Heat wave turns deadly, with deaths in at least 3 states this week

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May 10, 2024

Mexico's second heat wave of the year swept across the country starting on May 3. (Windy.com)

The heat wave currently afflicting large parts of Mexico isn’t just uncomfortable for tens of millions of people — for some, it’s also deadly.

Heat-related deaths have been reported in at least three states this week, while hot weather had claimed seven lives across the country by May 4, according to the federal Health Ministry.

In the Huasteca region of San Luis Potosí, 10 people died with symptoms of hyperthermia between Wednesday and Thursday, according to a report by the La Jornada newspaper that cited local Red Cross and Civil Protection sources. Another person reportedly succumbed to a heat-related illness in Ciudad Fernández, located east of San Luis Potosí city.

The Husateca region of San Luis Potosí has recorded extremely high temperatures this week. La Jornada reported that Tamuín, the municipality where six of the deaths occurred, reached 52 C on Thursday. That appeared to be a reference to the apparent, or “feels like,” temperature, known in Spanish as sensación térmica.

In Veracruz, one person succumbed to a heat-related illness last weekend, according to a report by Diario de Xalapa. The newspaper said that a truck driver passed away in the municipality of San Juan Evangelista after showing signs of dehydration. “He received support from paramedics but didn’t manage to survive,” Diario de Xalapa said.

The newspaper also reported heat-related deaths in Papantla on May 3, the day the current heat wave began, and Minatitlán last month. Neither of those deaths were included in the Health Ministry’s latest “extreme natural temperatures” report, although they occurred before the May 4 cutoff date.

Street vendors and other outdoor workers are particularly at risk for heat-related illness. (Gabriela Pérez Montiel/Cuartoscuro)

In the neighboring state of Oaxaca, an 8-year-old boy died of apparent heatstroke, according to health official Ignacio Zárate Blas. He said that the boy from the Papaloapan region of the state arrived at hospital with symptoms of dehydration and that it is believed that he died of heatstroke. However, Zárate noted that the boy was also suffering from “some accompanying ailments.”

Oaxaca Health Minister Alma Lilia Velasco Hernández reported on Monday that two young men — one aged 18, the other 25 — had died of severe dehydration. Both were treated in hospital but were unable to recover. The 18-year-old was from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region, while the older man was from the Costa region of Oaxaca and worked as a street vendor.

Parts of Oaxaca have recorded temperatures in excess of 40 C this week.

Health Ministry: 7 heat-related deaths before May 4

In a report published Thursday, the Health Ministry said that a total of 337 cases of heat-related illnesses and seven deaths were recorded between the March 17 commencement of “the present hot season” and May 4.

Tabasco recorded the highest number of heat-related deaths with four, while there were two fatalities in Oaxaca and one in Chiapas. The deaths were all attributed to heatstroke.

Two of the four deaths in Tabasco occurred in early May, both in the municipality of Huimanguillo, which borders Veracruz and Chiapas.

Bottles of Mexican electrolyte replacement drink Electrolit — Multiple deaths were attributed to dehydration. (File photo)

It was unclear why the heat-related deaths in Veracruz in April and on May 3 were not included in the latest report. They — and the deaths reported this week — may show up in next week’s report if state authorities convey the information to their federal counterparts.

The heat-related illnesses reported by the Health Ministry included cases of heatstroke, dehydration and sunburn. Heatstroke accounted for almost two-thirds of the cases while most of the remainder were cases of dehydration.

There were more heat-related deaths, and more cases of heat-related illnesses this year than at the same time in the previous four years. By early May last year, there had been three heat-related deaths and 267 cases of illness.

However, the heat-related death toll subsequently soared to reach a total of 421 in 2023, a figure 10 times that of 2022.

This year’s “hot season” will conclude Oct. 5, according to the Health Ministry.

With reports from Diario de Xalapa, La Jornada, Milenio, El Heraldo de Tabasco and Proceso

What is life like for working moms in Mexico?

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MND Staff

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May 10, 2024

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A family of women of different ages with a young child — Mexico goes all-in on celebrating Mother's Day, but what is the day to day reality for working mothers in the country? (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)

The idea of a traditional family, where the husband is the provider and the wife stays at home with the kids, is increasingly changing in Mexico.

While low-income mothers have been historically forced to work to provide for their families, in middle and upper-class Mexican society, a woman was not expected to work once she became a mother. And if she did work, she would either be regarded with sympathy for not having a husband that could provide for her, or judged for leaving her kids at daycare when she didn’t need to.

Families gather in a restaurant to celebrate Mother's Day in Mexico, in 2022. — Families gather in a Polanco restaurant to celebrate Mother’s Day in 2022. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

And this was just a few years ago.

A personal experience of Mexican motherhood

I grew up in that environment and went to an all-girls Catholic private school where only a handful of my classmates’ mothers worked. My mom was amongst that minority, working in the family business and encouraging us to go on to professional careers.

In school, we were taught that we could be anything we liked. Some of the teachers were even other students’ moms. But at the same time, whether from school or society, we would receive another message: once you become a mother, you should prioritize motherhood and wifely duties over a career.

It took some time for this perspective to change. Today, it is now acceptable for women in well off families to choose to either work or stay at home — both honorable and respectable choices. And those who choose to work are now less judged (though let’s face it, a working mom will always receive some amount of judgment anywhere in the world).

What is working life like for mothers in Mexico?

The increasing incorporation of Mexican mothers in the work field is seen in the latest report from the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE) carried out by the National Institute of Geography and Statistics (INEGI). The survey shows that until 2023, more than 70% of women in the workforce in Mexico were mothers.

This means that 17 million women in the workforce have at least one child.

Meanwhile, a 2023 survey by job search platform OCCM found that more than 90% of registered companies employ mothers. In 29% of those companies, more than half of their staff were moms.

Other indicators that show the acceptance of mothers in the workplace include the increasing number of mothers in leadership positions. Just take a look at this year’s election — the two front-runner candidates are mothers. The head of Tesla in México, Teresa Guitérrez Smith, is the mother of four children.

Separate images of Xochitl Galvez and Claudia Sheinbaum speaking at podiums shown side by side — Both frontrunners for the Mexican Presidency in this year’s election are mothers, a sign of changing attitudes in the country. (Cuartoscuro/MND)

These examples reflect how the perception of working mothers has changed into a more acceptable idea amongst Mexican families.

While we should celebrate the change of perspective towards being a working mom in Mexico, working mothers still face numerous challenges.

In its survey, INEGI found that of the total of mothers in the workforce, 3.3 million (19%) work more than 48 hours a week. The survey also revealed that the biggest challenge for most respondents was finding a work-life balance.

These are not the only issues working mothers currently face however:

Lifestyle

In Mexico, life is still designed for families where the father is the sole provider, and the mother looks after the kids.

For instance, kids’ birthday parties are all during the weekday — usually from 4 to 7 p.m. Mothers are expected take their children to the parties, not the fathers. Weekend mornings are usually destined for first communions, to which mothers are also expected to take the kids unless the invitation explicitly invites fathers.

School meetings also happen during the working week during working hours. Festivals, parent-teacher meetings and other events, all take place mid-morning.

Domestic chores

On top of that, women carry most of the responsibility of chores at home.

A Mexican woman preparing food — Mothers in Mexico still do the bulk of domestic work, on top of their careers. (Juan Pablo Zamora Pérez/Cuartoscuro)

A 2022 INEGI survey found that overall, working moms spend 76.8 hours of their week between work, household chores and caring for a member of their family (young or old). This figure is almost nine more hours than men.

Childcare

Access to affordable daycare is also a significant challenge.

According to the OCC, about 40% of mothers get help from a family member, 23% leave their children in daycare or school, and only 15% have the support of their partner to share the responsibility. Another 10% hire someone to babysit their children, and 15% say they have no support.

Maternity leave in Mexico

Maternity leave is a major issue for working mothers and requires urgent addressing.

The current standard of 12 weeks of paid leave falls short of the 14 weeks recommended by the International Labor Organization. According to OCCM, 17% of surveyed mothers said their employers didn’t comply with this period. As a result, they were required to work during their maternity leave or to return to work before it ended.

A Mexican mother feeds her baby at a roadside stall — Many mothers in Mexico cannot afford to remain out of work. (Edgar Negrete/Cuartoscuro)

To address this, Congress has reformed the Social Security Law (IMSS). The law now allows mothers to move up to four of the six weeks of their leave prior to childbirth to after the birth. However, this measure is insufficient to relieve pressure from working mothers and to provide much needed bonding time with their newborns.

As a society, we have made progress in eliminating the stigma of being a working mother. However, there are still challenges to overcome. On one hand, employers and policymakers should collaborate to provide more flexible working hours, affordable childcare, and longer maternity leave. On the other hand, partners should take on more household responsibilities and society should shift towards a lifestyle that acknowledges working mothers.

Gabriela Solis is a Mexican lawyer turned full-time writer. She was born and raised in Guadalajara and covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her lifestyle blog Dunas y Palmeras.

Peso strengthens against US dollar after Bank of Mexico maintains interest rate

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MND Staff

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May 10, 2024

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Facade of the Bank of Mexico building — The governing board of the Bank of Mexico met on Thursday and decided to keep the key rate at 11%. (Cuartoscuro)

After weakening in April to well above 17 to the US dollar, the Mexican peso has recovered significantly and reached its strongest position so far this month on Friday morning.

Bloomberg data shows that the peso appreciated to 16.72 to the greenback on Friday morning before weakening slightly.

Shortly after 10 a.m. Mexico City time, the peso was trading at 16.77 to the dollar.

The peso has appreciated more than 2% in May after ending April at 17.14 to the dollar. It closed last Friday at 16.97.

The currency appreciated on Thursday and Friday after the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) announced that its governing board had decided to leave the central bank’s benchmark interest rate unchanged at 11%.

For an extended period, the peso has benefited from the large difference between Banxico’s key interest rate and that of the United States Federal Reserve, currently set at 5.25%-5.5%.

Janneth Quiroz, head of analysis at the Monex financial group, noted on the X social media platform that the differential between the two rates remained at 550 basis points, which she described as a “a very attractive level” for investors.

In a note, Monex said that the peso on Friday morning “extended its advance from the previous session after Banxico decided to maintain the interest rate without changes” and made an upward adjustment to its inflation outlook.

The bank is now forecasting that inflation won’t come down to its 3% target until the final quarter of 2025. It previously predicted it would reach that level in the second quarter of next year.

Monex said that the changed inflation outlook indicates that the broad differential between interest rates in Mexico and the United States will continue for longer than previously expected.

The peso has also benefited from strong incoming flows of foreign investment and remittances. Early last month, it appreciated to 16.30 to the dollar, the currency’s strongest position since August 2015.

The peso weakened later in April due to a range of factors including an increase in aversion to international risk amid ongoing conflicts including the war between Israel and Hamas.

With reports from Expansión and Radio Fórmula

The best wellness retreats in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

By

Meagan Drillinger

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May 10, 2024

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Woman in pool — Slow down and recharge in some of Mexico's best luxury wellness retreats. (La Joya Sayulita/Facebook)

Long gone are the days when travelers would flock to Mexico for endless tequila shots and open swim-up bars. Okay, well, maybe not long gone — but those days are few and far between. Wellness is one of the driving forces behind travel these days, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Wellness tourism is expected to hit $1.3 trillion by 2025, according to the Global Wellness Institute.

Health tourism these days is so much more than a yoga class and a green juice. People are paying much more attention to what they put into their bodies than ever before. According to surveys conducted by NCSolutions, a joint venture data analysis project between Nielsen and Catalina, 61 percent of Gen Zers say they plan to cut back on their alcohol consumption in 2024. Gen Z isn’t the only generation that is sober-curious. In the same survey, Millennials also said they would drink less in 2024. Forty-nine percent of Millennials are sober-curious for the new year, an increase of 26 percent from those surveyed a year before. Overall, 41 percent of all Americans plan to drink less in 2024.

Fitness fanatics from across the world flock to Mexico for their dose of wellness. (Bikini Bootcamp)

Mexico’s central Pacific Coast, particularly along the coasts of Jalisco and Nayarit, has long established itself as a health and wellness destination. The jungle-wrapped peaks of the Sierra Madre mountains, the crashing Pacific coastline, and an abundance of wildlife create quite the idyllic backdrop for a wellness journey. An entire range of accommodation styles also helps travelers across most budgets.

So where are the best destinations in and around Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit for a wellness retreat? Here are the ones that have our attention.

La Joya, Sayulita

While Sayulita may be perceived as the coastal capital for yogis, travelers need to be discerning when choosing the right spot in this boho beach town. These days, the tiny village once sought out for a low-key lifestyle has become so overrun with tourists that it can be a logistical nightmare to travel there. That said, the boutique hotel and retreat, La Joya, is far enough outside of the heart of Sayulita that it can tap into the natural beauty of the destination while managing to evade the throngs of visitors.

This new concept wellness hotel and retreat space is all about holistic wellbeing made up of bungalows, casitas, villas, and a main casa. Decked out in natural materials, like parota woods, woven textiles, clay, stone, ceramics, and even a thatched palapa or two, the spaces were designed to evoke that luxury aesthetic that has become synonymous with Mexico’s beach towns. The space hosts a series of retreats throughout the year, from yoga and healing circles to community and connection. Guests have a direct view of the Pacific Ocean from the resort, without having to deal with the crowds or overwhelming energy of Sayulita proper. An onsite restaurant, Tekuamana, incorporates organic, local, and wild ingredients into all of its menu items — paired with creative mocktails for those who are staying dry.

Mar de Jade

Further up the coast in the small, lesser-known beach town of Chacala, Mar de Jade is a yoga, wellness, and retreat center that is cushioned between the thick jungle of northern Nayarit and the Pacific Ocean. The boutique resort sits directly on the shores of Playa Chacala and offers guests a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, shaded by thick groves of banana trees and bushy bunches of explosive bougainvillea flowers.

Mar de Jade has been offering yoga, meditation, and movement retreats for more than three decades, but is most famous for its Buddhist retreats that it holds periodically throughout the year. They offer a weeklong summer Chan Retreat, as well as a Zen Rohatsu Retreat in the winter. The Silent Zen Meditation Retreat, held once a year, is one of its most sought-after experiences. Whether you’re part of a retreat itinerary or not, the experience at Mar de Jade is relaxed and therapeutic, serving ingredients from its 17-acre organic farm and with plenty of opportunity to get involved with its volunteer and community projects.

Susurros del Corazon

For well-heeled travelers who want to swap a rustic vibe for five-star elegance (and a much higher price tag) the new Susurros del Corazon in Punta Mita is a veritable realm of relaxation, taking the luxury spa concept to entirely new vibrational levels. The ONDA, an Auberge spa has everything you’d expect from a five-star wellness center, including hydrotherapy and a sprawling fitness center. However, ONDA is so much more than that, offering guided sunset meditations, intuitive expression painting classes, in-water sound vibrations, and many other holistic and spiritually guided experiences. The spa also has a dedicated Good Vibrations Cafe, serving farro bowls, salads, juices, and more.

Equilibrium Healing Resort and Spa

As Highway 200 snakes its way south of Puerto Vallarta and up into the mountains past the small village of Boca de Tomatlan, you find yourself surrounded by lush, tropical forest. A spine of mountains ripples out as far as the eye can see. The buzz and energy from the resorts and restaurants on the Malecon fade into the distance and it’s nothing but you, the trees, and the wind. Here is where you’ll find Equilibrium, a wellness resort nestled among the mountains. Here travelers can partake in one of the many wellness programs that Equilibrium offers. Choose from programs like Detox, Rejuvenate, Relax, and Full Reset — each one tailored and personalized to your specific needs and goals. Equilibrium hosts many private retreats, as well, from yoga and Ayurveda to lessons on self-love and self-care.

Careyes

Carved into the coves and secret bays of the Costalegre, south of Puerto Vallarta, Careyes is a colorful, creative community that sits far out of the spotlight. Those who know Careyes have been “in the know” for years, and want to protect their beloved community from over-tourism and over-hype. The discretion of the Careyes community is why it has quietly drawn celebrities, government officials, and other VIPs looking to keep a low profile since the late 1960s.

Part of the magic of Careyes comes from its energy, where its casitas and villas have all been designed with the natural flow of the environment in mind. Living spaces are open-air to allow for immersion into the elements. The sound of the ocean, explosive sunsets, and blankets of stars are all part of the daily routine. Careyes is not a traditional resort. It’s a living community, and its residents and guests have a pension for holistic lifestyles and wellness. It’s easy to see why when you see the raw, natural beauty of this part of Mexico. Careyes hosts retreats regularly, and will frequently schedule sound baths, cacao ceremonies, yoga, and healing meditations.

Coming Soon: Six Senses Xala

Still under development, Xala promises to revolutionize the wellness retreat game in Mexico. (Xala)

Costalegre is in the process of developing a massive $1 billion project, which is slowly opening in phases over the next few years. Known as Xala, the impressive design will feature luxurious rancho-style residences, an abundance of five-star facilities, a deeply entrenched environmental and community development program for local villages, and a Six Senses resort.

Six Senses Xala is slated to open in 2026, flanked by five miles of curving white-sand beach. Fifty-one bungalow-style accommodations will feature private pools and a village-like architectural design that will be both playful and luxurious. Six Senses as a brand is rooted in wellness, and Six Senses Xala will be no different. The Spa will be a retreat in itself for treatments and multi-day wellness programs.

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.

Azteca Stadium box owners won’t forfeit seats for World Cup 2026

By

MND Staff

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May 9, 2024

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Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, where box owners say they won't let FIFA control their seats for the World Cup in 2026 — Mexico City's Azteca Stadium has found itself at the center of a World Cup 2026 controversy as box owners at the stadium said that they won't cede to FIFA's demand it sell their seats for World Cup matches being hosted there. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium is gearing up to become the first stadium to host matches for three separate FIFA World Cup tournaments. But it has not been smooth sailing.

In late March, the Sipse news agency revealed that FIFA — soccer’s world governing body — was disappointed with the pace of the required stadium renovations. One source claimed Azteca was six months behind schedule, in part because Club América resisted changing stadiums mid-season.

Brazilian soccer legend atop the shoulders of his teammates in the 1970 World Cup in Azteca Stadium, Mexico — The stadium has hosted the World Cup finals twice, in 1970 and 1986. Azteca Stadium box owners say FIFA has never demanded their seats at these past events. Here, Brazilian soccer legend Pelé celebrates his team’s win at Azteca Stadium in 1970. (Wikimedia Commons)

This prompted speculation that Azteca Stadium could be replaced as a venue for the 2026 World Cup. The Cup will be hosted together by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Now, this week, a new controversy has burst into full view.

FIFA typically demands full control of all World Cup stadiums, and for the matches that Azteca Stadium will host, an agreement was signed granting that power. However, an association of 134 box seat owners are determined to maintain access to their seats, claiming contractual rights.

The dispute is rooted in how the stadium’s construction was financed back in the 1960s. The Associated Press reported this week that “boxes were sold to private investors for 115,000 pesos” (about US $9,000 at the time), “giving the owners rights to use them for 99 years. That included access to soccer matches, concerts and other events, including the 1970 and 1986 World Cups in Mexico.”

The box owners formed their association about nine months ago.

Association spokesman Roberto Ruano recalls that the box seats were not an issue during the 1970 World Cup and that FIFA allowed box owners full access during the 1986 World Cup. Although he expects FIFA to respect the contracts, the Mexican Soccer Federation (FMF) has stepped in to act as an intermediary.

Azteca Stadium’s box seats (see top of photo) were sold to investors back in the 1960s when the stadium was built. They were given exclusive rights to the luxury seats for 99 years, including during World Cup matches. (Wikimedia Commons()

News magazine Proceso reported that former FMF president Justino Compean has been arranging compensatory payments to box owners that voluntarily cede control of their boxes. Ruano confirmed this but said that those owners are not members of his association.

Attorneys told Proceso that forcing box owners to cede their rights is illegal, but FIFA has been known to pressure host nations to bend their laws. In 2014, FIFA convinced Brazil to suspend a law prohibiting beer sales at stadiums, and the same thing occurred in 2022 in Dubai.

When asked by the AP about the controversy, FIFA said: “Specific details on fan access and other match information will be announced in due course.”

The FMF declined to comment, while Grupo Televisa — the owner of Azteca Stadium through the public limited company Ollamani — said it could not discuss ongoing negotiations but expressed confidence that a satisfactory agreement would be reached.

With reports from El Financiero, Proceso and Associated Press

INAH launches search for sunken ships off Baja California coast

By

MND Staff

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May 9, 2024

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A diver investigates the hull of a sunken ship off Baja California — Mexico's National Institute of History and Anthropology (INAH) divers initially investigated the area off the Baja California coast during 2021-2022 after fishermen reported seeing a sunken ship. The discovery prompted INAH to do searches for more sunken ships in the area, a project that begins later this month. (INAH)

Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) this week announced a long-term project to discover and register sunken ships off Baja California’s Pacific coast.

Once underway, one of the project’s main targets will be the SS Sacramento, a sidewheel steamer built in 1864 that made passenger and cargo trips from New York to San Francisco until 1872, when it sank about 250 kilometers south of Ensenada.

Black and white photo of a steam — A rare image published in 1866 of the *Sacramento*, a passenger steamship based in San Francisco that passed through Baja California waters regularly on its route between San Francisco and New York. (Laurence & Houseworth/Library of Congress

The area in Baja California where the ship went down is now called Sacramento Reef, and officials with INAH’s Underwater Archaeology Department (SAS) believe there could be up to five sunken ships in that area.

“Between the end of May and early June, we will begin the inventory with emphasis on two areas: the Todos Santos Islands, in Ensenada Bay, and the Sacramento Reef, in Rosario Bay,” said Mariana Piña Cetina, the project’s lead underwater archaeologist.

SAS conducted a series of explorations in 2021–2022 after fishermen reported a sunken vessel believed to be the 82-meter long SS Sacramento. After those probes, Pina said, “We realized the need to explore these areas due to the richness.”

The project is called “Archaeological Inventory of Wrecks from the 19th and 20th centuries in the Mexican Pacific.” Ships from various regions and eras are expected to be located and registered.

Piña Cetina noted that the Sacramento — which had to travel all the way around the tip of South America back before the Panama Canal’s creation — lies in waters off Isla San Geronimo that are only 5 meters deep.

The area is “more dangerous,” she said, because “the currents are stronger there.”

Map of Punta Baja to Sacramento Reef, where Mexican officials expect to find several sunken ships off Baja California. — One of the spots INAH will investigate is an area called the Sacramento Reef, where the *SS Sacramento* went down. (Islapedia)

The ship apparently sank when it hit an uncharted reef, but the captain, crew and all 145 passengers were able to make it safely to the island, where they were later picked up by the SS Montana.

Ships of all kinds have been sailing by the Baja Peninsula since soon after Mexico’s colonization, and tales of sunken ships in the waters around it have existed for almost as long. However, the Sacremento was just one of multiple ships reported sunken in this area during the 19th century.

According to an INAH press release issued Wednesday, sunken ships off the coast of Mexico are underwater treasures that, to a great extent, have not been explored or even discovered.

“The deep, sandy surface contains an immense time capsule with intact stories of ships from different times and latitudes,” INAH noted.

Although shipwrecks off Baja California have been sporadically recorded over the past decade, the SAS will now be using modern technology and strategies, such as the use of geographic information systems and photogrammetry.

Still, the area presents obstacles and finding any sunken ships will require a “full season of exploration,” according to INAH, “due to the currents, sediments and the difficulties in reaching the diving spots on the reef.”

Piña Cetina said the project will be “responsible and sustainable” and that INAH is forming strong bonds with local fishing communities — not only in the name of ecology but also for assistance in locating the sunken ships.

For more than 300 years, ships used the waters off Baja California on their main routes, but they had to contend with islands, reefs, sandy shoals and other challenging elements. These areas were also used for hunting sea lions and other animals that were marketed by U.S., Canadian and even Russian whalers.

With reports from Netnoticias

Student dies after clashes at UNAM Naucalpan campus

By

MND Staff

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May 9, 2024

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CCH Naucalpan campus entry — The clashes occurred outside the campus of the College of Sciences and Humanities (CCH) in Naucalpan, a municipality in the Mexico City metropolitan area. (Cuartoscuro/2015)

Nine people were arrested in connection with an outbreak of violence outside a university campus in México state on Wednesday.

A 19-year-old man died at the scene, but authorities attributed his death to a fall rather than the clash between students from different educational institutions.

The government of Naucalpan, a municipality in the metropolitan area of greater Mexico City, said in a statement that municipal police arrested eight men and a woman “for their probable participation” in the “violent events” that occurred outside the Naucalpan campus of the National Autonomous University’s College of Sciences and Humanities (CCH).

The CCH said in a statement that there was a “physical confrontation and several detonations of firecrackers” outside its Naucalpan campus at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday.

It said that the clash was between “grupos porriles,” incendiary student groups that, according to the El País newspaper, are made up of “people who tend to respond to specific interests, and through organized violence generally seek to sabotage student life and break the dynamics inside [educational] institutions to achieve their objectives.”

Members of such groups are called porros.

Graffiti on a median that reads "Get porros out of UNAM" — In 2018, there was violence caused by “porros” at UNAM campuses and student protests followed. (Cuartoscuro)

At least two people were injured during Wednesday’s clash, and the 19-year-old man identified as a student at the Faculty of Superior Studies Acatlán, another National Autonomous University (UNAM) campus, was found dead near the entrance to CCH Naucalpan. He had reportedly gone to the CCH campus to assist his 17-year-old brother.

The newspaper La Jornada was among the media outlets that published footage of the violent clash.

Initial reports said that the deceased man, identified as Óscar Yael, was beaten to death by porros, but later on Wednesday night UNAM issued a statement saying that he died as a result of a fall from a “vehicular bridge.”

A number of students challenged that claim, pointing out that the bridge from which the man supposedly fell is some distance from the entrance to the CCH campus, where the clash began.

One person described UNAM’s statement as “incongruent” and “harmful” and asserted that Óscar Yael was beaten to death “in front of the campus.”

The news website Infobae reported that the man managed to get up after falling from the bridge and walked to the entrance of the CCH campus with the assistance of his brother. He then reportedly collapsed and died.

¡Fatal!

Muere estudiante de FES Acatlán atacado a golpes por porros en CCH Naucalpan

🔴 Hay 15 lesionados
🔴 Grupo porril lanzó petardos
🔴 Detienen a 7
🔴 UNAM informa que joven murió tras caer de un puente vehicular
🔴 Suspenden clases hasta el lunes 13 de mayo pic.twitter.com/b1pAjSw2gY

— Melissa Vega (@MelissaVegaTV) May 9, 2024

In this security camera footage, students are seen running away from the clashes.

UNAM modified its statement later on Wednesday night, saying once again that the man died due to injuries caused by a fall but removing the reference to a bridge.

The university said that two other young people were injured, although some media reports placed the figure at 10 or higher. UNAM said that those injured received immediate assistance from medical personnel.

“Due to what happened, the campus authorities shielded the facilities to provide greater security to the university community and the decision was taken to suspend activities tomorrow, Thursday [May] 9, in order to facilitate the investigations of the México state Attorney General’s Office,” UNAM said.

The university said that the confrontation was between “two groups of young people presumably from different education institutions,” but it didn’t cite a specific reason for the clash.

The newspaper Milenio reported that “according to witnesses,” a group of approximately 150 porros from Colegio de Bachilleres 5 arrived outside the CCH Naucalpan campus “and hit all the students they encountered.”

The El Universal newspaper said that students from Bachilleres 5 and another school known as Voca 2 are “rivals” of CCH students.

In its statement, the Naucalpan government said that those involved in the clash “were identified as porros by the students themselves.”

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Thursday that an investigation into the events outside the CCH Naucalpan campus was underway.

“Regrettably a young man died in this clash between groups and the investigation is already being carried out,” he told reporters at his morning press conference.

Grupos porriles have existed in Mexico for more than 100 years. The name is reportedly derived from the word porra, which can mean (the often boisterous) fans of a sports team.

With reports from La Jornada, Publimetro, Infobae, Milenio and El Universal

Brutal heat wave continues to plague Mexico, but relief in sight

By

MND Staff

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May 9, 2024

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A middle-aged Mexican woman standing next to a building with a large blue and white scarf hanging over her head and shoulders to protect herself from high temperatures in Oaxaca city during a heat wave — A woman shields herself from the sun in Oaxaca city. A heat wave across Mexico was expected to bring up to 50 C (122 F) temperatures to parts of the state Thursday. (Carolina Jiménez/Cuartoscuro)

With Thursday turning out to be another scorcher, people across Mexico are hoping for relief from a heat wave that has already been blamed for at least two deaths and has strained the national power grid.

The heat wave’s soaring temperatures have prompted greater demand for electricity throughout Mexico and mass power outages affected many cities on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Two Mexican men on a moped driving through Mexico City streets and carrying an umbrella over their heads to shield themselves from the sun — Moped riders in Mexico City beat the heat wave with an umbrella to shield themselves from record-breaking temperatures in Mexico Wednesday. (Moisés Pablo Nava/Cuartoscuro)

The high temperatures have been fatal in Oaxaca — state authorities are investigating the death on Wednesday of a 9-year-old boy which, if attributed to heat stroke, would be the third heat wave-related death in Oaxaca in as many days.

Mexico City set a new temperature record on Tuesday, but record highs could be set again elsewhere today as meteorologists were forecasting temps between 45 C and 50 C (115 F to 122 F) in the northeast, along the Gulf coast and in Morelos, Oaxaca and Guerrero.

Highs of 35 C to 40 C (95 F to 104 F) plagued parts of the northwest, the Pacific Coast and the Bajío region Thursday. At the same time, the Mexico City metro area saw temperatures ranging from 30 C to 35 C (86 F to 95 F).

The National Energy Control Center (Cenace) declared a state of emergency Wednesday afternoon and evening, as 14 states from Tamaulipas to Chiapas suffered blackouts.

Manuel Bartlett, head of Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission, stands at a press conference in thought — After power outages occurred across Mexico this week, head of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) Manuel Bartlett was summoned to the National Palace for a meeting with President López Obrador. (Cuartoscuro)

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador summoned CFE director Manuel Bartlett to the National Palace on Wednesday night to discuss the situation, though neither has issued a statement.

At his Thursday morning press conference, López Obrador said Cenace and the CFE were working to prevent further blackouts. While the president said that there wouldn’t be more blackouts — suggesting that the power outages were a fluke due to the intense temperatures the nation has been experiencing this week — he also appeared to acknowledge that there are issues with power generation capacity, which he blamed on the use of private energy companies.

“Half of the [grid’s] generation of electricity is produced by private companies, and we have to come to agreements so that the [generation] plants are in good condition,” López Obrador said.

With the heat wave and subsequent power outages, criticism is mounting regarding the management of the nation’s power grid. Energy analysts interviewed by the newspaper Reforma accuse the federal government of abandoning the country’s electricity system, arguing that it has been “ideological” and “political” in its energy policy.

El Universal columnist Mario Maldonado noted that Cenace had issued “alerts” — one step below a state of emergency — on 22 occasions in April, suggesting that the power grid is struggling and that blackouts could be a recurring problem this summer.

The country can expect a bit of relief from the heat by the weekend, according to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), which has forecast a cold front coming down from the north. Along with the lower temperatures, a band of precipitation can be expected from the northwest down to the central highlands beginning on Friday.

With reports from Milenio, Aristegui Noticias and Meteored

Inflation in Mexico rose in April; central bank expected to hold off on rate cut

By

MND Staff

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May 9, 2024

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Vendor and customers at a fruit and vegetable market stall — Mexico's annual headline inflation rate crept up to 4.65% in April, the highest level since January. (Cuartoscuro)

Headline inflation in Mexico increased for a second consecutive month in April to reach its highest level since January.

The national statistics agency INEGI reported Thursday that the annual headline rate was 4.65% in April, up from 4.42% in March.

The rate — the highest since a 4.88% reading in January — was slightly above the 4.63% consensus forecast of analysts surveyed by Citibanamex.

Month-over-month inflation was 0.20% in April, while the closely watched annual core inflation rate, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, declined for a 15th consecutive month to reach 4.37%, down from 4.55% in March. The core rate was slightly lower that expected.

The publication of the inflation data for April comes ahead of the monetary policy meeting of the Bank of Mexico’s governing board on Thursday.

The central bank lowered its benchmark interest rate to 11% in March, but is not expected to make an additional cut on Thursday. Bloomberg reported that the higher-than-expected inflation rate in April likely cements a rate hold.

“This is likely not the type of print that gives the central bank great comfort,” said Alberto Ramos, chief Latin America economist at Goldman Sachs. “We expect the board to hold interest rates at 11%.”

Fruit and vegetable prices soar

INEGI data shows that fruit and vegetables were 18.57% more expensive in April than in the same month a year earlier, up from a 12.25% annual increase in March. Prices rose 3.94% compared to March.

INEGI reported that serrano peppers were 64.42% more expensive in April than in March, while prices for “other fresh chilis” rose 33.56%. Green tomatoes were 24.25% dearer than a month earlier, while shoppers paid 13.67% more for regular tomatoes.

Chili peppers — The price of chili peppers ballooned in April, with some varieties increasing as much as 64% compared to March. (Wikimedia Commons)

Prices for oranges and avocados also rose by double-digit percentages.

Vegetable lovers would have been better off buying onions, cucumbers, potatoes and beans last month as prices for those products all declined compared to March.

Economic consultancy Pantheon Macroeconomics noted that “poor climatic conditions” — including drought — are having an impact on prices for fresh food and are thus “limiting the disinflationary trend at a general level.”

Other inflation data in detail

Prices for agricultural products — fruit and vegetables and meat — increased 7.35% in April on a year-over-year basis. The increase was tempered by a 1.13% decline in meat prices.
Services were 5.21% more expensive than a year earlier. Within that category, housing costs increased 3.73%, school fees rose 6.36% and “other services” were 6.19% more expensive.
Processed food, beverages and tobacco were 4.79% more expensive than in April 2023.
The cost of non-food goods rose 2.34% on an annual basis.
Energy prices, including those for gasoline and electricity, increased 3.98% annually, but declined 1.64% compared to March as lower “hot season” electricity rates took effect in a number of cities.

With reports from El Economista and El Financiero

The insider’s guide to investing in real estate in Mérida

By

Stewart Merritt

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May 9, 2024

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geovanny-alvarado-P93EKv5apiQ-unsplash — There's something for everyone in the Yucatán capital. Find out which neighbourhood is right for you. (Geovanny Alvarado/Unsplash)

Mérida, the vibrant, sweltering capital of the state of Yucatán, is currently experiencing a booming real estate market, attractive to local and foreign investors alike. Potential buyers are lured by the city’s cultural wealth, its ranking as the safest city in the safest state in Mexico and its proximity to the Mayan ruins, cenotes, and beaches that highlight the peninsula. As a result, Mérida real estate is proving to be extremely desirable for those seeking a new life in the sun.

With over 1 million residents and counting, Mérida retains a uniquely yucatense charm, with a vibrant cultural scene and a slower, almost pueblo-like pace when compared to other similarly-sized Mexican cities. Expat immigrants in Mérida typically cite its colonial architecture, dynamic culinary scene, and proximity to other attractions (such as cenotes and beaches) for their choice.

So, where are the most attractive neighbourhoods in the city found?

The charming colonial center of Mérida is amongst the most pleasant in all of Mexico. (Elelicht/Wikimedia)

Mérida’s Real Estate Landscape

Mérida’s central district, known as Centro has a strong claim as the most beautiful in Mexico. It is home to colonial architecture, incredible food, culture and nightlife. As beautiful as the area is, however, most long-term residents prefer to live outside of the traffic snarls and parking issues of the downtown.

Heading north from Centro, Mérida’s most famous street is the Paseo de Montejo, a beautiful, leafy artery. The avenue is lined with hip shops, restaurants and seventeenth-century palacios of the era’s agricultural barons.

Keep heading north from Montejo and you encounter some of Mérida’s most desirable neighborhoods where you can find modern homes, easy parking and access to the best schools and higher-end shopping.

Also of note: The Mérida Norte area boasts some of Yucatán’s most modern hospitals, such as Star Médica and El Faro de Mayab.

Which suburbs are best for real estate in Mérida?

If you’re looking outside of Centro, there are many suburbs that can offer your a luxurious life in the Yucatán sun. (Mike Juarez/Unsplash)

Some of the neighborhoods of note in this area include:

Montebello. A tranquil residential area known for its tree-lined streets and upscale homes, a world away from the bustle of the centro.

Price range US$175,000 to $474,000

Altabrisa. A lively residential and shopping area characterized by modern amenities and high-end living options.

Price range: US$295,000 to US$1.2 million

Montes de Ame. A family-friendly neighborhood with a mix of parks, schools, and shopping.

Price range: US$150,000 to $350,000

Temozón Norte. A rapidly-growing area with easy access to the infrastructure and amenities of all the northern areas of Mérida.

Price range: US$240,000 to $700,000 for larger estates.

San Ramón Norte. A blend of the old and the new, where the buyer can find a mix of modern residences and restored colonial buildings.

Price range: US$120,000 to $300,000

City limits

Further north, outside of the periferíco (a freeway that rings the city), you have a chance to spread out on a bigger-sized lot as much of what was once farmland has been taken over by modern townhouse developments and houses with small lots. The east, south, and far west of the city are places where you can find far more economical properties that still retain an authentic charm, though these areas see far less foreign investment. For those in search of the idea “fixer-upper” this area is perfect, as many of the charming colonial homes of Centro have been renovated according to the views of previous owners.

Insider tips for investors

Finding your ideal property is one thing, but what else can you do to make your Mérida dream a success? (Alan Morales/Unsplash)

The adjustments for expats in Mérida are similar to the adjustments that come with life in other Mexican cities.

“Building connections within the local community is key to finding your dream home in Mérida,” says James, 34, a longtime Mérida transplant. “Engage with expat groups [and] local real estate agents and fellow residents to gain valuable insights and recommendations.”

“It is important to understand your and your family’s priorities before making a purchase,” says Ryan, 53.

Mérida is an exceptionally safe city with a wide selection of international bilingual schools for youngsters. One thing to consider, however, is that Yucatan’s flat topography means there is little in the way of views here. Unless you count gazing westward at sunset and drinking in the rich patina of cotton-candy-colored skies, there are no homes with views — unless one finds a third-floor-or-higher condo.

Local Meridana Andrea Campos is a real estate agent in the city. She advises potential buyers to find an agent with experience abroad or with foreigners.

Buying through a licensed realtor can provide expert local knowledge, legal security and the best chance of securing the Mexican home you’ve always wanted. (Ruben Hanssen/Unsplash)

“And read their CV carefully to make sure they have relevant education — such as a master’s in real estate development or [something] similar — so you know you’ll be getting a higher standard of service.”

According to Campos, a big help for many is contracting a “personal shopper” who can do much of the legwork in finding properties and adapting to the needs of a foreign buyer.

Why choose Mérida?

Mérida, in general, is a welcoming place for expat residents, but it is important to be aware of a few potential challenges to making a move here. The heat, for one, is punishing, and potential residents should be prepared to bear it year-round. Another challenge is the daily traffic, as Mérida is a growing city and lacks the infrastructure to handle so many daily drivers. The local government is making efforts to alleviate the problem with electric bus services.

There is a lack of topographic scenery, and a lack of opportunity to surf, as the ocean holds no more swell than a ripple. The windy conditions are ideal for kitesurfing, however, and most days, one can spot the harnessed riders silhouetted against the sunset, tearing across the choppy water of the gulf.

Mérida remains a popular hotspot for real estate investment, not just for expats but also for Mexicans fleeing the hustle and bustle of cities like Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City. The lifestyle here is undeniably attractive for expats: vibrant culture, friendly locals, plenty of sunshine, well-connected flights, a surfeit of local tourist attractions and superlative regional food.

Look past the heat, the flat landscape, and the flat water of the beach, and you’ve found yourself a slice of paradise.

Stewart Merritt is a professor and freelance writer based in Mérida. A native of California, he has been visiting Mexico his entire life, especially the Pacific coast, where he likes to surf. This summer he will marry his Yucatecan fiancé.