinbaum said that the trial runs to the Observatorio station — where passengers will be able to transfer to the Observatorio metro station — will last around a month.

She said that the latest information she received was that passenger services between the Zinacantepec station near Toluca and the Observatorio station would commence during “the final days of December,” or in early January 2026.

The railroad is “practically” finished, Sheinbaum said before noting that 11 years have passed since construction first began.

Sheinbaum’s ‘accountability’ tour nears its end

Sheinbaum noted that she has now visited 30 Mexican states on her “accountability tour” after spending time in Chihuahua, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco and Colima during the past three days.

After delivering her first annual government report to the nation in a 70-minute speech on Sept. 1, the president commenced a speaking tour of the country to update residents in every state on government projects and initiatives in their local area.

Sheinbaum said that she will go to Morelos on Tuesday to complete her tour of all 31 states, while she will also deliver a speech in Mexico City’s central square, the Zócalo, this Sunday.

“It has truly been a very motivating experience,” she said of her national tour, adding that “a lot of people” attended her events across Mexico.

The president during a visit to Saltillo, Coahuila, over the weekend. — The president during a visit to Saltillo, Coahuila, on Sept. 7. (Alejandro Rodríguez/Cuartoscuro)

“What we do is provide a report on welfare programs … and infrastructure projects … that we’re doing in every entity of the republic,” Sheinbaum said.

“The truth is it has been a very moving experience,” she said.

2026-03-04 @ 05:30 PM - 2026-08-26@ 06:30 PM

Baja California Peninsula - Los Cabos

. It’s unprecedented because it’s the first time that a president, a presidenta in this case, has given a report in each state,” Sheinbaum said.

By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)

Sheinbaum announces expanded seed bank protection for Mexico’s 64 corn varieties

By

MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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Sheinbaum holding corn — Sheinbaum made *maíz* the focus of her Sep. 29 morning press conference in honor of National Corn Day. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced the strengthening of germplasm or seed banks to further safeguard the genetic varieties of Mexican corn as part of her policy to protect a grain that is considered a national and cultural heritage.

The federal initiative follows a recent constitutional reform that prohibits the planting of genetically modified corn in Mexico. The ban seeks to ensure that native varieties are not at risk of disappearing as a result of contamination from modified corn crops.

A germplasm bank or seed bank is a repository where the seeds and hereditary material of plant varieties are preserved to protect their distinct genetic makeup. Sheinbaum’s plan is to fortify the existing corn germplasm bank system to safeguard all 64 varieties existing in Mexico, 59 of which are native. Those varieties of corn (or maize in English and maíz in Spanish) are considered vital to Mexico’s food security as well as its cultural identity.

“For each variety of corn that exists in Mexico, we need a bank to store that corn, those corn kernels, that germplasm, so it doesn’t get lost,” Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference on Monday, Sep. 29, which is National Corn Day.

The germplasm bank is part of a larger agricultural program dubbed Sin maíz no hay país (Without corn there is no country), which aims to support corn producers.

Congress to consider constitutional ban on growing GM corn in Mexico

Mexico is already home to several germplasm or seed banks focused on the conservation of seeds and genetic diversity of different crops, including some dedicated to corn. During the morning press conference, Mexico City Environment Minister Julia Álvarez Icaza reminded reporters that Mexico already houses the world’s largest maize germplasm bank, making the protection of the country’s corn a matter of global food security.

Called the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), this germplasm bank is located in Texcoco and houses the largest and most diverse collections of maize and wheat in the world.

Dr. Carlos H. Avendaño, Director of the National Center for Genetic Resources (CNRG), has said that the most important objective of the conservation strategy is to ensure the preservation and availability of seeds and other species for the future.

He explained that germplasm banks play a crucial role in safeguarding Mexico’s existing genetic resources, as they ensure agri-food sovereignty. For instance, in the event of a pest problem, these banks can provide resistant strains that may resolve the issue.

Finally, Sheinbaum noted that this program will also include the distribution of free fertilizers and direct financial support to strengthen the cultivation of native corn in Mexico.

With reports from El Sol de México and La Jornada Maya

Yucatán, Nuevo León showcase innovative cultural policies at UNESCO Mondiacult

By

MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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Maya embroidery — The Safeguarding Plan for Yucatecan Maya Embroidery, linking ancient tradition to contemporary social and economic vitality, is one of the projects that Mexico will be presenting at the global conference. (Shutterstock)

Cultural leaders from the Mexican states of Nuevo León and Yucatán are in Barcelona, Spain, this week, joining others from around the world in showcasing innovative community and heritage projects at UNESCO Mondiacult 2025.

Held for only the third time ever, the world’s largest cultural policy conference began on Monday. It will last for three days.

crown at book table at conference in Spain — Representatives from 194 countries have arrived in Barcelona for the third UNESCO global conference on culture policy. The previous two conferences took place in Mexico City. (@CooperacionESP/X)

UNESCO is the acronym for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and Mondiacult — a portmanteau of “mondial” (“worldwide” in Catalán) and “culture” — is shorthand for the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development.

The first two versions of Mondiacult were held in Mexico City — in 1982 and in 2022.

This year’s gathering in Barcelona has brought together representatives from 194 countries for talks on global cultural policy and sustainable development.

The Mexican delegation includes Culture Minister Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexican Ambassador to UNESCO Juan Antonio Ferrer Aguilar and a number of other officials.

Topics on the agenda include digital technology, education, climate action and economic impact of programs. Emerging issues like peace and artificial intelligence are also under discussion.

Mexican officials will take part in a conference on cultural rights and heritage, and Diego Prieto Hernández will speak on advancing cultural democracy. Prieto is the head of Mexico’s Unit for Living Cultures, Intangible Heritage and Interculturality (UCVPII).

Cultural Spheres in Nuevo León

Nuevo León’s “Cultural Spheres” program will be featured as a community model that uses art spaces for social transformation.

The 6-year-old initiative has reached more than 2.1 million people in marginalized communities and stands as a flagship community intervention initiative driven by the belief that culture fuels social transformation.

Art-infused community centers offer free, accessible spaces designed for all ages and abilities, supporting integration, creativity and human development. Facilities include early childhood zones, multidisciplinary art workshops, music studios, libraries and theatres — all tailored to facilitate engagement throughout the day.

community center in Nuevao León — Nuevo León’s “Cultural Spheres” initiative creates art-infused community centers reaching more than 2.1 million people, from kids to seniors, in marginalized communities in the belief that culture fuels social transformation. (nl.gob.mx)

Maya embroidery in Yucatán

Yucatán is presenting its gender-sensitive Safeguarding Plan for Yucatecan Maya Embroidery, an innovative cultural policy linking ancient tradition to contemporary social and economic vitality.

The effort centers on protecting and professionalizing traditional embroidery, empowering over 300 artisans — mainly women — through the development of local and state safeguarding plans, official certifications, and organizational networks.

The plan, backed by UNESCO, recognizes Maya embroidery as both living heritage and an economic engine. Last December, 200 master embroiderers gained formal certification, allowing them to pass on their expertise with curriculum recognition.

These steps have helped strengthen community organization and support fair, culturally relevant business models, making embroidery a pillar of local development.

The program also aims to secure official recognition for Maya embroidery as part of Mexico’s national intangible heritage inventory, which would ensure institutional support and further economic resilience.

With reports from La Jornada and El País

Mexico’s exports up 7.4% despite auto sector decline

By

MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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Exports from Mexico at Lázaro Cardenas — The lion's share of Mexico's export revenue comes from the shipment abroad — especially to the United States — of manufactured goods. (Alan Ortega/Cuartoscuro)

The value of Mexico’s exports increased 7.4% annually in August, outpacing the 4.7% year-over-year spike recorded in the first eight months of 2025, according to data from the national statistics agency INEGI.

INEGI published its latest trade data last Friday, reporting that Mexico’s exports were worth US $55.72 billion in August and $425.15 billion in the first eight months of the year.

The 4.7% annual increase in the value of exports between January and August puts Mexico on track to set a new record for export revenue this year after income exceeded $600 billion for the first time in 2024.

The increase in export revenue in 2025 has occurred despite the United States — easily Mexico’s largest trade partner — putting new tariffs on a range of Mexican products. Mexico has benefited from even greater U.S. protectionism against other U.S. trade partners, such as China.

“Despite tensions in international trade and a slower economic growth environment, the Mexican export sector has shown remarkable resilience so far in 2025, taking advantage of the reduced trade between the United States and China to gain greater participation in U.S. imports,” said analysts from the Monex financial group.

Manufacturing sector records strong export growth, but auto revenue is down

The lion’s share of Mexico’s export revenue comes from the shipment abroad — especially to the United States — of manufactured goods.

In August, revenue from manufactured goods increased 9% annually to $51.7 billion, or 93% of Mexico’s total export income.

Between January and August, manufacturing sector export revenue increased 6.5% to $387.1 billion, representing 91% of total export income.

Mexico’s manufacturing sector export income increased in August and in the first eight months of the year, despite revenue from auto exports declining. The annual decline in automotive revenue in August was 1.2% to $16.16 billion, while the decrease in the first eight months of the year was a more pronounced 4.1% to $123.43 billion.

The United States imposed tariffs on light vehicles made in Mexico and other countries around the world in April. Mexican vehicles get a “discount” on the 25% tariff as their U.S. content — 40% of total content, on average — is exempt from the duty.

Despite Mexico’s comparative advantage over many other countries that export cars to the United States, the INEGI data indicates that the U.S. tariffs have hurt the large Mexican auto sector.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement last week that his government would impose a 25% tariff on heavy truck imports could cause a further deterioration in export revenue for the Mexican auto sector.

The measure, which is set to take effect on Wednesday, is “particularly relevant for Mexico” because heavy truck exports “represent close to 23%” of all of Mexico’s auto sector exports, according to Monex analysts Janneth Quiroz and Kevin Louis Castro.

It remains to be seen whether heavy trucks made in Mexico, or at least their U.S. content, will be exempt from the new U.S. tariff.

Mining revenue surges while ag and oil income slumps

INEGI’s data also shows that Mexico’s mining sector export revenue increased in August and in the first eight months of 2025. In contrast, income from the shipment abroad of agricultural products and oil products declined annually in both August and the January-August period.

Mexico is keeping more crude oil at home as it seeks to make progress toward the goal of achieving self-sufficiency for fuel. The agricultural sector has been affected by climatic conditions, including drought and, more recently, heavy rain in some parts of the country.

Exports in August

Mining sector revenue increased 41.3% to $1.13 billion.
Oil sector revenue declined 26.3% to $1.63 billion.
Agricultural sector revenue declined 14.3% to $1.24 billion.

Exports in first 8 months of 2025

Mining sector revenue increased 24.4% to $8.37 billion.
Oil sector revenue declined 24.7% to $14.69 billion.
Agricultural sector revenue declined 8.1% to $14.98 billion.

Mexico in Numbers: Agriculture

Despite export gains, Mexico still has a trade deficit

INEGI’s data shows that the value of Mexico’s imports declined 0.2% annually in August and grew by just 0.4% in the first eight months of the year.

However, the decline in the outlay on imports in August and the slow pace of growth so far this year didn’t allow Mexico to notch up trade surpluses.

Mexico’s expenditure on imports in August was $57.66 billion, leaving it with a trade deficit just shy of $2 billion last month.

The outlay on imports between January and August was $425.68 billion, leaving Mexico with a trade deficit in that period of $530 million.

Mexico is aiming to reduce its reliance on imports, especially from China and other Asian countries. One positive shown in the latest INEGI data is that Mexico’s outlay on foreign petroleum products declined 14% annually in August and 9% in the first eight months of the year.

With reports from El Economista and La Jornada

After the deluge: Federal and CDMX authorities plan flood control reservoir in Iztapalapa

By

MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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Clara Brugada with team in Iztapalapa following a flood — Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada toured the flood-damaged eastern borough of Iztapalapa on Sunday in the aftermath of the intense storm on Saturday. (Clara Brugada/X)

After record rainfall deluged Mexico City over the weekend, President Claudia Sheinbaum ordered a house-by-house census of the damage, while her Welfare Ministry has launched an emergency rescue program to help those most in need.

During the president’s Monday morning press conference, Welfare Minister Ariadna Montiel said that in addition to calculating the damage, her office is channeling support to the most heavily impacted areas.

flood in Iztapalapa — Three inches of rain fell in a three-hour period, causing flooding in Mexico City, especially in the eastern borough of Iztapalapa. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)

By mid-day Sunday, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada’s office had set up seven command posts in Iztapalapa in order to coordinate dredging efforts, deliver food rations and hand out first-aid kits.

Brugada also said her government was stepping up efforts to build a regulating reservoir, or surge tank, to help with flood control in the hard-hit eastern borough of Iztapalapa.

Metropolitan Services officials will soon meet with the owner of the property in the Santa María Aztahuacán neighborhood that could be converted into a reservoir.

“We can channel all the water coming from the hill, which is what floods the entire neighborhood, to this area,” Brugada said. The hill the mayor referred to is the long-dormant volcano Cerro de la Estrella that looms over neighborhoods in the middle of Iztapalapa.

‘One of the most intense storms in decades’

In less than three hours, 75 mm (3 inches) of water fell on Saturday, overflowing the city’s drainage system. National Water Commission director Efraín Morales said the downpour was one of the most intense storms to hit the nation’s capital in decades. The entire city and three México state municipalities to the east were drenched.

Morales said the magnitude of the downpour, combined with garbage accumulation in drains and the deterioration of infrastructure due to uneven ground settling, magnified the flooding.

The cloudburst and resulting emergency forced Mexico City officials to declare a Purple Alert in Iztapalapa, where 20 neighborhoods were inundated for hours, forcing dozens of families to spend the night in raw sewage after drains and floodgates overflowed.

A Red Alert (the second-highest) was issued for the northeastern Mexico City borough of Venustiano Carranza, while the city’s remaining 14 boroughs were placed under an Orange Alert.

flooded home in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, with dogs — A resident of the Santa María Aztahuacán neighborhood of Iztapalapa found a way to keep his dogs safe and dry while his property was inundated. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)

Iztapalapa authorities reported heavy damage to homes and infrastructure due to floodwaters that were as deep as 1.5 meters (5 feet). The flooding there prompted Metro officials to close the five easternmost stations of Line A.

Water was still rising in Santa María Aztahuacán on Sunday morning.

An elderly couple told the newspaper La Jornada that they did not sleep at all on Saturday night. “My wife and I sat there on a chair the entire time,” said the man, who repeatedly tried to clear the only drain on his street with a stick.

Another Iztpapalapa resident tearfully told La Jornada that the water reached her granddaughters’ necks as they struggled to escape the flooding.

Insurance adjusters contracted by the city government were also scheduled to visit homes this week to record losses and prepare claims in accordance with the flood protection policy.

With reports from Expansión, La Jornada, El Economista and El Sol de México

Mexico building its own satellites to monitor climate, security threats

By

MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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a Mexican satellite — With a first-year budget of 100 million pesos (US $5.4 million), Mission Ixtli has involved researchers, students and academics at four Mexican universities. (AEM/X)

Mexico is taking steps toward technological independence by developing four Earth observation satellites that could be launched over the course of several months beginning in December 2026.

The satellites, collectively called Mission Ixtli, are being designed to monitor phenomena related to climate change and national security, allowing the country to generate its own information without relying on foreign sources.

Ixtli aims to end Mexico’s dependence on foreign satellite information by using its own technology to generate data and strategies to address forest fires, forest health, landslides, crop health and species monitoring, as well as a variety of national security issues.

Ixtli means “eyes to see” in Nahuatl, the Indigenous language spoken throughout central Mexico.

With a first-year budget of 100 million pesos (US $5.4 million), researchers, students and academics at four institutions — the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE) and the Popular Autonomous University of the State of Puebla (UPAEP) — have been in charge of designing the satellites since December 2024.

A larger budget is anticipated next year so that more domestic technology — perhaps up to 50% — can be included progressively in the design, components, satellite integration and ground stations.

“We want to grow as a technologically independent nation that can make its own decisions,” José Francisco Valdés Galicia, coordinator of the UNAM Space Program, told the news magazine Expansión.

More than 50 government institutions, including the National Forestry Commission, the national statistics agency INEGI and the Environment Ministry, rely on satellite imagery acquired by companies in the U.S., France, and other nations, at an annual cost of roughly 250 million pesos (US $13.6 million).

Gxiba-1 satellite — Gxiba-1 — part of Mission Ixtli — will be launched from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center in October and is designed to monitor Mexico’s active volcanoes. (AEM/X)

Valdés said the development of satellites tailored specifically to the country’s needs will help Mexico achieve independence. Additionally, Ixtli will help Mexican scientists gain experience and knowledge in these techniques for the first time, he said.

“The tangible benefits of the project might not be seen for another 10 years,” Valdés said. “But what we will see in concrete terms is that Mexico is entering the space age.”

In a related development, the UPAEP will launch its second nanosatellite on Oct. 20. This CubeSat, Gxiba-1 — part of Mission Ixtli — will be launched from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center and is designed to monitor Mexico’s active volcanoes in the hopes of developing prediction models for possible eruptions.

Gxiba-1 — which means “universe” or “stars” in the Indigenous language Zapotec — is equipped with sensors to measure changes in volcanic gases such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

CubeSats typically measure 10 centimeters on each side and weigh approximately one kilogram. They have gained popularity as a viable replacement for traditional satellites in space programs due to their low cost as they can be built with readily available commercial parts.

UPAEP’s first nanosatellite — AztechSat-1 — was launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX in 2019 and recognized by NASA.

With reports from Expansión, Mundo Ejecutivo Puebla, CarlosMartín.com and La Jornada de Oriente

Warmer winter ahead: Mexico could see temperatures up to 3°C above normal

By

MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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people dressed for cold — La Niña is the cool phase of the ENSO cycle and results in drier, milder weather systems. (Denisse Hernández/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico is gearing up for a warmer and drier winter than normal, according to official forecasts from the National Water Commission (Conagua) and the National Meteorological Service (SMN).

Conagua is forecasting that in October and November, most of the country will experience temperatures one to three degrees Celsius above the climatic average recorded over the past 35 years – an anomaly caused by the weather phenomenon known as La Niña.

In the Sierra Madre Occidental region (Chihuahua, Durango and parts of Sinaloa and Zacatecas), the SMN expects below-average minimum temperatures.

La Niña is the second phase and counterpart of El Niño, which both make up the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a weather pattern that significantly changes the global climate.

El Niño is the warm phase of the ENSO cycle and is characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon causes heavy rains and rising temperatures in several ocean regions, primarily in waters off the west coast of South America.

Meanwhile, La Niña is the cool phase of the ENSO cycle and results in effects that are generally the opposite of those of El Niño.

While most of the country can expect a mild winter, higher elevation areas of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental region (Chihuahua, Durango and parts of Sinaloa and Zacatecas) could see below-average minimum temperatures. (Unsplash)

Although La Niña is associated with the cooling of the Pacific Ocean, it can increase temperatures in Mexico during the winter, primarily because it reduces the arrival of cold fronts and favors dry conditions.

According to the SMN, this year’s cold season — which technically runs from September 2025 to May 2026 — will see 48 frontal systems compared to the 46 recorded between September 2024 and May 2025. The SMN has reported that five cold fronts are expected to occur in September, five in October, six in November, seven in December, six in January, five in February, six in March, five in April and three in May.

“This forecast considers the influence of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, which, although currently in the Neutral phase, has a 60 percent chance of developing a weak, short-lived La Niña event in the fall,” the SMN report says. “For Mexico, this typically translates into warmer and drier winters than usual, particularly in the north [of the country].”

La Niña’s effects are further exacerbated by climate change. Statistically, data from Conagua indicates that Mexico loses one day of frost every 15 years, a trend that began in 1950 and continues to this day.

With reports from El País

Pasta Mestiza, Roma Norte

Hiyoko, Cuahtemoc

Curiosa, Condesa

La Docena, Polanco

Escándalo, Roma Norte

Parker & Lenox, Juárez

Ticuchi, Polanco

La Cocina del Bizco, Roma

Café Nin, Juárez

Sapo Botanero Asiático, Roma Norte

Voraz, Roma Sur

Baldío, Condesa

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Sheinbaum’s ‘accountability’ tour nears its end

Events

Art Workshops at Instituto Allende | From Mexican Folk Traditions to Contemporary Studio Practice

Art Walk and Workshops in the Plaza (Currently on Thursdays) | Jardín de Arte Los Cabos

Cheese, Bread & Wine (Currently on Fridays) | Weekly Sunset Tastings at Pueblo Bonito Pacífica

Viva la Plaza (Currently on Sundays) | Art, Food and Mexican Roots in the Heart of Los Cabos

Saturday Flamenco Nights at Raindog Lounge

Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ (Dec-Jun) | Immersive Water Spectacle at VidantaWorld

Mexican Kermés Night (Currently on Tuesday’s) | Live Music, Street Games and Traditional Flavors

Weekly Tequila & Mezcal Tasting Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacífica, Cabo San Lucas

A Sunday Well Spent: Brunch at Samba Culinary Journey in San José del Cabo

All of Cher. One Unforgettable Night in PV

Sunset, Sequins & Ancient Spirits — Rhythms of the Night in Puerto Vallarta

Moonwalk | The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, Every Wednesday at Act2PV

Cultural Spheres in Nuevo León

Maya embroidery in Yucatán

Manufacturing sector records strong export growth, but auto revenue is down

Mining revenue surges while ag and oil income slumps

Exports in August

Exports in first 8 months of 2025

Despite export gains, Mexico still has a trade deficit

‘One of the most intense storms in decades’

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