The October energy reform strengthened the role of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and Pemex in the country's energy sector. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)
Mexico is poised to reshape local energy markets with a reform that prioritizes state control of the sector and reduces the role played by private companies.
President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday submitted six bills to Congress that would allow for public-private electricity generation projects, but only when the state holds a majority stake.
Sheinbaum’s proposals pull back on reforms to the Energy Law put in place by Peña Nieto, center, in 2013. His reforms made it easier for foreign energy companies to operate in Mexico. (Emiliano Ruval/Cuartoscuro)
Upon unveiling the proposal, Sheinbaum said the proposal would strengthen both the state-owned Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and the state-owned petroleum corporation Pemex, making them more efficient and transparent.
The legislation establishes that at least 54% of all electricity supplied to the national grid must be provided by the CFE, according to the news agency Reuters.
In October, Sheinbaum and her ruling Morena party approved sweeping changes to the country’s electricity and hydrocarbons industries by reclassifying state-owned enterprises Pemex and CFE from productive to public companies. It also allows the two companies to operate as monopolies since they are seen by the new law as operating for the social good.
Permits and contracts already authorized under current law would remain valid until they expire.
According to the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), market sources say the latest change reflects a partial reversal of the energy reform implemented in 2013 by then-President Enrique Peña Nieto, who touted it as fostering greater competition between private and state-owned energy companies.
Sheinbaum went further, calling the new legislation transcendent and historic.
Sheinbaum said Thursday that the reforms “reclaim the public essence” of the Federal Electricity Commission and Pemex as guarantors of energy provision to Mexico’s people. (Galo Cañas Rodríguez/Cuartoscuro)
“It is indeed a reversal of Peña Nieto’s 2013 reform, whose objective was to privatize,” she said. “In fact, it is also a reversal of the 1992 reforms so as to reclaim the public essence of the CFE and Pemex as guarantors of energy provision as well as defending national sovereignty.”
The proposal reflects the policies promoted by Sheinbaum’s predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who sought to restore state control over energy.
Sheinbaum, who took office on Oct. 1, has pledged continuity with López Obrador’s policy preferences and has argued that national sovereignty requires the CFE to serve as the power sector’s main driver.
Both López Obrador and Sheinbaum have insisted the CFE is better positioned to provide services to the population than profit-maximizing private companies.
The energy reform bill’s text enshrines the CFE’s role as system guarantor while ordering the power system to operate under conditions that ensure reliability, Reuters reported.
Some of the bill’s elements, however, appear to go beyond Lopez Obrador’s unconditional defense of oil and gas and his oft-stated skepticism of green power. Sheinbaum — a trained physicist who studied energy engineering and climate change — has frequently said she favors more renewable energy, although she’s been vague on specifics.
Reuters reported that the draft of the bill stipulates that the national power system promote decarbonization and the transition away from fossil fuels, a policy that differs from that promoted by López Obrador.
The bill also requires self-supply permit holders to sell any surplus power they generate to the CFE, Reuters reported.
Valeria Vázquez, lead energy and resources partner at the global consulting firm Deloitte, told the OPIS blog that it is unclear how private companies will participate in hydrocarbons.
“The law now establishes Pemex and CFE as the main operators in the market with specific rules for private participation [that are] different from what we have today,” Vázquez said.
Although the energy reform guarantees Mexico’s state-owned energy companies preeminence in the Mexican market, most sources said it will at least provide clear operating rules for foreign firms wishing to operate in Mexico. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)
The energy reform also imposes similar conditions on operations in Mexico’s states, which will be responsible for enacting implementing policies, according to Bernardo Cortés, a partner with the Cortés and Quesada law firm.
Cortés told the OPIS blog that the changes likely mean private companies will have fewer investment opportunities than when the 2013 reform was enacted.
Despite the skepticism, most sources said the energy reform should provide the benefit of establishing clear rules for operating in the market, according to the OPIS blog.
However, others argue that Mexico’s judicial reforms, along with the elimination of regulatory bodies that served to delineate the roles of the state, regulators, and state-owned companies in the market, have increased uncertainty for companies looking to invest in the country.
Though they are best known for their salsas, Grupo Herdez also produces ice cream, pasta and a wide variety of other processed foods in Mexico. (Hormel Foods)
Grupo Herdez, one of Mexico’s leading processed food companies, announced plans to invest between 1.5 billion and 2 billion pesos (US $73.3 million to 97.9 million) in Mexico this year.
In a report to the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) on Wednesday, Herdez explained that 500 million pesos (US $24.4 million) of this investment will be allocated to software migration for its enterprise resource planning (ERP), which manages core business processes.
In addition to its Mexicans salsas, Herdez produces sells a variety of products for brands like McCormick Mexico, Barilla Mexico and Helados Nestlé. (McCormick Mexico/Facebook)
The remaining funds would be destined to enhance export capacity for its salsas, install a new long pasta line for Barilla Mexico, and remodel stores in its Impulse division, which includes ice cream, coffee and canned foods.
The company, which produces and markets food brands such as Del Fuerte, McCormick Mexico, Helados Nestlé and Nutrisa, expects sales growth of 6% to 8% during 2025, with two-thirds of the projected growth in net sales coming from higher volumes.
The company’s Impulse division is expected to see the greatest growth, at an estimated rate of 19% to 21%. This would be followed by Herdez’s Preserves division, with an anticipated increase of 5% to 7%, and exports, which are expected to grow by 1% to 2%. According to the company’s preliminary figures for last year, net sales in 2024 were 37.4 billion pesos (US $1.8 billion).
Grupo Herdez anticipates pressures from rising costs, exchange rate fluctuations and higher operating expenses, especially in logistics, which is expected to put pressure on its operating margins and operating cash flow (EBITDA) this coming year.
However, the report said Herdez expects consolidated net profit to increase by 9% to 11% compared to 2024, driven by the normalization of avocado prices.
Grupo Herdez began operations in 1914. It currently has a portfolio of 1,500 products ranging from tuna, spices, guacamole, ice cream, mayonnaise, jams, honey, mole, mustard, pasta, organic items, ground tomatoes, homemade sauces, ketchup, tea and canned vegetables.
Other brands include Búfalo, Cielito Querido Café, Del Fuerte and Doña María.
The Mexican-food company also has operations in the United States, where it has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the authentic Mexican food industry. Its brands are sold in 21 countries, thanks to a network that includes 15 plants, 24 distribution centers and over 9,000 employees.
The USMCA has been a great success, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Wednesday. (Cuartoscuro/Moisés Pablo Nava)
Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard emphasized the success of the USMCA free trade pact and underscored Mexico’s economic commitment to North America during remarks at the 85th annual general meeting of the American Society of Mexico (AmSoc) on Wednesday.
In conversation with AmSoc president Larry Rubin in Mexico City, Ebrard asserted that the USMCA — which superseded NAFTA in 2020 and is up for review in 2026 — “has been a great success.”
Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard speaks at Wednesday’s meeting of the American Society of Mexico. (Travis Bembenek/Mexico News Daily)
“I had a meeting the other day with various countries of the world, with their ambassadors [to Mexico] and they told me, ‘We don’t understand why you, the United States, Canada and Mexico, don’t realize that the agreement you have is the envy of everyone,” he said.
“The free trade agreement signed in 2019, 2020, between that date and now, made trade and investment increase 37%,” Ebrard said.
“That’s the size of the economy of many countries. … It’s a history of phenomenal success,” he said.
Ebrard, foreign affairs minister during most of the six-year term of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, recalled that the expectation when negotiations for a new North America trade agreement began during the first presidency of Donald Trump was that a “disaster” was awaiting Mexico, that the new pact would lead to the “destruction” of the Mexican economy.
Marcelo Ebrard, who at the time was Mexico’s foreign minister, was at former President López Obrador’s side during at the negotiation of the USMCA trade deal. (Presidencia)
He stressed that the anticipated disaster didn’t occur.
“We’re part of a history of phenomenal success that is in no one’s interest to jeopardize,” Ebrard said.
“We have an agreement for some time yet,” said the economy minister, who acknowledged that there will be points of difference between Mexico, the United States and Canada when the pact is reviewed but stressed that the USMCA is of vital importance to a huge number of companies that operate in North America.
Ebrard: Mexico is an ally of North America, not China
Ebrard dismissed claims that Mexico is cozying up to China and that its trade and investment relationship with the East Asian country will cause problems with the United States and Canada when the USMCA is reviewed.
“We don’t have any auto plant of a Chinese brand in Mexico,” he said before highlighting that BYD — the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that has announced plans to open a factory in Mexico — has a plant (where electric buses are made) in California.
“We’re allied with, we’re part of the North American region,” said Ebrard, who also highlighted — not for the first time — that most Chinese investment in the region is in the United States.
Ebrard highlighted the strength and economic unity of the North American alliance in his Wednesday remarks. (Shutterstock)
He described claims that “Mexico is allied with China” as “half schizophrenic” and asserted that he doesn’t see any “strategic” economic “difference” between the three North American trade partners.
‘We have to maximize Mexico’s comparative advantages’
In later remarks, Ebrard said that the world is amid “a new paradigm that has two characteristics.”
The first, he said, is greater trade protectionism “by region” — even though Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican and Canadian exports — while the second is “increasing competition” between the United States and China, the world’s top two economies.
“We’re in the North American region and therefore what we have do is maximize the comparative advantages Mexico has” due to its location,” Ebrard said.
Amid increasing trade competition between the U.S. and China, Mexico must take maximize the advantages of its location in North America, Ebrard said. (ANAM)
“I think we have a geo-strategic advantage in this new era and we’re going to work with the new [U.S. ] government so that is a reality,” Ebrard said.
5 key quotes from Economy Minister Ebrard
In his conversation with Rubin, and in subsequent remarks to the press, Ebrard spoke about a range of other issues, including Plan México, an ambitious federal government economic plan that seeks to seize the nearshoring opportunity while delivering prosperity and well-being for Mexicans across the country.
Here is a selection of remarks the economy minister made on Wednesday.
On Plan México:
“It’s the first time that we have a plan with a lot of verifiable objectives. … It tells you what we’re going to do in each sector [of the economy] and each region. … What is the central issue? Among other [goals], increase national content [in the products] we make and reduce our dependence on Asian countries in general.”
On economic development in the south of Mexico:
“In Mexico now there are around 100 industrial parks [under construction]. … The vast majority are in the north of the country, in second place in central Mexico and there are very few in the south. What we have to do is take gas, energy, power plants [to the south] — we’re already doing it — so that the south integrates [more in the national economy]. It can’t grow if it doesn’t have energy, right? That was the limiting factor.”
On Mexico’s approach to dealing with the new US government:
“President Sheinbaum said it. We’re going to act with cold blood, calmness, cold blood, temperance. We’re going to seek points of agreement, we’re going to establish dialogue. There will be cooperation because there are no substantial differences between Mexico and the United States.”
“Yesterday the CEO of Nestlé told me that Mexico produces all the Nescafé that is distributed in 70 countries around the world. … In other words, in Australia, now, someone is drinking a coffee that was made in Mexico. … Starting this year, Mexico will be the largest producer of coffee for the company Nestlé. … There are thousands of families that produce coffee, in Oaxaca, in Veracruz and in Chiapas.”
On foreign companies in Mexico:
“No one is going to leave Mexico because they have their most productive plants here. [Relocating] would be very expensive.”
By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)
February arrives in San Miguel de Allende with a vibrant mix of cultural, artistic and musical events, which means it’s time to ask what’s on in the coming weeks. From celebrating long-standing traditions like the Feria de la Candelaria and its workshops to live performances that span opera and mesmerizing dance shows, this month offers something for everyone.
Highlights include the 20th anniversary of the San Miguel Writers’ Conference, the soulful melodies of the Gil Gutiérrez Trio and the exciting debut of Soul Fusion’s Black History Month festival. Whether you’re exploring local traditions, connecting with the finest in literature or dancing to the beats of electronic music, February in San Miguel is packed with events to inspire and entertain.
Feria de la Candelaria
(San Miguel de Allende/Facebook)
February brings the 49th edition of the beloved Feria de la Candelaria, now set in the scenic Parque Zeferino Gutiérrez. This cherished event features over 100 exhibitors offering an incredible variety of plants, pots and gardening supplies. Traditionally held at Parque Benito Juárez, the fair has moved due to logistical changes stemming from the construction of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Cardo. The new location provides spacious grounds to explore and purchase an incredible array of beautiful plants.
Over two weeks, the Feria de la Candelaria offers a variety of engaging events. Participate in workshops on rural medicine or learn about the endemic animals and plants of San Miguel de Allende. Tap into your creativity with a fun floral mixology class or immerse yourself in the soulful experience of a cacao ceremony. Music lovers will especially enjoy the heartfelt musical tribute to Juan Gabriel. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
This special recital features two celebrated artists: pianist and composer Marta García Renart, known for her distinguished career that includes performances at Carnegie Hall and impactful work as a music educator, and soprano Luz Escalera, a talented performer with a solid international career. The concert offers a captivating mix of classical and Mexican music, including works by Mozart, Hugo Wolf, George Crumb and Fauré, alongside pieces by Marta García Renart and Blas Galindo. This unique program promises to celebrate European classical traditions and Mexico’s musical roots.
Date: Feb. 1, 3:45 pm Location: Univerciudad Casa El Nigromante, Umarán 38, Centro Cost: Tickets start at 280 pesos
Midwinter ceremony with an Amazonian spiritual elder
(Event Brite)
This spiritually rich gathering honors the midpoint between winter and spring, a time of renewal and connection. The highlight of the evening is a cacao ceremony led by Manari Ushigua, a revered elder and healer of the Sápara nation in the Ecuadorian Amazon, who will share the rainforest’s vibrant energy. The event also includes a sacred fire at sunset and a light tamale dinner, creating a powerful and reflective experience. All profits benefit Manari’s mission to support his Amazonian community.
Date: Feb. 7, 4 to 9 p.m. Location: Montolea 11, Valle de los Senderos Cost: 500 pesos
Born in 2018 as a beachfront block party in Nayarit, this roaming party has since held more than 50 events throughout Mexico and the United States. This electrifying event blends deep-tech vibes inspired by nightlife capitals like London and Berlin with the minimal melodies of Tulum. Founders Santa María Rivera, Bgeezy and Fouad Masoud will deliver back-to-back sets, joined by talented DJs from Morelia and Querétaro. With mesmerizing music, vibrant lights and an inclusive atmosphere, it promises to be an unforgettable night of house music and dancing.
Date: Feb. 7, 7:00 pm to 2:00 am Location: Sai-Kó Nigiri Lounge, Calle Hernandez Macias, Centro Cost: 150 pesos.
The Marriage of Figaro
(Ópera de San Miguel)
Experience the magic of Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” widely regarded as one of the greatest operas ever composed. This sequel to Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” follows the comedic escapades of Figaro as he thwarts Count Almaviva’s attempt to exercise feudal rights over Susanna, Figaro’s bride-to-be. The opera features a captivating mix of mistaken identities, hilarious subterfuge and breathtaking arias.
The stellar cast includes Alberto Albarrán as Figaro, Enrique Angeles as the Count, Anabel de la Mora as Susanna and Jacinta Barbachano as the Countess, accompanied by Pro Musica’s outstanding orchestra. From its lively overture to its moving duets and ensembles, this performance will have you laughing and marveling at the genius beauty of Mozart’s music. Don’t miss this exquisite blend of humor, drama and timeless musical artistry.
Date: Feb. 7, 5 p.m. Location: Teatro Angela Peralta, Centro Cost: Starting at 300 pesos
Gil Gutiérrez Trio with Dave Rodriguez and Robert Stern
Gil Gutiérrez Trio - Live at Caffe Lena
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening of enchanting string music at Teatro Santa Ana. Renowned guitarist Gil Gutiérrez will be joined by two extraordinary musicians from New York, Dave Rodriguez on double bass and Robert Stern on violin, for a captivating trio performance. This intimate concert promises a stirring musical experience. Whether you’re a fan of classical strings or simply looking for a unique way to spend the evening, secure your spot for this special night!
Date: Feb. 14, 6 p.m. Location: Teatro Santa Ana, Relox 50A Cost: 550 pesos, tickets available at the theater’s box office
Darbukanos Dance
(Discover SMA)
Celebrate the ninth anniversary of dance ensemble Darbukanos with a dazzling performance that transports audiences through the rich cultural tapestry of Turkish, Arab, Macedonian, Sephardic and Balkan music and dance. Founded by renowned dancer and choreographer Fridha Chacón, this talented ensemble of Mexican performers delivers a breathtaking display of hypnotic belly dances and music. Their artistry is complemented by vibrant costumes adorned with shimmering fabrics and intricate designs, which enhance the visual spectacle and deeply connect the audience to the cultural roots of this exciting show.
Date: Feb. 15, 6 p.m. Location: Teatro Angela Peralta, Centro Tickets: 400 pesos, available at the theater’s box office
San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival
(Alistair Palmer)
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the San Miguel Writers’ Conference with a dazzling lineup of literary greats! The keynote lineup includes literary luminaries like John Irving, Percival Everett, Kaveh Akbar, John Vaillant, Jorge F. Hernández, Ruth Reichl and Jennifer Clement.
The festival offers a variety of engaging activities, including agent pitch sessions, individual consultations, post-conference workshops, open mic nights, a poetry fire circle, the Big Read event and exciting excursions. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or an avid reader, immerse yourself in this vibrant literary celebration. For the first time, the festival is honoring its home country by offering all Spanish-speaking programs at no cost to Mexican nationals. Simultaneous interpretation for presentations in English and Spanish.
Date: Feb. 12 to 16 Location: Hotel Real de Minas, Colonia San Antonio Cost: Packages available online
Black History Month Music, Art & Food Festival
(Event Brite)
Celebrate Black American heritage and culture at Soul Fusion’s inaugural festival in San Miguel de Allende! This gathering in honor of Black History Month in the U.S. will be hosted at Geek & Coffee, a charming restaurant with a beautiful garden next to the duck pond within the fabulous Fabrica La Aurora. The celebration features live music performances by StephyLoren, Dr. Jackie “Bouvier” Copeland, Danielle Simmons and Carlos Pirex. Enjoy the offerings of incredible artisans and food vendors, plus a health and wellness area and kids’ corner for family-friendly fun. Soul Fusion is a global music movement dedicated to preserving and advancing Black music heritage through education, performances and public awareness. Everyone is welcome to join in this celebration!
Date: Feb. 22, 1 to 6 p.m. Location: Geek & Coffee at Fabrica La Aurora Cost: 300 pesos, kids enter for free
Hands-on jewelry design workshop with Matthew Gross
(Teatro Santa Ana)
Unleash your creativity at this immersive jewelry design workshop led by the talented Matthew Gross. This hands-on experience invites participants of all ages to dive into the fascinating world of jewelry making. In this workshop, you’ll not only expand your jewelry-making skills but also draw inspiration from the beauty around you to create truly unique designs. Learn how to develop simple shapes into intricate pieces, understand the evolution of design forms over time and discover innovative problem-solving approaches that apply to other areas of design.
Date: Feb. 26, 2:45 p.m. Location: Sala Quetzal at the Biblioteca Pública Cost: Voluntary Donation in benefit of La Biblioteca
Sandra Gancz Kahan is a Mexican writer and translator based in San Miguel de Allende who specializes in mental health and humanitarian aid. She believes in the power of language to foster compassion and understanding across cultures. She can be reached at sandragancz@gmail.com.
February is a beautiful time to visit Oaxaca. Warm in the day but cool at night. Perfect for exploring the city before getting cozy in a bar in the evening. If you decide to come for Valentine’s day the city definitely leans into decorating for the romantic holiday, with flowers and hearts everywhere. A chocolate tasting or workshop is a fun way to enjoy this day with your favorite person.
Mole fair in Mitla
(Oaxaca Travel)
One of the top things people visit Oaxaca for is the mole. February starts with a fair of seven moles in the beautiful town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla, about an hour drive from Oaxaca city. You can take a bus or shared tax from next to the baseball stadium, or one of the many tour companies can arrange a visit. This event will celebrate the gastronomic and cultural wealth of the region to enjoy the colors, aroma and flavors of the mole. You will be able to find chocolate, chocoatole and the seven different types of mole. This will be part of a broader fair in Mitla that will include music dancing.
Dates: Feb. 1 and 2, 9 to 6 p.m. Location: San Pablo Villa de Mitla Tickets: Free entry
Human Toys at Justa Rufina
(Human Toys/Facebook)
Back in the city center, start the month with a night out and see Human Toys play in Oaxaca. They offer a sexy, subversive punk rock experience. Justa Rufina Fonda Bar, playing host, is a great place to get your dance on! They also have great food and cocktails.
Date: Feb. 1 at 9 p.m. Location: Justa Rufina Fonda Bar, Ignacio Allende, Centro Tickets: Available at Songkick
Lucha libre at the Auditorio Guelaguetza
(Super boletos)
This month sees a major face-off for Oaxacan Lucha Libre, with Alberto El Patron and L.A Park taking on Psycho Clown and Pagano. Lucha Libre translates as “free fight,” and is a Mexican style of professional wrestling characterized by high-flying maneuvers. Fighters often wear masks to hide their identity in and out of the ring. In Oaxaca, the regular events are usually in a small arena on the outskirts of the city. However, on Feb. 2, this bout will take place in the Guelaguetza stadium.
A unique opportunity to hear organ music and to experience Oaxaca off the tourist track with eight concerts on eight Oaxaca historic organs. Concerts will be delivered by by renowned organists Luca Scandali (Italy), James O’Donnell (UK) and José Suárez with Horacio Franco (Mexico City) on the recorder, as well as Cicely Winter, with Valentín Hernández (Oaxaca) on percussion.
Watch the Super Bowl with a mezcal. This venue is usually one recommended to visit to sip Oaxaca’s most famous spirit, in an environment where they can talk you through the process. On Feb. 9 it will also be the spot to catch up with football fans and catch the sports most anticipated event. Who will take the win: Eagles or Chiefs?
Date: Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. Location: Bar El Gallo, inside the Centro Cultural del Mezcal, Calle Hidalgo 912 Tickets: Reservations can be made over the phone at 951 579 1726
“Romeo and Juliet” at La Mancha
(Centro Cultural La Mancha/Facebook)
Staying with a romantic theme, you can go and see a rendition of Romeo and Juliet. Based in Oaxaca 1828, the fight between the Liberals and Conservatives stains the streets of the city. Two young lovers refuse to accept that their love is prevented by belonging to opposing sides, but will they manage to stay together this time?
Dates: Feb. 15 and 22 at 4 p.m. Location: Centro Cultural La Mancha, Murguia 507, Centro Tickets: 200 pesos, available calling 971 137 5354 and 951 123 0069.
Oaxaca Food & Wine Festival
(Oaxaca Food and Wine Festival)
After 15 years of producing an award-winning Key West Food & Wine Festival in Key West the team are bringing the event to Oaxaca. “Known as the gastronomic center of Mexico, Oaxaca is simply the perfect place for food lovers to gather.”
Dates: Feb. 20 to 23 Location: Various locations in Oaxaca City Tickets: On sale through Feb. 10 at oaxacafoodandwinefestival.com
Unconventional Pet Fair
(Feria de mascotas no convencionales/Facebook)
Visit the 3rd Annual Unconventional Pet Fair at the University of Oaxaca. As well as the iconic Ambystoma mexicanum — better known as the axolotl — there will also be an exhibition of reptiles and small mammals such as pygmy hedgehogs.
Date: Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Location: Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia UABJO, Avenida Universidad S/N, Ex Hacienda Cinco Señores Tickets: Free entry
Zipolite Nudist Festival
(Turismo Oaxaca)
February is a great time to get down to the coast of Oaxaca. To get fully immersed, join Zipolite’s 10th annual nudist festival. The celebrations will start with a calenda, and tour the main street of Zipolite. During the festival you can go see whales, get body painted and take part in a volleyball competition.
Date: Jan. 31 through Feb. 2 Location: Various Venues: Hotel Nude Beach, Shambala Beach, Hotel el Paraiso Beach, Cobblestone, Hotel Posada México Beach, Hotel Alquimista Beach Tickets: Most activities are free. Contact workshop leaders for paid activities.
Pauli Pocket on Mazunte beach
(Soundcloud)
After spending a few days celebrating nudism, head for a dance as German DJ Pauli Pocket plays house and techno on the Oaxaca coast’s Mazunte beach. Mazunte is a firm favorite of hippies and travelling partygoers. It’s a chiller vibe than Puerto Escondido, but people get into the swing of things from the early afternoon.
Anna Bruce is an award-winning British photojournalist based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Just some of the media outlets she has worked with include Vice, The Financial Times, Time Out, Huffington Post, The Times of London, the BBC and Sony TV. Find out more about her work at her website or visit her on social media on Instagram or on Facebook.
Mexico City's wide variety of food offerings, from steaming street tacos to high restaurants has won the city yet another culinary recognition. (Shutterstock)
Once again, Mexico City has won international recognition after National Geographic Traveller included the capital city among its top food destinations for 2025.
“Mexico has long been a destination for foodies,” Nat Geo said in its list of the eight best food travel destinations for this year. It also noted that the Michelin Guide 2024 is yet another reason to travel there this year.
Nat Geo highlighted El Califa de León, Mexico’s only taquería to have been awarded a Michelin star. This tiny and unpretentious taquería in the San Rafael neighborhood of Mexico City, has been around since 1968. According to the Michelin Guide, the signature beef-filet taco is “exceptional.”
The magazine gave a special mention to restaurants featured in the 50 World’s Best Restaurant list, including Pujol, Quintonil and Rosetta; “all of which are commended for their modern and inventive takes on Mexican cuisine,” Nat Geo said.
It’s not the first time Nat Geo has celebrated Mexico City’s variety of foods and dishes, the availability of which shifts constantly throughout the day. Tacos de guisado (with stew) are typically seen at breakfast and lunchtime as is barbacoa (slow-roasted meat). Carnitas (slow-cooked pork), or mixiote (pit-barbecued meat) are generally enjoyed at midday, while street-style tacos are mainly served at night.
And let’s not forget the ubiquitous tortillas, which can be enjoyed at every meal.
Mexico City is known for delicious and varied tacos de guisado, which feature a range of stewed fillings. (T. Tseng CC BY 2.0)
Nat Geo also praised the cheap prices and fast service of food stalls at markets and cocinas económicas (low-cost diners), which offer everything from freshly made tortillas to juices or fresh brews, seafood, desserts and garnachas, which are fried tortillas with refried beans and a variety of garnishes.
Finally, it featured Mexico City’s cantinas, which are the equivalent of a pub in the U.K. There will often be karaoke, live music and even mariachi bands. While cantinas mostly serve drinks, some surprise their guests with free appetizers. Other cantinas have a proper menu with traditional dishes like pancita (tripe soup), birria (meat stew), caldo de camarón (shrimp soup) and more.
“You can spend the day eating, drinking and singing,” Nat Geo said.
In addition to Mexico City, Nat Geo featured Sicily, Italy; Cumbria, U.K; Alabama, U.S; Cape Town, South Africa; Busan, South Korea; Croatia; and Catalonia, Spain.
Fans of soccer team Club Ámerica have been asked to stop dressing statues of the baby Jesus with club colors. (Metropolitano Aguascalientes/Facebook)
Can you picture the Baby Jesus dressed in your favorite club’s jersey? Well, one Mexico City market has made this a reality.
According to merchants at the Historic Center’s Corredor del Niño Dios — known for it’s range of costumes for statues of Jesus — the most requested piece of clothing to dress up the Baby Jesus on Candlemas Day (Feb. 2) is Mexico City’s Club América “Tricampeón” football kit.
Mexico City’s Club Ámerica have recently sealed their third consecutive national title. (Mireya Novo/Cuartoscuro)
The capital’s Club América, also dubbed “Las Águilas,” is the club with the largest fan base in Mexico. The team recently won their third consecutive national championship title in the Liga Mx.
“We’re going to dress [the Baby Jesus] with the uniform of the three-time champion America. That’s what people are asking for, América,” the owner of Creaciones Guadalupe told newspaper Excelsior.
But the Archbishop of Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Oscar Roberto Dominguez Couttolenc, called on parishioners to be respectful of the image of the Baby Jesus and not to dress him as a soccer fan or a superhero.
“If you support America or Cruz Azul, that’s one thing,” the Archbishop said. “Don’t dress them as Batman or other superheroes. Let’s be respectful… Just dress [the figure] as Baby Jesus.”
Sorry DC fans, Batman is also a no-go. (Pinterest)
Prices for Baby Jesus’ costumes vary, ranging from 80 pesos (US $4) to more artisanal pieces that cost around 2,000 pesos (US $100).
Vendors at the Historic Center told the newspaper Excelsior that dressing up the Baby Jesus on Candlemas Day is a Catholic tradition as old as Mexico’s love for football. The tradition of dressing up the Baby Jesus dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when nuns often dressed many religious figures in garments they had woven themselves. Over time, this practice was passed on to parishioners, who continue the tradition by dressing the figurines today.
Candlemas is a holiday that celebrates the purification of the Virgin Mary after giving birth — following Jewish traditions of the time — and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem. This celebration is still alive in much of Latin America and Spain.
In Mexico, observants dress up a Baby Jesus figure to take it to the temple in remembrance of the presentation day. There are no references in the Bible as to whether the Baby Jesus was a fan of Club Ámerica, however.
Staying power is an elusive quality when it comes to pop music, perhaps more than any other profession — but how do Mexican female pop stars known for high-energy shows complete with athletic dancing and lung-draining choruses still sell out an auditorium thirty years after hitting the scene? One-hit wonders need not apply.
There you are, the expat at your new Mexican friend’s house, enjoying drinks and conversation. You have just impressed your hosts by mentioning Luis Miguel and Juan Gabriel. Now it is time to take it to a whole new level and blow their minds with your knowledge of Mexico’s female pop idols. These first three will serve you well.
Gloria Trevi, Alejandra Guzmán and Yuri. (DanielMedinaMx/Pinkuribe/Joelwolfox / Wikimedia Commons)
Alejandra Guzmán
Undoubtedly, upon seeing this name, some will instantly shout, “Alejandra Guzmán is not pop! She’s rock!” This correct response is, “Who cares?” It is a bit like someone saying, “That’s not deep dish! It’s Neapolitan!”
Guzmán was somewhat destined for greatness as her parents, famous actress Silvia Pinal and pioneering rocker Enrique Guzman, booked her on their own TV show when she was two months old. The rest is, as they say, history.
Guzmán indeed has a bit more edge than many Mexican pop stars. While she can certainly hit the high notes that send cellphone flashlights waving right to left in a concert hall, she effortlessly switches from a breathy melody to a tiger-like growl, and that’s when you need to watch out.
Consider the song “Mírala Míralo” off her 1993 album “Libre.” The raspy quality of her singing adds plenty of danger. The song “Diablo” has her at her most dangerous. Regardless of the costume she might wear, one always speculates that somewhere underneath, there is probably a weapon.
Alejandra Guzmán - Como Ladrones (En Vivo)
Alternatively, the bossa-infused “Enternamente Bella” shows a tender side while still retaining that smoky, sensual voice. “Lado Oscuro” is a song that conjures an image of a woman at the bar in a dusty saloon who knows, despite her explanation, that others will never experience pain the way she has.
Gritty, guttural and badass. Alejandra Guzman is the perfect introduction to the great women of Mexican music.
Nickname: Reina del Rock Comparable Idol: Pat Benatar
Yuri
Headbands and leg warmers. If that doesn’t tell you the era Yuridia Valenzuela Canseco is from, then you have no right to sing along to “Mickey” or “I Want Candy” ever again. The difference between Toni Basel, Bow Wow Wow and Yuri is that the latter can still sell out 10,000 seats, as she will most likely do this Feb. 5 at Auditorio National in Mexico City.
Yuri - Detrás de Mi Ventana (Primera Fila) (En Vivo)
Born in Veracruz in 1964, Yuri started as a typical teeny bopper with an expected career of about an hour after the first hit, soon to be discarded. Yet, by 2025, she has more than proved herself as an artist willing to grow and mature.
For the bubblegum intro, take into consideration “Maldita Primavera,” “Dame un Beso” or “Déjala.” And it is impossible not to hear the influence of Paula Abdul on “Sabes lo que pasa.”
If you really want to sit in the feathered-hair epoch, listen to “Tú iluminas mi vida.” Yes, that’s a Spanish version of “You Light up My Life” by Debbie Boone. But one can’t have a career solely based on sugar-coated songs and aerobic exercise outfits. To her credit, Yuri has recognized this.
Like many artists with decades-long careers, Yuri does much less dancing and lets her voice speak for itself. A song like “Acompáñame” could have been written in the 1940s in its classic simplicity, while “Ay, Amor” could have been written for an 80s metal hair band.
She is in good company with artists who are still going strong in the over-60 club, like Tracy Chapman, Tommy Lee and Lenny Kravitz. At 61, Yuri still has years of stage presence left.
Nickname: “La Madonna Mexicana” Comparable Idol: Well… Madonna
Gloria Trevi
With massive staging, multiple costume changes, and a battalion of dancers, Gloria Trevi is the definition of a superstar with super hair.
Gloria Trevi - Todos Me Miran (En Vivo Desde La Arena Ciudad De México)
Born in 1968 in Monterrey, Nuevo León, she was soaking in hard rock such as Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple by the time she hit high school. Add to that ballet lessons, and it’s no wonder she would eventually command a stage with cemented swagger.
Her 1989 debut album,“¿Qué Hago Aqui?” was an instant chart success with songs like “Cosas de la Vida,” “Besame Aquí” and a quintessential 80s-sounding cover of the Stones with “Satisfecha.” The production is right in line with the sound of Huey Lewis and Dexys Midnight Runners, but hey, it was the ‘80s.
While she had many studio hits, it’s widely agreed that her most important album is the live one, “Gloria En Vivo.” This is quite unusual, as live albums are rarely favorites in an artist’s catalog. Sure, there is “Frampton Comes Alive” and Nirvana’s “Unplugged,” but most live albums are a celebration of a hit record. Ms. Trevi is part of a very exclusive club.
One could claim that Gloria Trevi is just as rock and roll as Alejandra Guzmán. Yet with her staging, special effects, and choreography, a Gloria Trevi show has everything one could want.
Nickname: “La Atrevida” Comparable Idol: Cher
Who else?
We could certainly add more to the list, like Ana Barbara, Ana Gabriel, Paulina Rubio and more, but you’ll have to check them out for yourself.
How did we do? Leave your suggestions in the comments section and expand all our playlists.
Jimmy Monack is a teacher, photographer and award-winning writer. He profiles interesting people all around the world as well as writing about and photographing rock concerts. He lives in Mexico City.www.jimmymonack.com
U.S. commerce secretary nominee Howard Lutnick said Wednesday that "as far as I know, they [Mexico and Canada] are acting swiftly" to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Mexico's President Sheinbaum has maintained that she doesn't think the 25% tariff on Mexico will happen. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)
The Mexican government, the Mexican export sector and the Mexican people got some good news Wednesday about Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
Howard Lutnick, United States President Donald Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, said that Mexico and Canada can avoid blanket 25% tariffs on their exports — as Trump has pledged to impose — if they act quickly to stop the flow of fentanyl to the U.S.
Howard Lutnick is Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. commerce secretary. (Screenshot/U.S. Senate)
“This is a separate tariff to create action from Mexico and action from Canada and as far as I know, they are acting swiftly, and if they execute it, there will be no tariff. And if they don’t, there will be,” Lutnick said at his U.S. Senate confirmation hearing.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has said on repeated occasions that she expects to reach an agreement with the United States government to avert Trump’s proposed 25% tariff.
While Trump’s circle has put out conflicting messages this week about the inevitability of Trump’s 25% tariff on Mexico, President Sheinbaum told reporters Wednesday she’s convinced it won’t happen. (Ron Sachs/Consolidated News via Shutterstock) Credit: Ron Sachs – CNP
Confident that Trump’s tariff threat won’t eventuate
A reporter noted that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that Trump still intended to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian exports to the United States this Saturday.
“The truth is we don’t think it’s going to happen,” Sheinbaum said.
“And if it does happen we have our plan … that I’ll reveal in due course,” she said. “But we don’t think it will happen.”
Sheinbaum said in November that Mexico would impose a retaliatory tariff on U.S. exports if Trump acted on his threat, but more recently she has focused on avoiding the commencement of a trade war.
She said Wednesday that her government is now engaged in dialogue with the Trump administration before stressing, once again, that she doesn’t believe the proposed 25% tariff will eventuate.
A letter to Google over Gulf of Mexico name change
Sheinbaum said that the government would send a letter to Google after the tech company announced it would change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” in Google Maps in the United States following President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming the body of water.
“If you remember, Trump’s decree has to do with the continental shelf, which is different to the Gulf as a whole,” she said.
“So we’re sending a letter to Google,” Sheinbaum said, explaining that one of its aims would be to ensure that the company is aware of “this international division.”
Sheinbaum told reporters Wednesday that Mexico’s government will petition Google Maps to use the name “Mexican America” in certain searches. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)
“… Tomorrow, we’ll show you the letter that we’re going to send today,” she said.
“… To change the name of an international sea it’s not a country that changes it, it’s an international organization,” the president added, referring to the International Hydrographic Organization.
“… And, by the way, we’re going to ask [Google] for Mexican America to appear [on Google Maps], for the map of Mexican America to appear when one types in Mexican America,” Sheinbaum said.
Esteban Moctezuma to remain as Mexican ambassador to US
Sheinbaum confirmed that Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma — federal education minister during the first two years of the 2018-24 government led by ex-president Andrés Manuel López Obrador — will remain as Mexico’s top diplomat in the United States “for the time being.”
Mexico Ambassador to the U.S. Esteban Moctezuma, right, with former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, left, at the North American Leaders’ Conference in 2023. (Photo: @USAmbMex/Twitter)
“All the ambassadors are always under review. … We’re going to look at whether there will be a change or not,” she said.
Moctezuma, who became ambassador in early 2021, said in a video message on Tuesday that his “responsibility” and “conviction” is to “stand up for Mexico,” and “especially our people” during the second Trump administration.
“… I am a soldier for Mexico and we’re living in times that call for unity in order to defend our people and our national interests,” he said.
By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)
A lean-to at a supposed "narco encampment" discovered by Mexican authorities Tuesday on Isla de los Castores, an uninhabited island in the Rio Grande in Tamaulipas. (Government of Mexico)
Federal and Tamaulipas security authorities discovered on Tuesday a so-called “narco-camp” on an island in the Rio Grande from which suspected cartel gunmen allegedly engaged in a confrontation with United States border patrol agents in Texas on Monday.
Soldiers, Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) agents and state police located the camp on a small island called Isla Los Castores near the town of Los Guerra, Tamaulipas, according to media reports.
Tamaulipas state law enforcement, along with the Mexican military were involved in the raid on Isla Los Castores Tuesday. (Government of Mexico)
They reportedly seized weapons, ammunition, radios and tactical gear from the narcocampamento, where sleeping pads and kitchen utensils were also found.
The discovery came a day after U.S. border patrol agents patrolling in Fronton, Starr County, Texas, “received gunfire from cartel members in Mexico,” according to Chris Olivarez, spokesperson with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
In a post to X, Olivarez included footage of the alleged cartel gunmen on an island.
“DPS Drone Operators captured the gunmen fleeing Mexico due to military presence, & seeking refuge on an island between the US & Mexico. The State of Texas will continue to monitor the area closely & use every resource available to prevent transnational threats to our law enforcement partners & the homeland,” he said.
Fox News reported that “U.S. Border Patrol agents exchanged gunfire with suspected cartel members near the U.S.-Mexican border on Monday.”
“… A group of illegal aliens was attempting to cross the Rio Grande while bullets were fired but did not make it across,” Fox News said. “Neither the Border Patrol agents nor the suspected cartel members were hit.”
Fronton Island (marked by the blue pin) is an uninhabited island also in the Rio Grande River, in Starr County, Texas. It is located near Isla las Castores. Texas authorities have been patrolling Fronton Island since at least 2023, after clearing out evidence of occupation, allegedly by cartels smuggling migrants across the Rio Grande into the U.S. (Wikimedia Commons)
“… The area where the gunfire exchange took place is near Fronton Island, also unofficially known as ‘Cartel Island’ due to the criminal activity there,” the news outlet said.
At her Tuesday morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum cast doubt on the accuracy of media reports, saying that the government had received “a note” about the alleged incident from a Mexican Consulate in the United States that didn’t “precisely” match “the information that appeared in the media.”
Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero said that the FGR was investigating. No arrests have been reported in connection with the apparent confrontation with U.S. border patrol agents.
The new United States government is bolstering security along the 3,145-kilometer-long U.S.-Mexico border as it seeks to stem the flow of migrants and narcotics into the U.S.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on X on Wednesday that he had issued five executive orders “directing Texas state agencies to partner with the Trump Administration.”
Those orders included “directing state agencies to assist federal immigration officers to investigate, arrest, detain, and deport illegal immigrants in Texas” and “directing the Texas Military Department to assist the United States Northern Command in repelling the invasion, securing the southern border, and neutralizing foreign enemies infiltrating Texas.”
