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Taste of Mexico: LA Street Tacos

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Une publication partagée par Mexico News Daily (@mexiconewsdaily)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

María Meléndez is a Mexico City food blogger and influencer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The airport “needs remodeling,” she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another flattering poll result for Sheinbaum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With reports from La Jornada and El Universal

Young humpback whale wrapped in fishing net washes ashore in Mazatlán

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2024 was a record-setting year for tourism in Tamaulipas

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

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

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

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

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

Tourism growth in Tamaulipas

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

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

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

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

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

With reports from El Economista

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

By
MND Staff
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Logo of Swedish car manufacturer Volvo.
Volvo plans to increase production at a plant in Nuevo León. (Adam Cai/Unsplash)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With reports from Reuters and El Economista

What’s on in Oaxaca in January?

By
Anna Bruce
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Festival of Saint Anthony (Vive Oaxaca)

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

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

The San Baltazar Mezcal Fair

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

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

Maru Coronado at La Jícara

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

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

Dance the night away at Humito

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

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

Zimatlán festivals

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

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

When: Jan. 15
Where: Zimatlán de Alvarez

Festival of Saint Anthony

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

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

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

A taste of coffee history

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

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

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

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

Mezcal tasting at Quiote Mezcalería

(Quiote Mezcalería/Instagram)

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

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

Reservations are available via Quiote’s website. 

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

Street Cartographies exhibition at the Institute of Graphic Art

IAGO Oaxaca
(Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca)

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

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

Join the Oaxaca Lending Library for a hike

(Oaxaca Lending Library/Facebook)

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

Join a hike with OLL by finding a date online. 

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

Bëërt Sánchez at the Oaxaca Textile Museum

(Museo Textil de Oaxaca/Facebook)

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

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

Anna Bruce is an award-winning British photojournalist based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Just some of the media outlets she has worked with include Vice, The Financial Times, Time Out, Huffington Post, The Times of London, the BBC and Sony TV. Find out more about her work at her website or visit her on social media on Instagram or on Facebook.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Residents clash with police 

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

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

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

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

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

Colonia 4T residents seek restoration of former neighborhood names 

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

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

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

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

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

Sheinbaum weighed in on the name changes last month 

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

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

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

Corrido tumbado star Natanael Cano under government protection after cartel threats

By
MND Staff
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Natanael Cano
Mexican musician Natanel Cano will receive protection from the state of Sonora after a cartel issued a threat against him and a number of other social media personalities, alleging them of working with rival gangs. (Edgar Negrete Lira/Cuartoscuro)

Mexican singer Natanael Cano has been placed under government protection following threats allegedly made by the Los Mata Salas criminal group.

The threats were displayed on a narcomanta (narco banner) hung outside a high school in the northern Mexico city of Hermosillo, Sonora during the early hours of Jan. 5. The banner accused Cano and fellow regional Mexican artists Tito Torbellino Jr. and Javier Rosas of supporting the rival Los Salazar group.

 

The banner warned the artist and other influencers from Hermosillo and the Sonora cities of Guaymas, Ciudad Obregón and Navojoa, that they would be targeted if they did not cease alleged financial and operational support for Los Salazar.

“Dedicate yourselves to what you do, which is the profession of musicians,” the message read. “This is not about making corridos, it is about collaborating financially and any illegal action. If you do not heed this warning, you will be shot.”

Cano performs ballads called narcocorridos that explore the cartel lifestyle and themes of drugs and violence.

State prosecutor Gustavo Rómulo Salas Chávez confirmed that protective measures have been granted to those named. “We will monitor their safety with the support of public security institutions to prevent any attacks,” Salas said.

Cano, whose biggest hit is his “Soy El Diablo” remix featuring Bad Bunny, is a pioneer of corridos tumbados music, a subgenre of songs that fuse the sharp, urban lyrics of reggaetón and hip-hop with the instrumentation and melodies of traditional Mexican music. 

 

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A post shared by NATANAEL CANO (@natanael_cano)

President Claudia Sheinbaum recently went on the offensive against corridos tumbados and narcocorridos for glorifying the exploits of cartels, outlaws and criminal kingpins and for forgiving violence against women.

Saying such music is bad for Mexico, the president suggested a national contest in which corrido artists begin writing and performing “corridos” that promote values ​​and culture. “They exalt ways of life linked to crime and cartels as if it were a life option — when they’re really a death option,” Sheinbaum said.

Cano, a 23-year-old native of Hermosillo, addressed the narcomanta (narco banner) threats against him in a now-deleted Instagram post. Sharing a photo of two blankets (mantas), he titled his post “The only blankets that worry me right now” and used a laugh emoji. “And if they will keep me warm,” he added.

His defiant tone divided public opinion, with some applauding his irreverence and others criticizing him for downplaying the seriousness of the situation.

Peso Pluma onstage
Fellow corridor star Peso Pluma has also been threatened by cartels. (Edgar Negrete Lira/Cuartoscuro)

While this is the first time Cano has been directly threatened by organized crime, narcoculture artists have faced similar incidents in the past. In 2023, Peso Pluma canceled several concerts after death threats, including one written on a narco banner in Tijuana that used the signature “CJNG,” a reference to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

The newspaper El País reported that Los Mata Salas — the criminal group that allegedly threatened Cano — has had violent confrontations with Los Salazar in recent years over drug trafficking and territorial control. Reportedly, each group used to work under the Sinaloa Cartel but are now loyal to offshoot groups.

Their rivalry has fueled Sonora’s status as a flashpoint in Mexico’s cartel wars; the state is just north of violence-plagued Culiacán, Sinaloa.

Despite the threats to the musicians, officials emphasized that the investigation does not aim to restrict artistic freedom. “We are committed to protecting their safety while respecting their freedom of expression,” Salas stated.

With reports from El País, Infobae and El Debate

CFE to pay Goldman Sachs US $300M to settle natural gas dispute

By
MND Staff
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The CFE logo
After four years, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs for part of an unexpectedly pricey natural gas deal. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico’s state electric utility (CFE) has agreed to pay US $300 million to a Goldman Sachs entity to settle a dispute over a debt triggered by a spike in gas prices after a freak winter storm in 2021.

The agreement “significantly reduced the economic and operational scope of the dispute,” according to the news agency Bloomberg News, ending the case before the London Court of International Arbitration.

A wintery scene in a Texas city in 2021
Natural gas prices spiked during the Great Texas Freeze of 2021, leaving Mexico’s electricity commission (CFE) holding the short end of the stick. (NOAA)

Goldman had argued that CFE owed roughly US $400 million, but the electric utility agreed to acknowledge a reduced portion of that bill, in a deal that hands a big win to the Wall Street powerhouse’s trading desk. The deal could leave Mexican households footing the bill, if the electrical utility passes the cost on to its customers.

In what Bloomberg termed a routine deal that turned in Goldman’s favor, the case dates back to a natural gas trade that spun out of control when a deep freeze descended on Texas in February 2021.

The harsh weather forced Texas to cut off fuel exports to Mexico, which relies heavily on natural gas imports to feed its power plants.

Power suppliers and traders struggled to find fuel to meet delivery obligations and prices skyrocketed. As Mexican households faced power outages, the CFE had no choice but to deal with the dramatic price hikes during the freeze, as prices reached almost 100 times the usual daily rate.

An energy plant lit up in the dawn
Goldman Sachs was the intermediary in a natural gas deal with a CFE subsidiary, in which Goldman and CFE’s respective payments were tied to different natural gas price indexes — landing Goldman a windfall when a winter storm caused some local gas prices to surge.(Shutterstock)

The case hinged on a contract between CFE and Goldman International that dates back to August 2017, Bloomberg reported.

As part of the arrangement with CFE’s U.S.-based unit, Goldman’s obligations were tied to a monthly index of gas prices (which was largely unchanged during the freeze), while CFE was exposed to daily rates at certain hubs, one of which saw extreme price surges.

On the hook for an unusually large debt, CFE argued that it shouldn’t have to fulfill the contract because of the unforeseeable, extreme price action, Bloomberg reported. CFE also claimed the traders who initiated the deal through CFE’s subsidiary were not authorized to do so.

Scrambling to avoid the unexpectedly hefty payment, CFE fired its own staff and accused Goldman of lacking financial sophistication because it signed the contract with a U.S.-based subsidiary rather than CFE itself.

Bloomberg reported that Goldman’s senior-most executives sought to force through a resolution. The spat also attracted the attention of then-Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a strong supporter of the CFE.

Back in 2021, Bloomberg News speculated that since Goldman’s interests in Mexico were expanding, it might be unwilling to push the dispute too far. On the other hand, if CFE refused to pay, it said, the utility risked becoming persona non grata on Wall Street, a position that would severely complicate its future business possibilities.

After three years of legal disputes and arbitration in London, Goldman agreed to accept the reduced payment this week.

With reports from Bloomberg News, El País, Imagen Radio and El Financiero

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