A strong gust of wind caused a stage to collapse into the crowd at a campaign event in Monterrey on Wednesday. (Gabriel Pérez Montiel/Cuartoscuro)
The death toll from the collapse of a stage at a campaign event in Nuevo León on Wednesday remains at nine, but a number of people are still in the hospital, including two patients in serious condition, Governor Samuel García said Friday.
García provided an update on the situation in a post to his X account shortly after 6 a.m. Mexico City time.
People captured the moment of the stage collapse and ensuing chaos with their cell phones. (Cuartoscuro)
“Thank God there are no more deaths but we have two people hospitalized in serious/stable condition,” he wrote.
According to the governor, a total of 192 people were hospitalized after sustaining injuries when the roof of a concert-style stage collapsed due to strong wind at a Citizens Movement (MC) party event on Wednesday night in the municipality of San Pedro Garza García, outside of Monterrey.
García said in another X post on Friday morning that 147 are now at home.
“I am infinitely grateful to all the doctors and nurses for looking after so many patients immediately and effectively,” he wrote.
Nuevo León Governor Samuel García announced the compensation for the families of the victims on Thursday. (Samuel García/X)
García announced on Thursday that the Nuevo León government would provide 400,000 pesos (US $24,000) in compensation to the families of each of the nine people killed.
“We know at this time nothing can make amends for their loss, but we will do all that we can to support them and accompany them in their pain,” he wrote on X.
The governor told a press conference that the state government was also paying the funeral expenses of the deceased.
García said that those unable to work due to injuries they sustained will receive 100,000 pesos (US $6,000).
He noted that some of those still in hospital are female heads of households who could remain hospitalized for weeks and subsequently face a period of rehabilitation. State authorities will provide food, transport and other support to families that need it, the governor said.
In addition, psychological help will be offered to the 10,000 people who attended the political rally and witnessed the tragedy, García said.
The event was organized for Lorenia Canavati, MC’s mayoral candidate in San Pedro and was attended by some of the party’s other candidates, including presidential aspirant Jorge Álvarez Maynez, who was not injured.
He was on the stage when a powerful gust of wind swept through, causing a large screen emblazoned with the MC logo to lift off. Álvarez Máynez and other candidates and officials reacted quickly, running for their lives.
A short time later, the roof of the stage — including metal lighting trusses — collapsed onto the stage platform and into the crowds of people, killing nine and trapping and/or injuring more than 100 others.
Why aren't Mexicans taking advantage of their paid vacation days? The answer isn't so straightforward. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)
Mexican workers take less vacation time than any other Latin American labor force — even less than they are legally entitled to — according to a recent survey.
The newspaper El Economista reported Friday that the “Work in Progress” survey published by Buk, a human resources development company headquartered in Chile, revealed that the average Mexican employee took just six vacation days in the past year.
Hard work is a virtue in Mexican culture, which may be why many Mexicans do not view vacation as a valuable use of their time. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)
The Buk survey found that Peruvians took seven vacation days, Chileans enjoyed eight vacation days and Colombians stepped away from work for nine days a year. The study also found that only 13% of Mexicans surveyed took a two-week vacation, whereas across the rest of Latin America, 32% of employees took a two-week vacation.
Prior to the historic legislation, the Mexican Constitution granted workers just six paid vacation days in their first year on the job. The Federal Labor Law now entitles new employees to at least 12 days of paid leave from the outset, with an additional two paid vacation days added onto each of the next three years.
Thereafter, an additional two vacation days are earned for each five-year period of service. The law also allows workers to take their vacations over two consecutive weeks.
Despite the new law, the Buk survey suggests that the Mexican workforce has not changed its approach to vacation days — or that employers are not fulfilling their labor obligations.
Yunue Cárdenas, a psychologist who works for Spanish consulting firm Affor Health and the Workplace Wellness Council, attributes this to Mexico’s work culture.
“Often, we don’t know what to do with this free time,” Cárdenas told El Economista. “The idea is that when one is working, there is meaning to life. In our culture, time off — even though it is a right — is not valued, and in some organizations, taking vacations is not viewed positively, particularly in small and medium-sized businesses.”
The Mexican workforce may hesitate to take their legally mandated vacation time because employers frown upon it, or because they feel obligated to save vacation days for childcare obligations, for example, when a child is sick at home.
A recent survey by travel company Expedia found that 69% of Mexicans work from six months to a year between days off. The Buk survey also found that 6 in 10 employees who are on vacation attend to office matters while on leave.
According to 2022 data compiled by the OECD, the average Mexican worker works 2,226 hours per year, much above the OECD average of 1,752 hours and second only to Colombia (2,405 hours per year in 2021).
Orión Hernández had been abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. (Social media)
Israel’s military announced the recovery of the bodies of three hostages taken to Gaza by Hamas on Oct. 7, including that of Mexican man Orión Hernández Radoux.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on social media on Friday that the bodies of Hernández, Israeli-Brazilian man Michel Nisenbaum and Israeli man Hanan Yablonka were “rescued overnight” during a joint IDF and Israeli Security Agency operation in Jabaliya, located near Gaza City in the north of Palestine.
Orión Hernández Radoux with his girlfriend Shani Louk, who was found dead on Oct. 30. (Social media)
The IDF said that the bodies were “brought back to Israel.”
It said that all three men “were murdered during the October 7 Massacre” in Israel “and were abducted to Gaza by Hamas terrorists.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on X that “we have a national and moral duty to do everything we can to return our hostages — the living and the deceased — and that is what we are doing.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group formed by the families of people abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, said in a statement on Friday that Hernández was a “resident of Mexico, and father to a young daughter.”
“[He] was taken hostage from the Nova Festival, which he attended with his partner, Shani Louk, and their friend Keshet Casarotti, both of whom were also murdered by Hamas terrorists,” the group said.
“Orión, who had a deep love for music and dancing, worked as a music producer and visited music festivals around the world,” the statement added.
Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena said on X that she was “deeply saddened” by the news of the death of Hernández, who was in his early 30s.
She said that he died “at the hands of Hamas whose actions we unequivocally condemn.”
Bárcena said she was in contact with the man’s father, Sergio Hernández, and that the government was providing him with support.
Mexico “never stopped” in its efforts to secure the release of Hernández, she added.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador acknowledged at his Friday morning press conference that the man’s body had been found in Gaza.
“I send a hug to his relatives, to his father who lives, I am told, in Chile,” he said.
The discovery of Hernández’s body comes almost six months after a Mexican woman who was taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, Ilana Gritzewsky Camhi, was released from Gaza.
More than 250 people were taken hostage by Hamas when gunmen attacked Israel last October, killing around 1,200 people. According to Israeli authorities, there are still around 130 hostages in Gaza.
Two other Mexican women were trapped in Gaza amid Israel’s retaliatory strikes on the coastal enclave. However, doctors Michelle Ravel and Bárbara Lango, both of whom had been living in Gaza for some time and were not taken hostage, crossed into Egypt in early November.
At least 35,800 Palestinians — the majority women and children — have been killed in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Worried about hurricanes affecting your travel plans? Here's everything you need to know about hurricane season in Los Cabos. (NOAA)
It’s fair to say Los Cabos locals spend a lot more time thinking about hurricane season than do vacationers. The former, after all, must consider the prospects of property damage and extended power outages. These aren’t concerns for visitors. Los Cabos’ hotels are the safest structures in the destination and their generators are larger and longer-lasting than those of the most prepared residents. But that doesn’t mean hurricane season shouldn’t factor into vacation planning. Los Cabos is expensive, even with off-season discounts, and if there’s no sunshine and the beaches and marinas are closed for a few days, that will likely impact your overall experience.
When is hurricane season in Los Cabos?
Pacific hurricane season begins on May 15 and annually extends through the end of November. That’s almost half the year, but it bears noting that tropical storms are uncommon in all but three months: August, September, and October. Hurricanes – storms with wind speeds over 74 miles per hour – are even rarer.
Projection data for tropical storms and hurricanes during the 2024 hurricane season. (Servicio Meteorológico Nacional)
According to Mexico’s Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, the Pacific Ocean is projected to see 15 to 18 named storms this year, of which 4 or 5 may reach hurricane strength, with 3 to 4 achieving major hurricane status (Categories 3, 4, and 5; with wind speeds 111 mph and higher). However, that’s for the entire Pacific region. It’s not guaranteed that any of these potential storms will affect Los Cabos, although traditionally, at least one or two will.
What is the history of hurricanes in Los Cabos?
From a historical perspective, almost all of the most powerful storms ever to hit Los Cabos happened during September. La Inundación de 1939 and Hurricane Odile in 2014 occurred on the same day: September 14. Flooding from the former destroyed the few homes then built in Cabo San Lucas, an event memorably described in C.M. Mayo’s travelogue Miraculous Air: Journey of a Thousand Miles Through Baja California, the Other Mexico. The latter was the worst storm ever to hit Los Cabos, a Category 4 hurricane that caused more than a billion dollars in damage.
Other noteworthy storms like Hurricane Liza in 1976 and Hurricane Paul in 1982 were also in September. In more recent years Hurricane Juliette in 2001 and Tropical Storm Lidia in 2017 took place the same month. Thus, this is the one month when vacationers should expect tropical storms to be a distinct possibility. This is borne out by average rainfall amounts in September (127 millimeters, or 5 inches), which accounts for over 44% of the average annual rainfall in Cabo San Lucas.
Storms in August and October are much less frequent but do happen. Just last year, for example, Hurricane Norma made landfall in Los Cabos on the late date of October 21, knocking out power for many residents for the better part of a week. But there’s a reason that Cabo San Lucas’ biggest fishing tournaments are held in October. Not only are the conditions right to catch marlin, but the weather is typically hot and sunny.
The Pacific coast sees several hurricanes every year, but most never get as far north as Los Cabos. (Guillermo Perea/Cuartoscuro)
How do potential storms affect hotels, beaches, and activities?
In the rare event of a hurricane or strong tropical storm, several wrenches can be thrown into one’s vacation plans. The first is that the beaches can be closed, eliminating one of the most popular vacation activities. Not that you’d want to go anyway in such poor weather. The second is that the Cabo San Lucas Marina can be closed. As this is the locus of most area sailing, snorkeling, and fishing tours, these activities are likewise curtailed. For those taking Mexican Riviera Cruises with port calls in Cabo San Lucas, this could mean cancellation of one’s scheduled visit. Many outdoor restaurants will close, too, and the streets will probably also flood, as they almost always do during heavy rains since Los Cabos lacks adequate drainage.
Travel insurance generally covers money lost from missed flights and misplaced luggage. It may be a good investment if you’re visiting during September when storms are most likely. Signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, meanwhile, is always recommended during hurricane season in Los Cabos. It’s free and lets you share your trip details with the U.S. Embassy. In return, you’ll get updates on safety and potential weather advisories or other emergencies.
You’ll want to activate international roaming for your cellphone before traveling so that in the event of a hurricane, you can tell friends and family that you’re safe and having a more adventurous vacation than you bargained for. You won’t need the same emergency kit assembled by residents, but a waterproof bag to protect passports and other travel documents is a good idea. Your hotel or resort will take good care of you, with generator service in the event of power outages and Wi-Fi to post social media updates.
Los Cabos International Airport may also be affected in the event of a hurricane. Don’t worry though, it will reopen once the weather improves. (Guillermo Perea/Cuartoscuro)
There’s a U.S. Consulate office in Los Cabos, at The Shoppes at Palmilla, an upscale shopping center at Km. 27.5 in the Tourist Corridor. If you have questions during your trip, contact them at (624) 143-3566, or after business hours call 1-800-681-9374. To report an emergency, dial 911, like you would in the U.S.
Is it worth the risk to visit in September?
Although September is the only month when tropical storms are a relatively common occurrence in Los Cabos, there are reasons why this can still be a good time to visit. Hotel rates are typically lower. Thanks to seasonally warm water temperatures and high visibility, September is also peak diving season at sites like Cabo Pulmo. Fishing conditions are also excellent, for billfish like black, blue, and striped marlin and game fish like tuna and dorado (aka mahi-mahi).
How can you monitor potential storms?
The National Hurricane Center monitors storm activity year-round for the Eastern Pacific region, of which Los Cabos is a part. This is the go-to source for updated information on storm tracking.
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 new Puerto Vallarta-Guadalajara highway allows travellers to take in the best of Jalisco and Nayarit (Zstock/Shutterstock)
It’s about to get much easier to dive deeper into the state of Jalisco. This Pacific coast state in Mexico is best known for its two most popular destinations: Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta — one is rich with cosmopolitan and cultural energy, and the second is one of the beach capitals of Mexico. Rarely are the two put together on one itinerary, as the distance between them has made travel back and forth both time-consuming and costly. However, that’s all about to change with the completion of the brand new, high speed highway.
The high speed highway connecting Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta has been in the works for more than 10 years. Originally intended for completion in 2014, the final date for completion is expected a full 10 years later in July 2024. Currently, the majority of the highway is complete from Guadalajara to Las Varas. What remains is the final stretch connecting Bucerias to Puerto Vallarta.
Driving from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta will allow your trip to end in paradise – on a beach, drink in hand with a stunning Pacific sunset. (Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta)
The highway is a significant development for the tourism landscape in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. Covering more than 86 kilometers, the modern roadway includes 45 bridges, seven interchanges, three tunnels, and three viaducts. It is expected to handle 6,000 vehicles a day. The cost between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta is roughly $1,000 pesos each way, which may seem steep, but saves valuable expenses if traveling with the family.
Once completed, the highway between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta will shorten the trip to about two and a half hours, shaving the original drive time nearly in half. This opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to exploring the state of Jalisco, as well as the interior and coastline of the neighboring state, Nayarit.
Travelers can start their journey in either direction, but I recommend starting in Guadalajara first. There’s something appealing about starting with the culture, history, and cosmopolitan energy of one of Mexico’s most dynamic cities before ending a scenery-packed road trip by lounging on a beautiful beach on the Pacific coast.
Guadalajara: The Soul of Jalisco
Your journey begins in the vibrant metropolis of Guadalajara, a city pulsating with cultural energy, rich history, and fantastic cuisine. It’s considered the “Silicon Valley” of Mexico, which has drawn a tech-savvy, forward-thinking culture, resulting in a funky arts scene and cafe culture. Still, Guadalajara is deeply rooted in its history and is known as the birthplace of some of Mexico’s most significant cultural icons like Mariachi, charrería, and tequila.
The Teatro Degollado, Guadalajara is one of the city’s most striking buildings and wouldn’t look out of place in Europe. (Román López/Unsplash)
Highlights
Historic Center: Explore the historic heart of Guadalajara, home to architectural marvels such as the majestic Guadalajara Cathedral, the ornate Government Palace, and the iconic Hospicio Cabañas.
Mariachi Plaza: Soak up the lively atmosphere of Mariachi Plaza, where traditional mariachi bands serenade visitors with soul-stirring melodies and vibrant performances.
Tlaquepaque Artisan Village: Indulge in a shopping spree at Tlaquepaque, a charming artisan village renowned for its exquisite handicrafts, colorful markets, and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Tequila: Spirit of Mexico
Continuing on your journey, the town of Tequila beckons with its aromatic fields of blue agave and rich heritage deeply rooted in Mexico’s cultural fabric.
Tequila. Beyond the obvious, the town offers stunning natural vistas and colonial architecture. (Austin Curtis/Unsplash)
Highlights
Tequila Tastings: Embark on a sensory journey through the world of tequila with guided tastings at renowned distilleries such as Jose Cuervo and Casa Sauza.
Agave Landscape: Explore the picturesque agave landscape surrounding Tequila, where rows of blue agave plants stretch towards the horizon against the backdrop of the Tequila Volcano.
National Tequila Museum: Dive into the fascinating history and production process of tequila at the National Tequila Museum, where interactive exhibits and guided tours offer insights into this iconic spirit.
Compostela: A Glimpse of Mexican Magic
A large chunk of the highway passes through the state of Nayarit — a state rich in mountain villages, indigenous communities, coffee culture, and a spectacular coastline. Make a stop in the enchanting town of Compostela. Tucked away amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, Compostela exudes an irresistible charm, earning its status as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos.
Th Pueblo Mágico of Compostela is an unassuming gem in quiet Nayarit. (Pueblos Mágicos)
Must-See Sights:
Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Church: Admire the exquisite colonial architecture of the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Church, a cultural and historical landmark dating back to the 16th century.
Plaza Principal: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Principal, where locals gather to socialize, shop, and enjoy traditional street food.
Cerro del Sangangüey: Hike up Cerro del Sangangüey for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including lush forests, rolling hills, and the iconic Nayarit countryside.
Puerto Vallarta: Where the Pacific Meets Paradise
The journey ends on the palm-fringed beaches of Puerto Vallarta. A fusion of relaxation, adventure, and buzzy nightlife, it’s the perfect place to end the journey.
If you’ve already tried parts of the Puerto Vallarta — Guadalajara highway, let us know how you found it.
Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com.
International Court of Justice President Nawaf Salam, who read the ruling Thursday in a proceeding at The Hague, said that the ICJ's decision not to grant Mexico's request regarding the Mexican embassy in Quito was a unanimous one. (Frank van Beek/ICJ)
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has rejected Mexico’s request that the ICJ order Ecuador to protect the Mexican Embassy in Quito, amid an ongoing dispute between the two Latin American countries.
Former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas, seen here in white, was arrested in a raid on the Mexican Embassy in Quito on April 5, which led Mexico to break diplomatic relations with Ecuador. Mexico had offered Glas refuge from Ecuadorian authorities in the embassy. (National Police of Ecuador)
After the raid, Mexico promptly broke diplomatic relations with Ecuador, describing the attack on its embassy in Quito as a “flagrant and serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
Many other countries also condemned Ecuador’s storming of the embassy in Quito.
On April 11, the Mexican government filed a lawsuit with the ICJ against Ecuador in which it asked the court to award compensation and suspend Ecuador from the United Nations until it issues “a public apology recognizing its violations to the fundamental principles and norms of international law.”
It also asked the ICJ — one of the six principal organs of the UN — to take “appropriate and immediate steps to provide full protection and security of [its] diplomatic premises” in Quito, including the residences of diplomats, in order to prevent any further raids.
In a ruling on Thursday, ICJ presiding judge Nawaf Salam said that pledges already made by Ecuador to protect the Mexican embassy in Quito, both in a letter to the ICJ and in public hearings last month, “encompass the concerns expressed by Mexico” and therefore the ICJ “considers that there is at present no urgency” to issue a directive to Ecuador.
Andrés Terán Parral, Ecuador’s ambassador to the Netherlands, expressed satisfaction with the ruling.
Ecuador’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Andrés Terán Parral, said that his government had already assured the ICJ that it will protect the Mexican embassy in Quito. Terán has, however, defended Ecuador’s April 5 raid on the embassy. (Frank van Beek/ICJ)
“The court highlighted, among other things, that Ecuador has given repeated assurances that it would provide full protection and security to the premises, property and archives of the Mexican Embassy in Quito. Ecuador stands by its assurances,” he told reporters at the ICJ in The Hague.
Terán has defended Ecuador’s raid on the Mexican Embassy during hearings at the ICJ, telling judges that it acted to arrest “a common criminal.”
Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the court’s rejection of Mexico’s request “confirms the unnecessary character of the request.”
“The court recognizes that the good faith of Ecuador should be presumed and makes clear that the present circumstances do not present any risk to the rights of Mexico,” the ministry added.
In a press release announcing that it had rejected Mexico’s request, the ICJ also noted that in a legal document it issued on Thursday it “emphasizes ‘the fundamental importance of the principles enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.'”
“In this respect, [the court] states, as it has previously noted, that ‘there is no more fundamental prerequisite for the conduct of relations between States than the inviolability of diplomatic envoys and embassies,'” the ICJ said.
The Mexican government interpreted that statement as a “victory for Mexico.”
In a post to the X social media platform, the spokesperson for President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that the ICJ had “declared that Ecuador is obliged to respect Mexico’s embassy.”
“It didn’t issue provisional measures because Ecuador legally committed to do it. This is a victory for Mexico,” Jesús Ramírez said in a post that was “reposted” by Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).
Alejandro Celorio Alcántara, legal advisor for the SRE, said that the ICJ’s position on the inviolability of diplomatic envoys and embassies is “of the utmost importance for Mexico, for Ecuador and the whole world.”
Alejandro Celorio Alcántara, legal advisor for Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, emphasized the importance of preserving diplomatic inviolability, not only for Mexico but for all nations. (Frank van Beek/ICJ)
Mexico’s broader lawsuit against Ecuador is likely to take months if not years to be resolved.
Ecuador last month filed its own complaint against Mexico with the ICJ over what it claimed was an illegal move to grant political asylum to Glas, who has been convicted twice of corruption and faces fresh charges.
Reuters reported that Glas — who served under presidents Lenín Moreno and Rafael Correa — faces charges of misusing funds collected to aid reconstruction of the coastal province of Manabí after a devastating 2016 earthquake.
Mexico granted the former vice president asylum just before he was arrested at the embassy by Ecuadorian police.
AMLO: Four conditions must be met before Mexico reestablishes relations with Ecuador
At his morning press conference on Thursday, President López Obrador was asked about Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s statement that he is willing to engage in dialogue with Mexico.
In a recent social media post, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said that he’d be open to resolving the differences between his country and Mexico but stressed that “justice is not negotiable,” apparently referencing his government’s raid on Mexico’s embassy in Quito to arrest Jorge Glas. (Daniel Noboa Azin/Facebook)
“We’re not seeking dialogue with the person who didn’t respect the sovereignty of our country,” López Obrador responded.
He noted that the dispute between the two countries about the raid on the Mexican embassy is before the ICJ and declared that that is where it will be resolved.
After a reporter said that there was no indication from Ecuador that it was prepared to release Glas despite some international pressure to do so, López Obrador declared that Mexico wouldn’t consider reestablishing relations with the South American nation “if they don’t offer a public apology, in the first case.”
He also announced three other conditions that would need to be met for Mexico to reestablish relations with Ecuador:
That the Ecuadorian government promise to respect the right to asylum
That it commit to never again breaking into a foreign country’s embassy
That — as López Obrador put it — “any government that acts like Ecuador did should be expelled from the United Nations”
“It’s as clear as that,” López Obrador added.
The International Court of Justice, seated in The Hague, also has before it a broader suit from Mexico against Ecuador regarding Ecuador’s April 5 raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito. This petition merely sought a formal ICJ directive to Ecuador to protect Mexican diplomatic property in the country. (ICJ)
The president acknowledged the ICJ’s ruling on Thursday but noted that Mexico’s broader case has not been resolved. He said he didn’t have a lot of confidence that the Ecuadorian government would uphold its promise to protect Mexico’s diplomatic premises in Ecuador but claimed that the Ecuadorian people would “help to look after Mexico’s assets” in the country.
“We don’t trust the government, but we do trust the Ecuadorian [citizens] because we’re brotherly peoples,” López Obrador said.
“This is not a matter of differences with the people of Ecuador, it’s an issue with an authoritarian government that ignores international law, is disrespectful and which violated our sovereignty and attacked our diplomatic representatives,” he said.
The Calgary-based airline WestJet will soon connect Canadian cities in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario with flights to Tulum. (Westjet)
Canadian airline WestJet has announced two new direct Canada-Tulum flights To Tulum’s new international airport that will begin operation in November.
Starting Nov. 9, WestJet will begin its new series of flights with a once-weekly flight to Tulum’s Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport from Calgary as well as three arrivals per week to the beach destination from Toronto. Both flights will run until April 27, 2025.
The Tulum airport is bringing a surge in tourism to the already-popular region. (Mara Lezama/X)
Jorge Molina Pérez, director of Tulum’s Tourism and Economy Department, said the new Canada-Tulum flights can strengthen Tulum’s image as a sunny beach destination steeped in Maya culture, an image that should be promoted to travelers from Canada, the United States and Europe, he said.
“Calgary and Toronto are cities that are home to travelers with good purchasing power, and they are accustomed to taking seasonal vacations to escape the cold weather,” Molina said.
“We must welcome this new airline that will be flying 737 airliners to Tulum,” he said. “WestJet is betting on broadening its market, and so it is incumbent on us here in Tulum to learn more about the Canadian visitors who will arrive thanks to this new announcement.”
In conjunction with the new Canada-Tulum flights, WestJet Vacations is offering flight and accommodations packages to 35 major hotels close to the airport, the airline reported.
WestJet also introduced several new flights to hot destinations from various airports across Canada, including two additional destinations in Mexico.
The Calgary-based airline will offer a once-weekly direct flight from Winnipeg to Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, beginning on Nov. 9 and wrapping up on April 26, 2025.
The airline will also offer once-weekly flight service from Kelowna, British Columbia, to the Pacific coast city of Mazatlán from Dec. 13 through April 18, 2025.
The prices of fruits and vegetables again drove an uptick in the annual headline inflation rate in the first half of May. (Shutterstock)
Annual headline inflation in Mexico increased to 4.78% in the first half of May, up from 4.67% in the second half of April, according to the national statistics agency INEGI.
The uptick follows increases in inflation in Mexico in both March and April.
The rise in annual inflation in the first half of the month occurred despite a 0.21% decline in consumer prices compared to the second half of April.
INEGI also reported Thursday that Mexico’s core inflation rate, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, was 4.31% in the first half of the month. That rate declined from 4.34% in the second half of April.
Both the headline rate and the core rate were in line with the consensus forecasts of analysts surveyed by Citibanamex. The former rate was slightly higher than a median forecast of 4.75% from analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.
The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) targets a 3% headline rate with tolerance of 1 percentage point in either direction. The central bank’s governing board will hold its next monetary policy meeting on June 27.
Victoria Rodíguez Ceja, the governor of Banxico, was one of the members of the governing board who voted to lower the benchmark interest rate to 11% in March. (Cuartoscuro)
The consensus forecast of more than 30 banks, brokerages and research organizations recently surveyed by Citibanamex is that Banxico will cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 10.75% next month, and that the key rate will be 10% at the end of the year.
However, Bloomberg reported Thursday that the higher-than-expected headline rate in the first two weeks of May likely fueled bets that “the hawkish central bank will be slow to lower its interest rate.”
Fruit and vegetable prices continue to fuel inflation in Mexico
INEGI data shows that fruit and vegetable prices increased 19.99% annually in the first half of May. That’s up from an 18.57% annual increase in April.
Agricultural products in general — fruit and vegetables, and meat — were 8.75% more expensive than a year earlier. A modest 0.22% annual increase in the cost of meat tempered inflation in that category.
The cost of services increased 5.23% annually in the first two weeks of May, processed food, beverages and tobacco were 4.61% more expensive and energy prices, including those for gasoline and electricity, rose 4.08%. Prices for non-food goods increased 2.29%.
Mexico's first two heat waves prompted Mexico City's government to set up hydration stations, including this one near the Zócalo main square, where people can get a free drink of water. (Andrea Murcia/Cuartoscuro)
The unwelcome news comes less than two weeks after new high-temperature records were set across the country.
With a Mexico heat wave bringing temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celsius (113 F) in Chiapas and Tabasco in recent weeks, environmental organizations and volunteers have been helping wild howler monkeys who are severely dehydrated. (Cobius/Facebook)
Scientists at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) said Wednesday that over the next 10–15 days, Mexico can expect to see the highest temperatures ever recorded in its history.
Calling Mexico’s heat wave situation “unprecedented,” three UNAM professors called on authorities to take all steps necessary to prepare for the extreme heat so as to protect the lives of both humans and animals.
“The consequences are not necessarily related to how hot it gets,” said Jorge Zavala Hidalgo, director of UNAM’s Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change (ICAyCC), “but to how well prepared a community is to respond to the situation.”
The central part of the country and urban areas will feel the greatest impact, Zavala said, identifying Tlaxcala, Pachuca and Cuernavaca as cities where new records will be set.
Additionally, the extreme heat will cause ozone levels to increase, further complicating the life of city dwellers. As if on cue, the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe) declared a Phase 1 air-quality emergency for Thursday in the Mexico City metropolitan area, even though a heavy rainstorm, accompanied by high winds, had passed through the Valley of Mexico on Wednesday night.
The previous heat wave, which lasted from May 3 to May 13, saw new all-time high temperature records established in at least 10 Mexican cities, including Mexico City. On May 9, the capital eclipsed a temperature record that had been set during the nation’s first heat wave this year in April.
Ruy Lopez Ridaura, a sub-deputy with the Health Ministry, speaks Tuesday at President Lopez Obrador’s daily press conference about government preparations for a third heat wave in Mexico. (Galo Cañas Rodríguez/Cuartoscuro)
Zavala says the capital could break yet another record high in the coming days.
According to the federal Health Ministry (SSa), 26 people have died this year due to heatstroke and dehydration related to the high temperatures. Local media and state authorities have reported even more fatalities.
The SSa report identified Veracruz (10 deaths), San Luis Potosí (four deaths) and Tabasco (four deaths) as the hardest-hit states. Other sources report more heat-related deaths than official statistics: in mid-May, citing local Red Cross paramedics, Debate newspaper reported that 24 people had died in San Luis Potosí due to heat-related symptoms, including 10 who perished on May 10 alone.
State Health Minister Lucía Gabriela Rosales Ortuño rejected the claim, saying that the health authority was still working to determine how many deaths were linked to heatstroke.
Temperatures of 45 C (113 F) have been recorded in Chiapas and Tabasco in recent weeks,
The high temperatures that the UNAM scientists attributed to the El Niño climate pattern are not exclusive to Mexico.
Francisco Estrada, coordinator of UNAM’s Climate Change Investigation Program (PINCC), said that April was the hottest month ever recorded in 47 nations, including Mexico. Estrada added that 2024 will likely be the hottest year on record.
As the La Niña phenomenon is forecast to bring more precipitation in much of Mexico this summer.
Mexico is a very relaxed country, but the rules of the sobremesa are a pillar of society. Learn how to avoid social gaffes and make the most of this Mexican tradition. (Valiant Made/Unsplash)
Many expat friends have asked me about a restaurant dynamic that makes them uncomfortable. They don’t understand why waiters are quick to clear the table but need to be flagged down later to get the check. I think sobremesa explains it all.
Sobremesa is a cultural tradition ingrained in Mexican culture. The word is derived from the Spanish words “sobre” (over) and “mesa” (table).
Shared meals in Mexico are about more than just food – they’re an important moment of community. (Stefan Vladimirov/Unsplash)
When you get together for a meal in Mexico, the experience is rarely limited to just eating. We stay at the table and engage in meaningful conversation, sharing life updates long after dessert. This after-meal moment can stretch for hours and is devoted to strengthening social bonds.
The rich history of sobremesa
Historically, it’s not hard to find antecedents to the sobremesa tradition. In the ancient world, Roman emperors and guests indulged in lavish banquets, after which, reclining on their divans, they were entertained by acrobats, actors and poets.
During the Renaissance, bourgeois etiquette escalated among the great families of Italy, including the Medicis and the Sforzas. This era saw Leonardo Da Vinci captivate guests after dinner by presenting his intricate machine models and works of art.
During the French Revolution and the opulent reign of the Napoleonic Empire, sobremesa emerged as a core aspect of gatherings. Aristocrats showed their lavish lifestyle and sophistication by hanging out long after the meals.
The sobremesa has a long history, dating back to the Renaissance before being popularised in Imperial France. (Alexandre Dufay)
The ritual as it is practiced in Mexico originated in Spain in response to heavy three-course meals and hot weather, especially in the south of Spain, where there would be little incentive to end a comida quickly and go back outside. As it would be wildly inappropriate to have a siesta right at the table, sobremesa became a delightful alternative to allow for healthy digestion.
The wellness benefits of this tradition
Apart from its cultural significance, sobremesa appears to offer health benefits. Taking time to relax before and after a meal has been linked to improved digestion and overall well-being. By allowing the body to properly digest food in a relaxed state, sobremesa promotes better nutrient absorption and reduces the likelihood of digestive discomfort.
Sharing stories, laughter and insights with loved ones can uplift spirits and nourish the soul.
Watch your manners in Mexico
Chew with your mouth closed, don’t discuss serious topics over dinner and make sure you praise the chef! (Pablo Merchan Montes/Unsplash)
Mexicans think it’s rude to mention difficult topics during a meal. Conversation while eating is mostly about the food and praising the cook. However, after the meal, acceptable topics are nearly unlimited. Sobremesa conversations can range from lighthearted banter to deep thoughts. As you may know though, once tummies are full, people can talk about anything.
This after-meal ritual is such a barometer of cordiality in Mexico that if you want to paint a picture of high tensions, all you have to say is, “We didn’t even stay for the sobremesa.”
Although it can go on longer on the weekends, the sobremesa can be the weightiest part of a business meal. It starts once the eating is done and the plates have been cleared. Deep conversations are reserved for after eating because in Mexico, speaking with your mouth full is reprehensible.
By the way, if you tend to talk while chewing, don’t be surprised if your guests suddenly leave.
Sobremesa etiquette at restaurants
Just because you’ve finished eating doesn’t mean the meal is done – don’t worry if you haven’t got the check yet. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)
When you go to a restaurant and find a waiting line, you’ll probably get a strange look if you ask for an estimated waiting time. That’s because there’s no way to predict how long guests will stay and chat at their table once they’ve finished their meal.
Other cultures may think it’s rude to keep people waiting for their table, but a Mexican will find it rude to get up and leave as soon as they’re done with the food.
The art of lingering
So, dear amigos, remember this when dining out in Mexico: if your plates are quickly cleared, the waiter is inviting you to stay and enjoy your sobremesa. Waiters will bring you the check only when you are ready to leave.
This fast-paced world is calling us to slow down and savor the moment. Sobremesa is considered one of the barometers of joy in our culture. Whenever there is a chance, let’s practice the healthy habit of staying at the table, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
Sandra Gancz Kahan is a Mexican writer and translator based in San Miguel de Allende who specializes in mental health and humanitarian aid. She believes in the power of language to foster compassion and understanding across cultures. She can be reached at: [email protected]
