A new kind of luxury real estate in Los Cabos

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January 11, 2025

Luxury living, pool included, is available in this residence at Las Ventanas al Paraíso. (Pacaso)

Resorts and real estate are the economic drivers in Los Cabos. For the former, the focus has increasingly been on luxury. Room rates have risen steadily in recent years as numerous high-profile hospitality brands have opened upscale resorts in the area. For the latter, luxury hasn’t necessarily been the trend. Yes, multi-million dollar ocean-view homes continue to be sold. However, the market has also seen more condo developments offering primary or secondary residences at lower prices.

How the Los Cabos real estate market is changing in 2025

A cooperative ownership share is available for this residence at Palmilla in Los Cabos. (Pacaso)

One of the more interesting new developments on the real estate side for 2025 and beyond is an attempt to make the luxury market more accessible in Los Cabos. Of course, what companies like Pacaso are doing — selling fractional shares in luxury properties — doesn’t just appeal to those who couldn’t otherwise afford a beachfront home or hilltop villa with world-class golf access.

As The Hollywood Reporter noted in an article profiling co-ownership marketplace Pacaso in 2024, celebrities and others with substantial wealth are also increasingly interested in fractional real estate ownership… at least regarding secondary or vacation homes where they may spend only a few weeks or a few months each year.

“Fractional ownership happens more often than you’d think would make sense with the uber-wealthy,” Josh Altman, realtor and star of the real estate reality series “Million Dollar Listing” pointed out in the piece. “It’s a money play. Maybe one of them didn’t want to drop US $108 million, even though they could any Tuesday of the year and not even care. It’s a way to make your money go further.”

Whether it’s celebrities, pro athletes or those who simply can’t afford to be the sole owner of a multi-million dollar vacation, the Pacaso model does seem to be gaining traction— and in exactly the kind of destinations one would suppose.

Fraction ownership is available at The Break, a residential building with spectacular terrace views in Los Cabos. (Ancana)

Los Cabos is among the top three most sought-after co-ownership destinations in North America

Pacaso, a relatively new real estate service that was the brainchild of former Zillow executives, reports that its top three most-searched-for markets for co-ownership opportunities are in the Lake Tahoe area, Vail and Los Cabos.

The enhanced interest in Los Cabos among worldwide real estate offerings that include properties in Paris, London and New York City may seem surprising. But its mostly year-round appeal — locals take their vacations in August and September for a reason — and lifestyle amenities like world-class golf, food and drink and abundant beaches have clearly caught the attention of those in the market for secondary homes.

The population of Cabo San Lucas alone more than tripled between 2010 and 2020. There are many reasons for this demographic explosion, including the need for a workforce to staff the many new luxury resort openings. However, a look at the real estate numbers through the first three quarters of 2024 — just under 1,000 new homes and condos moved with sale prices totaling 1.13 billion dollars — is ample evidence of how attractive Los Cabos is to home buyers right now.

What does co-ownership of a luxury property look like?

Elegant design for living at Villa Topaz, on Los Cabos’ East Cape. (Pacaso)

Ocean views and vantages are the gold standard in Los Cabos property, and not surprisingly, the number one factor sought out by prospective buyers. According to the latest statistics from Pacaso, the average annual stay in Los Cabos homes is 27 days per owner, with 90% occupancy, compared to 11% for traditionally owned vacation homes. One-eighth ownership is standard.

It’s a great way to enjoy a luxury asset you wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise, but there are downsides. Pacaso’s fee —10 to 15% of the home value for putting the ownership group together and facilitating the sale — is one. Limited control is another. There is the potential for disagreements among owners regarding maintenance and improvements, especially if fellow owners aren’t family members or friends — or even if they are. Amenities will see greater use too, due to almost continuous occupancy. Of course, the cost of anything that needs to be replaced will be split.

Given the specialized niche as compared to more conventional real estate offerings, shares may be harder to sell than a wholly-owned home. However, owners are currently averaging a 14.7% profit upon selling.

Part of owning a Pacaso is having the flexibility to resell your home. — Part of owning a Pacaso is having the flexibility to resell your home, the agency says. (Pacaso)

The upside is that the field of companies offering these kinds of cooperatively owned properties is growing, which means Pacaso is no longer the only option. Ancana and Lifestyle Asset Group now offer luxury fractionals in Mexico, although limited listings are available in Los Cabos, at least as of January 2025. Other companies, like Ember or Luxury Shares, specialize in similar services but have not yet expanded offerings from the U.S. to include Mexico.

Not everyone loves the model. The city of Sonoma, California, banned Pacaso’s business model. However, this kind of blowback seems unlikely in Los Cabos, where selling real estate, by any method, is a kind of secular religion.

What kind of co-ownership opportunities are available in Los Cabos and how much do they cost?

Pacaso is currently showcasing 23 listings in the Los Cabos area, all on the one-eighth ownership model. Shares are selling for as low as US $146,000 for the three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Villa Topaz on the East Cape, and as high as $822,000 for a five-bedroom, five-bath luxury home in Palmilla or $869,000 for three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath residences at Las Ventanas al Paraíso, two sought-after locations in the Tourist Corridor that connect the cape cities.

Listings from Ancana and Lifestyle Asset Group are competitive on both the low and high end. Ancana has one listing in Los Cabos, a one-eighth ownership stake comprising six weeks of residence annually at The Break for US $227,500. The Break, located just outside San José del Cabo, features ocean views from its nine-residence building.

Lifestyle Asset Group, meanwhile, has sold its lone current Los Cabos listing, a three-bedroom, two-bath condo at Cascadas in Pedregal. The purchase price was advertised as US $825,000 for at least eight weeks of residence per year, with $9,000 in expenses estimated annually.

Chris Sands is the Cabo San Lucas local expert for the USA Today travel website 10 Best, writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook and a contributor to numerous websites and publications, including Tasting Table, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, Porthole Cruise, Cabo Living and Mexico News Daily. His specialty is travel-related content and lifestyle features focused on food, wine and golf.

The complicated politics of Tex-Mex identity

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Sarah DeVries

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January 11, 2025

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texas-mexico-relationship — Texas has a governor who is going to greater-than-ever extremes, and Mexico has a "hands-on" new president. What will become of their relationship this year? (NPS Photo/Wikimedia Commons)

Ah, Texas and Mexico. So close, and really, not all that different.

When other foreigners find out I’m from Texas — especially if they’re from a markedly liberal state or Canada — they pause. “Oh, so, did you bring your guns with you?”

A group of cowboys about to start a rodeo in Texas — Is it necessary to clarify that the gun-carrying thing is a stereotype? For both sides? (Brett Sayles/Pexels)

I’m pretty sure many of them start wondering right then and there if we can even be friends; they smile, but hesitantly. “Uh-oh, I hope she’s not a nut job.”

We Texans have a reputation. Our crazy government officials, mostly there through some Texas-sized gerrymandering and low voter turnout, certainly don’t help. Have you seen Districts 28, 15 and 34? They’re a real doozy.

But despite that, we’re friendly. Really, even the politically crazy ones, which, yes, I know is in the eye of the beholder. In fact, I routinely call Texans “the Mexicans of the U.S.”

Why? We are both unique in our friendliness and generally gregarious nature. We try to be hospitable and generous, though you wouldn’t know it with Governor Abbot’s border craziness. And we’re both proud of our Mexican food?

A woman posing outside a TexMex restaurant — Friendly, family-oriented and kind of crazy, people from both Texas and Mexico have a lot in common. (Mario Amé/Pexels)

We also both produce people who are just a little crazy, in a kind of scary but mostly fun way.

In many ways, Texas and Mexico grew up together. Texas was Mexico, of course, until a bunch of American ruffians rode in and claimed it for themselves. It’s a part of Texas history I’m not proud of: playing dumb regarding Mexico’s abolitionist laws with the full intention of occupying its “backwoods” so they could get rich by way of slave labor. Honestly, it’s amazing Mexicans will even talk to Texans after Santa Ana was forced to sell.

But they do, because what choice is there? We’re right next to each other, and many of them stayed in Texas afterward, anyway. The border moved, but they stayed in place. Especially unfairly, some of them fought on the Texas side, but got labeled as “the enemy” anyway.

What will become of the Mexico-Texas relationship as we enter 2025 together?

I’m hoping to travel to the Texas border when I visit home in a couple of weeks. I’ve never been, believe it or not, but I have several connections in the area. And while the areas on both sides of the border might be demographically similar, I’m told that they look like different worlds. Mexico looks like, well, Mexico, while the US cities on the other side look like all the other U.S. cities.

The main reason for this is design. Mexican cities kept their traditional looks and urban setups. On the Texas side, communities “modernized” into what they are today. While sprawl and zoning are the name of the game in Texas, cities on the Mexican side have remained compact.

There’s also the question of language. I have heard some strange Spanish in Texas. Y’all ever heard someone say “wátchala”? It took me a while to realize they were saying, “watch her.” Cute, right? But I’ve also been rebuffed when I’ve tried to speak Spanish myself as someone who is clearly not Latino. “What, you don’t think I can speak English?”

The flags of Texas State and the United States wave in the air. — Some of the most vehemently “anti-immigrant” people I’ve met in Texas are clearly Latino and have accents. (Pixabay)

I’ve found it’s best not to assume anything, and lead with English no matter what language you hear someone speaking. Also wise is to refrain from sounding like a know-it-all about Mexican culture and history.

So I push aside my desire to show off my Spanish now, and only pull it out if it’s really necessary. From my friends along the border, however, I’ve heard that Spanish is the primary language. Schools are bilingual, as are most businesses and government offices.

Is “the valley” the easy-going U.S. bilingual paradise I’ve always envisioned?

Much to my surprise, friends who live there told me that they were shocked to realize how many of their friends and neighbors voted for Trump. They liked his bravado, his open machismo. Indeed, Republicans in the U.S. gained mightily among Latinos in this last election, a traditionally Democratic group. Perhaps they found his irreverence attractive, too.

As we fight in the United States about immigration and the border, this is worth thinking about. It’s also worth noting that similar demographics do not directly translate to allies. Some of the most vehemently “anti-immigrant” people I’ve met in Texas are clearly Latino and have accents. I mean, I get it, I guess. I also make a show of being on the side of my hosts.

Still, my home state does seem a little crazier than usual lately. Mexico, on the other hand, seems like it’s being led by many level-headed people.

So what will become of us as we enter this new world together? We have a new U.S. president who believes he has a mandate to “ship out” uninvited immigrants and set tariffs galore. Texas has a governor who is going to greater-than-ever extremes to stop people who are quite similar to many native Texans from coming in. And in Mexico, we have a new president with a decidedly different style who must “make it work” no matter what.

Will our shared love of tortillas and norteña music be enough to keep us together?

Let’s hope so.

Sarah DeVries is a writer and translator based in Xalapa, Veracruz. She can be reached through her website, sarahedevries.substack.com.

Taste of Mexico: LA Street Tacos

By

María Meléndez

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January 11, 2025

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Korean tacos — The magic of Mexican street food extends beyond even the borders of the country. Look beyond traditional fillings to find something new and inspiring. (Canva)

I was born and raised in Mexico City, a place where the streets are alive with intense aromas, snack stands and street vendors offering a variety of treats. From the classic corn on the cob with chili and lime to more elaborate dishes like tacos de canasta and freshly made tlacoyos, there’s something for everyone. From a young age, I learned that every dish tells a story. Mexican cuisine is a rich mosaic of our pre-Columbian heritage and colonial influences — an ongoing blend that has been reinvented from generation to generation.

I’m currently on vacation in Los Angeles, and I can’t help but notice how daily life here mirrors the vibrant food culture of my hometown. On every corner, there are food trucks or stands selling tacos al pastor, carnitas and suadero, along with street vendors offering churros and freshly cut fruit. Seeing those chunks of watermelon, mango and cucumber sprinkled with chili powder, lime and salt instantly brings back memories of visiting Chapultepec Park or strolling around Parque España in La Condesa, where I could always find someone selling fruit. I’m also reminded of those Sundays when my family would take me to see “el Pecas,” my fruit vendor, who would prepare a cup of watermelon for me with just a little chili, and a generous amount of salt and lime.

A taco truck in Los Angeles — Los Angeles’ food trucks are a reminder of street food vendors in the streets of every major town in Mexico. (Food Truck Connector)

Street food stalls have been a part of Mexico’s culture since pre-Columbian times. In markets like Tlatelolco, the Mexica were already selling fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals. Observing the diverse crowd in Los Angeles enjoying tacos, quesadillas, and fruit with chili demonstrates how this age-old practice has continued from Mesoamerica to the streets of California. It’s fascinating to hear people effortlessly switch between English and Spanish while discussing taco preparation; if it weren’t for the constant shifts in language, I could easily believe I was in a neighborhood in Mexico City.

During my visit, I was most surprised by the fusion of Mexican cuisine with Korean barbecue. When I first saw the words “taco” and “kimchi” side by side on the menu, I felt a mix of excitement and mild hesitation. Mexico is known for turning just about anything into a taco — whether it’s spaghetti, sushi, or even sweet treats like Nutella. In a playful act of irreverence, we sometimes called them “crepes,” but let’s keep that from our French friends!

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Une publication partagée par Mexico News Daily (@mexiconewsdaily)

So, I decided to take the plunge and order a bulgogi taco with kimchi. To my surprise, the combination of the fermented spiciness of the kimchi and the soft texture of the corn tortilla created a new flavor that still felt familiar. The spicy hint reminded me of the chilis we often use in Mexico, making the integration of the Korean ingredients feel almost natural.

This experience reaffirms my belief that cuisine is a universal language that connects cultures, customs and memories. Every fusion dish tells a story of encounters between communities, open dialogue and spontaneous adaptations that happen when people from different backgrounds share the same space. Personally, I have deep respect for the history embedded in each recipe, and I am also excited to see how these ancestral methods can be transformed into something new while retaining their essence.

Close up of kimchi on a plate — The fermented heat of kimchi pairs perfectly with Mexican cuisine. (Jeremy Keith/CC 2.0)

To those who feel uncertain when faced with unfamiliar ingredients on a menu, I encourage you to take the leap and try them! While there are indeed challenging ingredients and dishes, I always remember what my mother used to say: “How do you know you don’t like it if you haven’t tried it?”

Even Mexicans can find it daunting to sample things like crickets or particularly spicy dishes for the first time. We also recognize that our stomachs might need time to adjust to new flavors when in foreign countries. However, every bite offers a glimpse into the history of the place, the culture and the person who prepared it, and you don’t want to miss out on that.

As we move into this new year, I want to challenge us to continue blending our heritage, creating new fusions, and telling stories through food. Within each flavor lies a piece of our past and our present.

So, as I continue exploring the museums and restaurants in L.A., I wish you a remarkable 2025 full of beautiful and exciting experiences, flavors and memories!

María Meléndez is a Mexico City food blogger and influencer.

8-billion-peso remodel planned for Mexico City’s AICM airport: Friday’s mañanera recapped

By

MND Staff

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January 10, 2025

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President Sheinbaum stands at a podium during her morning press conference (mañanera), in front of a graph related to low inflation — President Sheinbaum shares economic data at her Friday morning press conference. (Presidencia)

Two big events — Mexico’s 2025 judicial elections and the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and the cost of preparing for them were among the topics discussed at President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Friday morning press conference.

Sheinbaum also took a moment to boast about her popularity, as yet another poll found she has a sky-high approval rating.

8-billion-peso investment in Mexico City airport ahead of 2026 World Cup

Adm. Juan José Padilla Olmos, general director of the Mexico City Airport Group (GACM), said that a “comprehensive remodeling” of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) will be carried out with an investment of “approximately” 8 billion pesos (US $386.2 million).

He said that Navy Minister Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles had instructed GACM “to take the necessary actions” so that the navy-controlled AICM will be a “worthy representative of Mexico” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada.

Padilla said that the remodeling work is aimed at improving both the appearance and functionality of the airport. He said the work is scheduled to commence between April and June this year and conclude between April and May of 2026. The World Cup will start in June next year.

Both terminals at AICM will be remodeled and projects will also be carried out in other parts of the airport including the runways and control tower, according to the GACM chief.

Sheinbaum views slides presented by the GACM director on the planned remodel of Mexico City's AICM airport and other airports ahead of the FIFA World Cup — The president looks on as Juan José Padilla Olmos, a Navy admiral and director of Mexico City Airport Group (GACM), presents the airport renovation plans. (Presidencia)

“It’s important to highlight that this remodeling won’t affect the routine operation of the airport as it will be carried out in stages,” Padilla said.

He also said that the 8-billion-peso outlay for the remodeling won’t come from the federal budget. The work will instead be carried out with the airport’s “self-generated resources,” Padilla said.

For her part, Sheinbuam stressed that the remodeling of AICM “is not just for the World Cup.”

The airport “needs remodeling,” she said.

Padilla said that the AICM as well as the Felipe Ángeles International Airport and the airports in Toluca and Cuernavaca have been designated “FIFA airports” as they will all receive flights carrying World Cup participants and spectators.

In addition to Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey will host matches during the 2026 World Cup, which will be the first to feature teams from 48 countries.

Sheinbaum: INE needs to say why it needs more money for judicial elections

Sheinbaum said she had a “very good meeting” on Thursday with the National Electoral Institute (INE) president Guadalupe Taddei and the electoral councilors.

“All the councilors, or the vast majority, spoke. In effect, their pitch was that … they need more resources” for the judicial elections, she said.

Mexico’s first ever judicial elections will be held on June 1 as a result of federal Congress’ approval of a judicial reform last September. INE proposed using 13.2 billion pesos for the organization, promotion and staging of the judicial elections, but was only allocated 7 billion pesos (US $337.9 million) for those purposes.

Sheinabum said that when the INE councilors requested more money on Thursday, she told them what she previously said in a morning press conference last month.

Guadalupe Taddei Zavala, INE president — Sheinbaum had a “very good meeting” on Thursday meeting with INE chief Guadalupe Taddei and other electoral agency leaders, who seek more funds to organize Mexico’s first round of judicial elections this year. (Cuartoscuro)

“What I say in the mañanera, what I say publicly at events and what I say in private is the same, my position doesn’t change. [I told them] that transparency as to why they need more resources is very important,” she said.

“So I said to them, ‘Why don’t you send [a request for more funds] and make it public as well, [explain] why you need more resources’ because obviously 7 billion pesos is a lot of money,” Sheinbaum said.

Another flattering poll result for Sheinbaum

Sheinbaum, who reached the 100-day milestone of her presidency on Thursday, noted that yet another poll found she is a very popular president.

“Another new [poll] came out, let’s take a look,” she said.

Sheinbaum displayed the results of a poll conducted for the El País newspaper that found she had an 80% approval rating.

“When one is doing well you have to [acknowledge it]. When one is doing bad as well, right?” she said.

“This is from El País: 80% [of respondents] approve. I want to thank citizens and say that we’re not going to fail, we’re not going to disappoint you,” Sheinbaum said.

Recent El Financiero and El Universal newspaper polls also found that around four in five Mexicans approve of Sheinbaum’s performance as president.

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

Mexican firefighters head to Los Angeles to assist as devastating wildfires threaten the city

By

MND Staff

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January 10, 2025

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Firefighters battle the Palisades Fire, on the north side of Los Angeles, where Mexican firefighters will soon arrive to help — Firefighters battled the Palisades Fire, on the north side of Los Angeles, in a photo from early January. (CAL FIRE_Official/Flickr)

President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday that Mexico was sending a team of firefighters and military personnel to Los Angeles to support the fight against the devastating fires.

“We’re going to send a support team to Los Angeles,” she told reporters at her morning press conference.

She said the team is made up of National Forestry Commission firefighters and Ministry of Defense disaster relief workers.

Sheinbaum said that the decision to send the team to Los Angeles came after Foreign Affairs Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente spoke with U.S. and California government officials.

She said that the members of the team are completing the relevant immigration paperwork in order to enter the United States.

“We’re going to help, not just because the people and government of Mexico have always been generous, but also because there are a lot of Mexicans in this part of the United States,” Sheinbaum said.

A firefighter sprays a mostly extinguished building with water in the Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles — The encroachment of wildfires from multiple directions around Los Angeles has left the city direly short on firefighting resources. Now, a team of Mexican firefighters is on its way to render assistance. (Cal FIRE_Official/Flickr)

“So we’re going to send a team, [the U.S. authorities] were very grateful and we’re doing the migratory paperwork that has to be done so they can arrive,” she said.

Fires across Los Angeles County had damaged or destroyed thousands of structures and claimed at least 10 lives as of Friday morning, according to officials in the U.S.

Firefighters have made some progress in containing the blazes, but “much of Los Angeles County remains under a red flag warning through Friday night,” according to the Los Angeles Times.

There have been no reports of any Mexicans having lost their lives due to the wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres in different areas of Los Angeles.

Mexico’s Consul General in Los Angeles advised any Mexicans who have been affected by the fires and require assistance to contact the Mexican Consulate.

“In case of requiring support or official information contact us on telephone 213-219-0175,” Carlos González Gutiérrez said in a video message on Thursday night.

He also advised Mexicans to obtain information about the fires only from “official sources” and to prepare an evacuation plan and a “kit” containing their essential documents such as passports.

With reports from La Jornada and El Universal

Young humpback whale wrapped in fishing net washes ashore in Mazatlán

By

MND Staff

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January 10, 2025

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A humpback whale on a beach at night — The whale, which did not reach full adult size before its death, was tangled in an abandoned gillnet. (Gobierno Municipal de Mazatlán/X)

For the second time in a month, a whale has washed up on a beach in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, apparently killed by a fishing net.

The giant mammal was enmeshed in a fishing net and the visible damage the animal suffered suggested it had been wrapped in the net for some time.

Hallan ballena jorobada varada en Mazatlán la noche del miércoles 🐋. Presentaba redes de pesca en su cuerpo, un recordatorio del impacto humano en especies protegidas. 🌊 #Mazatlán #ProtecciónAmbiental #BallenaJorobada #Ballena pic.twitter.com/RSFmxWQqXC

— La Jornada (@lajornadaonline) January 10, 2025

On Wednesday night, local residents gathered along city’s oceanside malecón where the enormous whale came ashore. Local civil protection authorities responded quickly to the alert, but the animal — identified as a young humpback whale — was already dead.

Along with employees of the Mazatlán aquarium and agents from both the Environment Ministry (Semarnat) and the federal environmental protection agency (Profepa), the local authorities managed to remove the carcass.

The whale — presumed to be a young humpback as it was measured at 8 meters and 15 metric tons, whereas adults of that species can reach 18 meters in length and weigh up to 36 metric tons — was removed and buried in an unspecified location.

Semarnat and Profepa have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death.

A dead humpback whale on the beach of Mazatlán — Rescuers tried to free the humpback from the fishing net, but it was dead by the time Civil Protection officials arrived. (Profepa)

Initial suspicions are that the whale got entangled in gillnetting, a type of fishing gear that consists of a wall of netting that hangs in the water. Floats keep the net, typically made of monofilament or multifilament nylon, vertical at the top and weights hold the net down at the bottom.

Gillnets — which are illegal in specified Mexican waters including the upper Gulf of California — are used to catch fish by entangling their gills, fins, and spines. They are also a major source of mortality for all sea turtle species and can entangle a wide variety of marine mammals, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Depending on the mesh size of the gillnet, animals can become entangled around their necks, mouths, and flippers, NOAA warns. “Entanglement can prevent proper feeding, constrict growth, or cause infection after many months. Marine mammals entangled in set gillnets can drown while those entangled in drift gillnets can drag gear for miles as they migrate and forage, leading to extreme fatigue.”

Gillnets are frequently used by local fishermen according to the newspaper El Imparcial, and are a leading cause of death for cetaceans. The investigators will try to determine if the netting caused serious injury or led directly to the whale’s death.

Mazatlán Mayor Estrella Palacios said the type of gillnet involved, locally known as a chinchorro, is prohibited in Mexico and called on fishermen to properly dispose of their nets.

It’s necessary to “raise awareness so our fishermen understand they can’t leave behind these chinchorros because the whales get tangled in them, causing these regrettable losses,” she said.

Another humpback whale washed up on Mazatlán’s Playa Cerritos on Dec. 15 That whale — measuring approximately 10 meters in length — was already in a severe state of decomposition and the cause of death was unclear.

With reports from El Imparcial, El Sol de Mazatlán, Luz Noticias and La Jornada

2024 was a record-setting year for tourism in Tamaulipas

By

MND Staff

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January 10, 2025

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Tamaulipas tourism at Playa Miramar — The northern Gulf state of Tamaulipas had a strong 2024, attracting record numbers of tourists despite continuing problems with crime and security. (Mexico Desconocido)

Tourism in the northeastern border state of Tamaulipas has experienced significant growth in recent years, reaching record figures in 2024, according to Mexico’s Tourism Ministry (Sectur).

Tamaulipas received over 14 million tourists and economic revenue of over 13 billion pesos (US $633 million) over the course of the year, the state tourism ministry reported.

Tampico's historic center, in the northeaster state of Tamaulipas, Mexico — The city of Tampico was the second-most visited destination in Tamaulipas in 2024, with more than 1.5 million visitors last year. (Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones/Wikimedia Commons)

Tamaulipas tourism minister, Benjamín Hernández Rodríguez, said that the current state government has allocated resources to enhance tourism infrastructure and boost surveillance efforts to ensure the safety of visitors.

Tourism growth in Tamaulipas

Official figures revealed that the most popular destination in the state was Ciudad Madero’s Miramar Beach, with over 3.1 million visitors generating over 2.1 billion pesos (US $102 million) in revenue. The figure represents an increase of 355% compared to 2023.

The city of Tampico ranked as the second-most-visited destination in Tamaulipas, with over 1.5 million visitors — a rise of 160% compared to 2023. Next was the Magical Town of Tula, with over 639,000 visitors — up 83% on the previous year — followed by Altamira with 346,000 visitors, which saw an 82% increase. Matamoros recorded 296,000 tourists throughout the year.

While no figures were released on the number of visitors, the ministry also reported that the border city of Nuevo Laredo recorded an increase of 61% compared to 2023.

Despite the increased number of tourists in Tamaulipas, the United States and Canada have warn visitors against unncessary travel in the state.

The U.S. has included Tamaulipas in its Do Not Travel list, because of high levels of crime and kidnapping in the state. Canada recommends avoiding non-essential travel to the state, except for the southern city of Tampico.

With reports from El Economista

Volvo will move ahead with Nuevo León truck factory despite Trump tariff threats, CEO confirms

By

MND Staff

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January 10, 2025

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Volvo plans to increase production at a plant in Nuevo León. (Adam Cai/Unsplash)

Swedish car manufacturer Volvo recently confirmed it is going forward with its planned $700-million heavy-truck factory in the northern industrial city of Monterrey, Nuevo León, despite tariff threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

On Wednesday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Volvo CEO Martin Lundstedt told Reuters that the Mexico project is at an “early stage that is continuing.” The plant is expected to start operations in 2026, Reuters reported.

Panoramic view of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico — The factory will be located just outside of Monterrey, Nuevo León. (AB Volvo)

Trump has said that one of his first tasks after being sworn in on Jan. 20 will be to implement a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada unless illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking are tamped down.

Depending on what happens with the tariffs, Volvo’s planned Mexico factory may or may not send trucks to the United States, Lundstedt said. Volvo has options to use the plant for sales outside the United States, he added. “This is not a replacement of our American facilities,” he said.

Volvo’s U.S. factories currently make 100% of the trucks it sells in that country, according to Reuters. The company has been investing in plants in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania to expand that capacity, Lundstedt said.

The Mexico plant — originally announced last April — will supplement Volvo’s U.S. production and provide additional capacity to support the growth plans of both Volvo and Mack semi-trucks in the U.S. and Canadian markets, and Mack truck sales in Mexico and Latin America.

The project, which will begin operations in February 2026, consists of a conventional vehicle assembly plant that will include the production and painting of cabins for VOLVO and MACK heavy trucks. — Governor Samuel García said then that the US $700-million investment was the largest in the state in 2024. (Volvo)

Volvo is one of four manufacturers that supply nearly all of the heavy-duty trucks in Latin America, Erik Smith, a director in the automotive and industrial practice at AlixPartners, told Reuters.

Of those four, Volvo is the only one without a footprint in Mexico, Smith said, “which is likely why they are looking at establishing one.”

The Mexico plant will focus on production of heavy-duty conventional vehicles for the Volvo and Mack brands. It will be a complete conventional vehicle assembly facility including cab body-in-white production and paint.

The factory — located in Ciénega de Flores, just outside the state capital of Monterrey — is expected to be Volvo’s largest facility.

Construction of the plant, which is expected to open early next year, began in mid-October. Nuevo León Governor Samuel García said then that the US $700-million investment was the largest in the state in 2024.

Volvo explained its reasons for selecting Monterrey as the site for its factory in an August 2024 press release to announce the investment. “Monterrey provides significant logistical efficiencies for supporting sales to the southwestern and western regions of the U.S., and to Mexico and Latin America. With its proximity to the U.S. border and well-developed infrastructure, the Group considers Monterrey an ideal location for building a mature supply and production ecosystem.”

With reports from Reuters and El Economista

What’s on in Oaxaca in January?

By

Anna Bruce

-

January 10, 2025

1

Captura de pantalla 2025-01-10 113259 — Festival of Saint Anthony (Vive Oaxaca)

After a month of saints’ days and festive celebrations throughout December, January is a more peaceful time to visit Oaxaca. With mild, breezy days and cool evenings, it is a great time to explore, take a stroll and take in some street art.

There are great museums and galleries to stop in at, many with temporary exhibitions alongside permanent collections, as well as opportunities to experience local ceremonies and religious dedications right up close.

The San Baltazar Mezcal Fair

From Jan. 2-12, the town of San Baltazar Chichicapam, a 90-minute drive from Oaxaca city, will host its third annual mezcal fair. Iconic mezcal producers from across the state will display some of their best batches and there will be plenty of agave spirits to taste. You can just show up, or see if one of Oaxaca’s many small tour operators can facilitate the trip if you don’t fancy making the drive yourself.

When: Jan. 2-12, from 4 p.m. onward
Where: San Baltazar Chichicapam

Maru Coronado at La Jícara

If you want to meet fellow travellers and enjoy some fantastic live music, La Jícara is the spot to be, with local singer Maru Coronado performing on the 10th. La Jícara hosts cultural events while promoting and disseminating independent and autonomous creative projects. There is a library and good food on offer too, including vegan fare.

When: Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Where: La Jícara, C. Porfirio Díaz 110, Oaxaca city

Dance the night away at Humito

Mexican Singer Lila Downs owns a restaurant in Oaxaca called Humito, which also plays hosts to some of the best live shows in the city. Coming up is a night of son cubano, performed live by the band Sensamaya. This style of music and dance evolved in Eastern Cuba in the 19th century. The genre blends elements of Spanish and African origin, much like the Caribbean region itself.

When: Jan. 11, 8 p.m.
Where: Humito, Panorámica del Fortín 412 Col. Ex-Marquezado, Oaxaca city

Zimatlán festivals

Zimatlán is known for its religious festivals, folklore festivals and gastronomy that includes typical Oaxacan dishes. January festivities include a cockfighting derby, livestock and agricultural exhibitions and a commercial and craft expo. Sports tournaments and drag races will also be scheduled, as well as a range of religious activities.

On Jan. 18, the town will also host an accordion competition between music groups including Los Cardenales de Nuevo León, Los Invasores de Nuevo León, and El Poder del Norte. This event has an entrance fee of 300 pesos.

When: Jan. 15
Where: Zimatlán de Alvarez

Festival of Saint Anthony

Calenda 2017 San Antonio de la Cal Festividad San Antonio de Abad

Watch this video on YouTube

Jan. 17 marks the feast of San Antonio de Abad, considered the patron saint of farmers and a protector of the animal kingdom. An integral part of the Feast of San Antonio is a ritual of the blessing of animals. Animals are dressed up and often decorated with flowers, then taken to a church to receive a blessing. They are sprinkled with holy water by the priest who reads a special animal prayer for their good health and fertility.

When: Jan. 17
Where: La Merced Catholic church in Oaxaca city

A taste of coffee history

San Sebastián Coatlán is hosting a festival of coffee and honey.

“In each grain of coffee, grown in the highlands, and in each drop of honey, extracted from native flowers, you can find the essence of our culture,” festival organizers explain. These products represent not only the Oaxacan landscape, but also the effort and dedication of local producers and artisans.

Experience the aromas, flavors and essence of a town that honors its land through its coffee and honey.

When: Jan. 18-20
Where: San Sebastián Coatlán, Oaxaca

Mezcal tasting at Quiote Mezcalería

After all the culture and fresh air, the best way to spend a fresh January evening in Oaxaca City is to have a tasting of the state’s most iconic spirit. The team at Quiote Mezcalería travel all over Oaxaca to source small-production mezcal and showcase the hard work of maestros and maestras. They have over 100 bottles to try from.

They also host industry experts for tasting and presentations about niche aspects of the industry, such as this month’s class with Omar Muñoz exploring the influence of fermentation on the flavor of mezcal.

Reservations are available via Quiote’s website.

When: January 23, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Jose Lopez Alavez 1423, Barrio de Xochimilco, Oaxaca city

Street Cartographies exhibition at the Institute of Graphic Art

IAGO Oaxaca — (Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca)

The Oaxaca Graphic Arts Institute (IAGO) plays host to Street Cartographies, an exhibition that will be showing later this month. Art lovers can visit the gallery for stories of Oaxacan graffiti. On Jan. 25, there will be an exchange of work and open conversation moderated by Atacke Pulpo.

When: Jan. 25 at 12 p.m.
Where: Macedonio Alcalá 507, Colonia Centro, Oaxaca city

Join the Oaxaca Lending Library for a hike

This is also a great time of year to get beyond the city for a hike. Whether it’s in the forests of the Sierra Norte or to one of the many mountain peaks overlooking the Valle Centrales, there are many operators who can facilitate a trip. The Oaxaca Lending Library (OLL) is a hub where people can meet up for lectures, classes and language exchanges. They also have regular group hikes that anyone can join.

Join a hike with OLL by finding a date online.

When: Jan. 21 for the Apoala waterfall hike. Meet on Calle Libres behind Gran Fiesta Americana at 8 a.m. Arrive back at 6 p.m.
Where: Calle de José María Pino Suárez 519, Oaxaca city
Cost: 550 pesos

Bëërt Sánchez at the Oaxaca Textile Museum

Throughout January, the Harp Helu foundation funds some great shows at venues across Oaxaca. The Textile Museum in particular has some great shows. Rostros: Bëërt Sánchez at the Textile Museum displays ink drawings of people and faces veiled between colored material. Some are drawn in a realistic manner while others are interwoven more subtly.

When: Weekdays in January, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m..8 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Av. Hidalgo 917, Centro Histórico, Oaxaca city
Cost: Free entry

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.

Residents of “Colonia 4T” tear down signs in neighborhood renamed after AMLO achievements

By

MND Staff

-

January 10, 2025

3

Knocked-down street signs in the México state neighborhood of Colonia 4T — The signs for the streets Banco de Bienestar and La Escuela Es Nuestra lie by the wayside after being knocked down by residents of the Cuarta Transformación neighborhood, also known as the Colonia 4T. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico’s federal government is undeniably popular but the naming of a neighborhood after the political project initiated by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador and continued by current President Claudia Sheinbaum didn’t sit well with many residents.

Two neighborhoods in the municipality of Tultitlán, México state, were lumped together and renamed La Cuarta Transformación (The Fourth Transformation) late last year by now ex-mayor Elena García Martínez, who represented the ruling Morena party. The ostensible reason for the name change was to “regularize” the informal neighborhoods, which lack essential services and have unpaved roads.

A man takes down a street sign in México state — The former, informal street names of the neighborhood appear on maps, property deeds and other official documentation, creating difficulties for local residents. (Cuarto Poder)

The streets in the neighborhood — located north of Mexico City — were given new names associated with the 2018-24 government led by López Obrador, such as Tren Maya (Maya Train), Abrazos, No Balazos (Hugs, Not Bullets), Sembrando Vida (Sowing Life), Revolución de las Conciencias (Revolution of Consciences), Guardia Nacional (National Guard) and Reforma Judicial (Judicial Reform).

But on Wednesday, disgruntled residents of Tultitlán removed the new street name signs, an action that municipal police attempted to counter with the use of tear gas.

The renaming of the Fimesa and El Paraje neighborhoods angered residents for a variety of reasons. They said they weren’t notified of the name change prior to it happening and complained that they would have to change their addresses on official documents such as property deeds and voter ID cards, creating a bureaucratic headache. Some of the residents are evidently not AMLOvers, as ardent fans of the former president are colloquially known.

“There was no consultation, it was from one day to the next. They arrived and started putting up new names in the streets,” Daniel Ramírez, a resident of La Cuarta Transformación, said in a radio interview.

Feet stamp on street signs in the Colonia 4T with names like "Revolución de las Consciencias" inspired by former President AMLO — “Colonia 4T” residents joined together to tear down and stamp on the new AMLO-inspired street signs. (Video screenshot)

“We weren’t consulted or told anything. [The municipal authorities] say that [Fimesa] is not a regularized neighborhood, that it doesn’t appear on Google Maps, but we have electricity bills and voter ID cards,” he said.

Residents also say that authorities demolished 11 properties in the neighborhood formerly known as Fimesa in 2023 without first notifying the owners. The properties were presumably built illegally.

Residents clash with police

Videos posted to social media showed residents using tools, and their bare hands, to remove the recently-installed street name signs in La Cuarta Transformación. A video published by the newspaper El Sol de Toluca showed residents stamping their feet on removed signs that lay on the ground.

ADIÓS A LA COLONIA 4T #estadodemexico #cuartatransformación #tultitlán #hoy #noticias #ultimahora

Watch this video on YouTube

Footage also showed residents throwing rocks at municipal police officers who sought to stop the removal of the signs through the use of tear gas.

“A thick cloud of smoke, as if it were mist, covered the high part of the neighborhood because the pepper gas invaded everything,” one resident told the La Jornada newspaper.

La Jornada reported that a number of residents suffered eye and throat irritation from the use of the gas and two children were hospitalized.

Colonia 4T residents seek restoration of former neighborhood names

Residents have submitted a request to México state authorities to reinstate the names of Fimesa and El Paraje and regularize the neighborhoods under those names. The El Universal newspaper reported that a group of residents went to state government offices in the municipality of Cuautitlán Izcalli on Thursday to follow up on their request.

Some of the residents said they would block the Mexico City-Querétaro highway if state authorities didn’t intervene and reinstate the previous names of the two neighborhoods that together make up La Cuarta Transformación.

“We’re not troublemakers, we’re defending our rights,” one resident identified only as Lilia told El Universal.

“We’re seeking regularization … and compensation for those who had their houses demolished,” she said.

A federal deputy, Gildardo Pérez Gabino, is also involved in the quest to have the previous neighborhood names reinstated.

Sheinbaum weighed in on the name changes last month

Sheinbaum, who says her government is building the “second story” of the “fourth transformation” initiated by López Obrador, was asked last month about the decision to create La Cuarta Transformación and give its streets new names.

She said it was a decision for the municipal government of Tultitlán, but expressed her preference for names that “recover the historic memory of Mexico.”

With reports from Proceso, La Jornada, El Universal, Infobae, El Sol de Toluca and López-Dóriga Digital