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Sheinbaum condemns xenophobia, promises action against gentrification: Monday’s mañanera recapped

By
MND Staff
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Sheinbaum said on Monday that gentrification "was a phenomenon that occurred after the pandemic [with] the so-called digital nomads."
Sheinbaum said on Monday that gentrification "was a phenomenon that occurred after the pandemic [with] the so-called digital nomads." (Andrea Murcia/Cuartoscuro)

At her Monday morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum offered an opinion on Friday’s protest in Mexico City against gentrification.

She also weighed in on the issue of gentrification itself.

Among other issues, Sheinbaum announced that the train line between central Mexico City and the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) in México state won’t open as soon as expected.

Here is a recap of the president’s July 7 mañanera.

Sheinbaum denounces xenophobia in CDMX anti-gentrification protest 

A reporter asked the president about the protest in Mexico City on Friday against gentrification. Organized under the slogan “Gentrification is not progress, it’s dispossession,” the protest included expressions of anger and contempt directed at U.S. citizens who have moved into Mexico City neighborhoods such as Condesa and Roma in large numbers in recent years and thus contributed to an increase in rents.

Sheinbaum — who as mayor of Mexico City entered into a partnership with Airbnb and UNESCO to promote the capital to digital nomads — took umbrage at the “xenophobic displays” during Friday’s protest and called on “all Mexicans” to reject discrimination.

“No to discrimination, no to racism, no to classism, no to xenophobia, no to machismo,” she said.

“… All human beings are equal, and we cannot treat anyone as less,” Sheinbaum said.

“The xenophobic displays in that protest must be condemned,” she added.

Sheinbaum declared that it is never okay to call for people of “any nationality” to leave Mexico, even when protesters have a “legitimate” demand, as she said is the case with the fight against gentrification.

She pointed out that Mexico has a rich history of welcoming people from around the world.

“Mexico has always been supportive and fraternal. In the 20th century, we welcomed the Spanish Republicans and people from the southern cone of South America due to the coups,” Sheinbaum said.

“We’ve welcomed Guatemalans, who due to violence and discrimination have arrived to our country. Mexico is a country that is open to the world and isn’t discriminatory. So the xenophobic attitudes can’t be justified,” she said.

Gentrification is ‘an issue of real estate speculation,’ says Sheinbaum 

Sheinbaum said that gentrification is, “in reality, an issue of real estate speculation, mainly stemming from the rental of apartments through digital platforms for tourism or for people who come to live in Mexico for 3, 4, or 5 months.”

“It was a phenomenon that occurred after the pandemic [with] the so-called digital nomads,” she said.

“A lot of people from other countries of the world who continue working remotely, many of them from the United States, come to Mexico because Mexico is a marvelous country and Mexico City is a very beautiful city where a lot of people want to live,” Sheinbaum said.

“They come to Mexico to work for a while,” she said.

“The people who come to Mexico have to respect our laws. Likewise, they can’t have a discriminatory attitude, especially toward the people who are opening their arms to them,” Sheinbaum said.

In 2022, Sheinbaum, then the mayor of Mexico City, promoted Airbnb as a way to make Mexico City more attractive to digital nomads, particularly those from the United States. “We have no [knowledge] that … [higher rents] are associated with Airbnb,” Sheinbaum said at the time.

CDMX partners with Airbnb, UNESCO, to promote the capital as a hub for remote workers

The president said on Monday that the federal government will work with the Mexico City government to “seek mechanisms of regulation” so that the cost of living in neighborhoods such as Condesa and Roma doesn’t continue to go up and force more long-term residents to relocate.

“In effect, particularly in Condesa and Roma, there is a lot of real estate speculation due to Airbnb rentals and all these digital platforms that rent spaces. I say this brand, but there are many other platforms,” Sheinbaum said.

This “real estate speculation” cannot be allowed to increase the cost of living in Mexico City and consequently cause gentrification, “which is to expel people who have lived [in these neighborhoods] for years and years,” she said.

“… There has to be inclusion, always. It’s not tolerance, it’s inclusion — we’re an inclusive society,” Sheinbaum said.

Opening of train line to AIFA delayed 

A reporter noted that Sheinbaum said in February that the train line connecting central Mexico City to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport in México state would open in July. She asked the president whether the inauguration of the railroad — an extension of the Mexico City suburban rail system — would take place soon.

“There was a problem with several communities,” Sheinbaum responded.

She said that the project is “advancing” and that the “problem” with communities in México state has been resolved. However, Sheinbaum also said that talks between authorities and members of the communities through which the new railroad runs are ongoing.

She said that some people say they weren’t “supported” when an “original” train line was built through their communities. They are asking for “social support,” the president said.

Train to AIFA
Once the train is complete, travelers departing from Mexico City’s Buenavista station will be able to reach the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) in México state in approximately 40 minutes. (Andrea Murcia/Cuartoscuro)

“… There are others who say their homes were damaged. A review of homes is being carried out,” Sheinbaum said.

“So everything is being attended to and [the right of way] is now practically freed,” she said.

Sheinbaum said that a new opening date for the long-awaited railroad to AIFA will be announced soon.

She noted that the AIFA-Pachuca train line will open sometime after the inauguration of the railroad between Buenavista, located in central Mexico City, and the three-year-old airport.

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

Mexico aids 30 citizens, celebrates heroic counselors following deadly Texas floods

By
MND Staff
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Texas flooding
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in central Texas, where severe flooding claimed the lives of at least 100 people. (Nick Sortor/X)

The Foreign Affairs Ministry (SRE) is supporting at least 30 Mexican citizens who survived the recent flooding in Texas, President Claudia Sheinbaum said in her Monday morning press conference.  

“Nine requested support to return to Mexico, 16 requested the replacement of their passports due to destruction, and four did not request assistance because they are in the U.S. with work visas and are being assisted by contracted agencies,” Sheinbaum said.

Torrential rains hit central Texas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, causing flash flooding across several areas of Texas and devastating the San Antonio area. 

Several rural areas were unprepared for the scale of the storm, with many citing late or insufficient flood warnings from the National Weather Service.  

At least 100 people were reported dead or missing in the region as of Monday evening. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing. 

In Kerr County, officials reported 84 deaths, including 27 children and staff who were attending summer camp at Camp Mystic on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Ten campers and one counselor remain missing.  

“Our regards, love and strength, our deepest sympathies to all those who died, all the families who lost a family member in these floods,” Sheinbaum said on Monday. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Brownsville Today (@brownsvilletoday)

The president said the Mexican Consulate in San Antonio is in communication with Mexican families affected by the floods and will visit shelters as soon as possible.  

Sheinbaum also recognized the work of two young Mexican women who participated in rescue efforts. 

Silvana Garza Valdez and María Paula Zárate, both counselors at Camp Mystic, reacted quickly to the storm that began on July 3, moving their assigned campers to the highest area of their cabin and staying alert through the night until they could evacuate the 20 young girls to safety.

“It makes me very proud, truthfully,” the president said.

On Sunday, Mexico sent a group of firefighters and rescue personnel from Acuña, Coahuila, to help search for flood victims.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson, in a post to X, thanked the Mexican government for its support. “Our peoples stand united when it matters most, guided by respect, empathy, and a shared commitment to one another,” Johnson wrote.

With reports from Infobae, López-Dóriga Digital, El Sol de México, Sin Embargo and NBC News

Hundreds protest gentrification in Mexico City’s Condesa and Roma neighborhoods

By
MND Staff
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Anti-gentrification protest Mexico City
Many participants of Friday's protest against gentrification singled out Americans in Mexico City due to anger over the treatment their compatriots are receiving in the United States as the Trump administration pursues its mass deportation agenda. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)

Hundreds of people protested in Mexico City on Friday against the gentrification of neighborhoods where many foreign residents live and many foreign tourists stay, such as Condesa and Roma.

The protesters gathered on Friday afternoon in the Lindbergh Forum section of Condesa’s Parque México, where they held up placards with messages such as “Free us from American gentrification”; “You’re visiting paradise, we’re being pushed out”; “You’re not an expat, you’re an invader”; “Foreigners love Mexico, but hate Mexicans;” and “Dispossession comes disguised as Airbnb.”

“Housing to live in, not to invest in!” read a large banner affixed to the imposing five-pillared structure in Lindbergh Forum, a popular gathering and recreation place for both Mexicans and foreigners.

“We’re sick of foreigners coming with their euros and their dollars, wanting to buy our homeland,” said one rally speaker.

“… At the end of the day, if we begin to allow these kinds of things, there won’t be anything or anyone to stop them,” he said.

The protest was organized under the slogan “Gentrification is not progress, it’s dispossession.”

It was promoted on social media by various organizations, including one called Frente por el Arraigo y la Inclusión Vecinal (Front for Neighborhood Roots and Inclusion).

Most of the protesters were young people, among whom were residents, and former residents, of inner-city Mexico City neighborhoods such as Condesa, Roma and Juárez. However, the majority of the protesters live in other parts of the city, according to media reports.

The number of foreigners living in neighborhoods such as Condesa and Roma increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the residents are from the United States, and include people who work remotely for companies in the U.S. and thus earn salaries in dollars.

The influx of foreign residents, and foreign tourists, has changed the face of neighborhoods such as Condesa and Roma and contributed to an increase in rents, forcing some Mexicans out and preventing others from moving into highly desirable parts of the capital. Inflation and other factors have also contributed to an overall higher cost of living in Mexico City and other parts of the country.

The resentment some Mexicans harbor toward well-off foreign residents of the capital is not solely based on rising prices and gentrification, but also stems from perceptions that some of the outsiders make little effort to assimilate and learn Spanish, and don’t significantly contribute to local tax collection.

“You walk around here in Condesa and every two steps you see a foreigner,” one protester told the news magazine Proceso.

“… [They are] people who don’t speak our language, don’t share our culture and are displacing [Mexicans],” he said.

Similar protests against gentrification and mass tourism have taken place in various cities around the world, including Barcelona and Paris.

‘Gringos go home!’ 

Chants of “¡fuera gringos!” (gringos out!) and “gringos, go home” rang out in Parque México during the demonstration and as protesters subsequently marched through nearby streets of the capital.

"Fuera gringo!" is the battle cry of an emerging anti-gentrification movement in Mexico City.
“Fuera gringo!” is the battle cry of an emerging anti-gentrification movement in Mexico City. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)

While foreigners from many countries around the world live in Condesa, Roma and other central neighborhoods of Mexico City, much of the protesters’ anger was focused on newcomers from the United States.

“Gringo, go back to your fucking country!” and “pinches gringos culeros” (fucking gringo assholes) were among the messages protesters conveyed on signs they held up.

Adding to protesters’ particular anger toward Americans is the unfair treatment many Mexicans believe their compatriots are receiving in the United States as the Trump administration pursues its mass deportation agenda.

In Condesa, some protesters told media outlets that their neighbors have been forced out of parts of Mexico City that are popular with foreigners because many residential properties have been turned into businesses or short-term accommodation advertised online on platforms such as Airbnb.

“We’re being left without neighbors,” one protester told the newspaper Milenio. “A lot of places are now businesses. The rents are going up.”

“We don’t have neighbors anymore,” 82-year-old Condesa resident Raquel Nava told Proceso at the protest in Parque México.

“I’m here because I’m worried that the social fabric of the neighborhood has been lost,” she said.

“… [My] neighbors lived in rentals but with the arrival of Airbnb they couldn’t pay the costs and they were evicted,” Nava said.

She described gentrification as the eviction of residents with ties to the local area and the arrival of “people who don’t integrate into the community.”

“… It’s not that I’m against foreigners, the doors were opened to them and they’re here, but they don’t appreciate the cultural heritage of these neighborhoods,” Nava said.

The organization Front for Neighborhood Roots and Inclusion ran a recent campaign called "Red Card on Airbnb," which seeks to raise awareness among neighbors and tourists about the adverse effects of the short-term housing site on local communities.
The organization Front for Neighborhood Roots and Inclusion ran a recent sticker campaign called “Red Card on Airbnb,” which seeks to raise awareness among neighbors and tourists about the adverse effects of the short-term housing site on local communities. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

Michelle Castro, a 19-year-old university student, told the Associated Press that Mexico City “is going through a transformation.”

“There are a lot of foreigners, namely Americans, coming to live here. Many say it’s xenophobia, but it’s not. It’s just that so many foreigners come here, rents are skyrocketing because of Airbnb. Rents are so high that some people can’t even pay anymore,” she said.

Mexicans forced out of desirable central neighborhoods of the capital often face longer, more expensive commutes due to their relocation to cheaper, more peripheral areas of Mexico City.

While businesses such as cafes have proliferated in trendy neighborhoods that are popular with foreigners, the number of traditional businesses such as tortilla and butcher’s shops have declined in recent years, according to official government data.

“A lot of the flavor of the neighborhood is lost,” Erick Ramírez, a long-time resident of Condesa, told Proceso.

“… Stationery stores, dry cleaners and corner stores disappear,” and “more profitable businesses” appear in their place, he said.

While some of the new businesses are owned by foreigners, the proprietors of many of them are Mexicans, who have no doubt benefited from the influx of Americans, Europeans and others with ample disposable income. Airbnb entrepreneurs have also reaped major monetary rewards from the arrival of large numbers of foreigners.

Karla Mejía, a Condesa resident, spoke about economic inequality between foreigners and Mexicans.

“We, as residents, as taxpayers of the Mexican state, can’t afford housing, much less in an area like Condesa, but these people can,” she told Milenio.

Condesa is a leafy, pretty neighborhood and entertainment hub that many people consider ground zero for gentrification in Mexico City. Its array of entertainment options, including cafes, restaurants and bars, its inviting parks and its central location are among the reasons why it attracts large numbers of foreign residents and tourists.

The protest turns violent 

While most protestors demonstrated peacefully, a small group committed acts of vandalism and violence in Parque México and nearby streets.

The large structure in Lindbergh Forum was defaced with graffiti messages, including “Housing is a right, not a commodity” and “My culture is not your trend” as well as pro-Palestine statements.

In the streets of Condesa and Roma, radical, masked protesters smashed the windows of businesses and carried out other acts of violence and vandalism. Among the businesses targeted was a Starbucks cafe, where frightened customers threw themselves to the floor, a branch of the Banamex bank and a clothing store, which protesters looted.

All told, 14 businesses were damaged and 40 more were vandalized with graffiti, according to authorities in Cuauhtémoc, the borough where Condesa and Roma are located.

At Café Toscano, located opposite Plaza Rio de Janeiro in Roma Norte, one employee was injured when protesters attacked the establishment.

“Suddenly, they started throwing tables and chairs. Others came in and threw firecrackers. I took cover to avoid being hit by a rock they threw from outside and I hurt my hand,” Karen Jaramillo told the newspaper Reforma.

“They were moments of a lot of fear,” the cafe employee said.

Cafe manager Fernando Jasso said the business doesn’t contribute to gentrification in the area.

“We’re Mexican workers, the owners are Mexicans, the prices are accessible for everyone,” she said.

In addition to perpetrating acts of violence and vandalism, some protesters hurled insults at foreigners they encountered, according to media reports. Some Mexico City police officers were attacked with stones, the Milenio newspaper reported.

The march through the streets of Mexico City reached the Angel of Independence monument on Paseo de la Reforma, the capital’s most famous boulevard. The base of El Ángel, as the monument is commonly known, was also targeted by vandals.

Protesters also demonstrated outside the United States Embassy on Paseo de la Reforma and chanted inside the Mexico City metro system, according to the Associated Press.

Mayor Brugada and CDMX government denounce violence — and gentrification 

The Mexico City government issued a statement after Friday’s protest that Mayor Clara Brugada shared to her social media accounts.

“Mexico City doesn’t agree with gentrification. We reject this phenomenon that excludes the population from their neighborhoods and communities,” the government said.

The Mexico City government, led by Mayor Clara Brugada, said it is committed to upholding “the right to decent housing” but rejected the practice of violence as a method to resolve conflicts. (@ClaraBrugadaM/X)

“For that reason, we promote public housing policies that strengthen [community] roots, with accessible loans for the improvement and construction of housing in these areas. We also implement actions so that young people have access to affordable rental housing and families can obtain home ownership at affordable prices,” it said.

The Mexico City government said it is committed to upholding “the right to decent housing” and asserted that it is implementing “concrete policies” to guarantee it.

“We know that gentrification can exclude those who have lived their whole lives in their neighborhoods. That’s why we’re allocating unprecedented resources to create the conditions that allow them to continue developing their life project in their own community,” it said.

“But in no way do we endorse violence in confronting this problem,” the government added.

“We reject violence as a method to resolve conflicts. This city is one of rights and freedoms. We respect protests and social expressions … but not aggression,” it said.

“… The fight against gentrification cannot become an excuse to promote hate speech or discriminatory practices. We categorically reject any xenophobic expression against migrants, regardless of their origin, migratory situation or motivation for arriving in the city,” the Mexico City government said.

With reports from Animal Político, Milenio, Proceso, La Jornada, Reforma, Excélsior, AP and N+

* Mexico News Daily has previously published numerous articles on gentrification in Mexico City and associated issues. Here is a selection of those articles. 

NASA astronaut captures glimpse of mysterious ‘sprite’ over Mexico

By
MND Staff
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light phenomenon in the sky
A sprite or transient luminous event, captured here by astronaut Nichole Ayers, is like a colorful inverted lightning bolt, shooting up from a storm instead of down. (X)

NASA recently captured a light phenomenon known as an “atmospheric sprite” over Mexican territory, near the border with the United States. This event, which looks like an inverted red lightning strike, was photographed from the International Space Station (ISS). 

Sprites — more formally, transient luminous events or TLEs —  are rare electrical discharges that occur between 50 and 90 km above the Earth’s surface, in the mesosphere. 

Unlike traditional lightning, which shoots downward, sprites shoot upward from the tops of storm clouds, forming branching, reddish or bluish structures that can extend up to 96 km above the storm. They typically last only fractions of a second, making them difficult to observe from the ground.

The geographic location and frequency of convective thunderstorms make Mexico’s skies an ideal environment for the sprite phenomenon. 

“Just. Wow. As we went over Mexico and the U.S. this morning, I caught this sprite,” Nichole Ayers, the astronaut who took the photograph, wrote in her official Instagram account, accompanied by the image taken from space.

The ISS offers a privileged view for capturing these phenomena, as they can be observed from space above the clouds. 

According to Ayers, sprite images help scientists better understand the formation of these electrical events, their relationship to storms, and their impact on the upper atmosphere. They also contribute to improving weather and atmospheric electrical activity models.

Ayers’s image aligns with NASA’s “Spritacular” project, an initiative that seeks to collect images of these events.

Sprites were first photographed in 1989, and although pilots had previously reported them, they remain enigmatic and little-studied due to their transience and altitude. The recent image captured by NASA represents an important contribution to atmospheric science and the understanding of these electrical phenomena.

With reports from El Imparcial and W Radio

New facility to transform Quintana Roo’s sargassum into biofuel

By
MND Staff
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Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama and Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena view screens monitoring sargassum on Mexico's Caribbean coast
The new project will support the monitoring, management, collection and transportation of sargassum, in addition to treating wastewater and producing biomethane from organic waste and sargassum, according to Lezama. (@maralezama/X)

A new facility to monitor and manage sargassum along Mexico’s Caribbean coast — and eventually convert it to biofuel — was announced Saturday by Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama.

Work to contain and collect the noxious seaweed has already begun in preparation for the Comprehensive Sargassum Sanitation and Circular Economy Center, as the new facility is named. Lezama first revealed plans to create the Sargassum Center in February.

The new project will support the monitoring, management, collection and transportation of sargassum, in addition to treating wastewater and producing biomethane from organic waste and sargassum, according to Lezama. Plans include the installation of three new wastewater treatment plants in Cancún’s hotel zone. 

The aim is to turn “environmental liabilities into economic assets,” Lezama said. 

Annual expenditure on sargassum management is equivalent to 11% of the local GDP, or US$2 billion (37.4 billion pesos), according to the governor.  

Lezama expects the new project to promote new sustainable industries, create jobs and reduce the environmental impact of the sargassum. 

In June, scientists predicted that record levels of sargassum were likely to wash up on Quintana Roo through the summer. 

“Every year we face this challenge, and that is why, in Quintana Roo, we are taking concrete actions to protect our beaches, our economy and the thousands of families that depend on tourism,” Lezama said.

Though the brown seaweed is naturally beneficial to marine ecosystems in the open ocean, it can be harmful to marine life, plants, coral and human health when large quantities reach the coast. As it decomposes, it gives off a foul smell similar to rotten eggs.

Lezama highlighted the joint efforts taken by the Navy, the state government, municipal authorities and civil society to remove almost 40,000 tons of sargassum in the region in 2024. 

Is sargassum a problem today along the Quintana Roo coast? Yes and no

A Dutch consortium consisting of Dutch Clean Tech and the engineering company Oceanus International will be responsible for the financing, design, construction and operation of the Sargassum Center.

The consortium aims to incorporate cutting-edge Dutch and Mexican technology into operations for the biodigestion of sargassum and organic waste, as well as to produce biomethane.

Results from a study on sargassum, sludge and EMR valorization, endorsed by the certifying agency Aenor-Mexico, are due to be released in November. The study’s findings are being used in the development of the sargassum center. 

The new center is expected to be a benchmark for research, innovation and coordinated action to solve the sargassum problem efficiently and responsibly, according to the state Minister of Ecology and the Environment Óscar Rébora.

With reports from Infobae, El Economista, Reportur, Riviera Maya News

Mexico defeats USMNT to win Concacaf Gold Cup

By
MND Staff
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Mexico have now won the Gold Cup 10 times. The U.S. has won seven finals and Canada one.
Mexico has now won the Gold Cup 10 times. The U.S. has won seven finals and Canada one. (Selección Nacional de México/Facebook)

Mexico’s men’s national soccer team defeated the United States 2-1 in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final, cementing its record as the tournament’s most successful team in the region with 10 trophies. 

The sold-out match, organized by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), was held at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, before 72,000 fans, the majority of whom were Mexicans.

Edson Álvarez, 27, celebrates with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
Edson Álvarez, 27, celebrates with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. (Selección Nacional de México/Facebook)

The U.S. team took an early lead with a header from Richards after an assist from Sebastian Berhalter in the fourth minute. By minute 27, Mexico took control of the match and tied the score with a goal from Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez. In the second half, team captain Edson Álvarez sealed the victory with a header in the 77th minute.

Jiménez, who has emerged as a leader of the national team, finished the tournament as Mexico’s joint-top scorer with three goals, alongside César Montes. But his goal in Sunday’s match is considered the crown jewel of the season.

“[That goal] was really good. I don’t know how I hit it so hard with my left foot,” Jiménez said to reporters. “The goal reminded me of one I made against Poland, in 2017,” he added. 

Jiménez has collected 43 goals for the Mexican national team, nine away from matching Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s record, the all-time leading scorer for El Tri.

Sporting the number 20 at the start of the game (his official jersey is number 9), Jiménez dedicated Sunday’s Gold Cup to his former Wolverhampton teammate Diogo Jota, who passed away tragically at the age of 28 in a car accident last week. 

Sunday marked the first time since 2019 that Mexico defeated the U.S. in a Gold Cup final, though Mexico has 39 overall wins over the USMNT.

Mikel Arriola, commissioner of the Mexican Football Federation, dedicated the victory to Mexican fans, especially those residing in the U.S.

This year’s tournament kicked off with an atmosphere of concern among Latino fans. On June 14, Mexico faced off against the Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, amid a surge in immigration raids. Despite fears over fan safety, 54,000 people filled the stands. The rest of the tournament ran smoothly without any incidents.

Amid raids and protests, Mexico’s national soccer team is set to play in LA. Will fans be afraid to attend? 

For Javier Aguirre, who took over as head coach of Mexico’s national team for the third time in August 2024, “the litmus test” will be the 2026 World Cup.

“We have a year to prepare,” Aguirre said following the match. “I think there are people who would say we’re good to go [after] today, but there are always little things to do better.”  

When asked about his legacy leading the Mexican national team (he was formerly head coach in 2001 and 2010), Aguirre highlighted the change in mentality and the players’ desire to represent Mexico. 

“If you ask me, it’s the desire to be on the national team. Before, I felt [the players] came tired, a little forced or didn’t want to come. I think they want to come now. It’s not a legacy, but it’s something I set out to do, and I say that proudly,” Aguirre told Fox Sports.

With reports from El País, ESPN Deportes and El Universal

What to cook in July: Seasonal Mexican delights off the beaten track

By
Bel Woodhouse
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A close-up shot of a prickly pear cactus pad with several vibrant fuchsia-colored tuna (prickly pear fruits) growing on it.
It's harvest season in Mexico for the tuna, the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. Mexicans eat tunas raw, make them into jams and also blend them with water as a refreshing drink! (Frankie Lopez/Unsplash)

July is bursting with summer fruits: papaya, pineapples, and mangos, but let’s not forget the native fruits like tunas! It’s tuna season, and they’re great just peeled and eaten. Or in fruit salads, aguas frescas and, how my Nan made them most, in jams and pies. Mushrooms and squash blooms are also abundant to cook a number of ways, or stuffed in a tlacoyo or gordita from the market. 

Also, one of my July and August favorites is huazontle. Trying huazontles capeados was love at first bite for me. A recipe is coming up next month, but if you’re in or around San Miguel de Allende, it’s their big food festival. You may be able to persuade one of the amazing chefs to give you a recipe as well. 

A wide view of numerous large, green prickly pear cactus plants (nopales) with many thorny pads, extending across a sunny landscape with a pale blue sky in the background.
If you’ve ever eaten nopales, that’s the leaf part of the prickly pear cactus, which yields the fruit Mexicans call tuna. (Diego Lozano/Unsplash)

Tunas

Tunas, or prickly pear fruits, are a nutritional powerhouse enjoyed in a bunch of ways. Great news: July to October is harvest season. So they’re abundant, at peak deliciousness and popular in drinks. Fermented drinks like colonche are a harvest must. Big cold jugs of refreshing agua de tuna are also popular for cooling off. Once you peel them, the rest is easy!

Agua de tuna

Ingredients

  • 6 tunas
  • 6 cups of water
  • 2 cups of ice cubes
  • ½ cup of sugar (more if you like it sweet)

Directions

  1. Using a sharp knife, cut both ends off the tuna and slit down the side. Use your finger to wriggle under the skin and pull to remove it. Do the same with all the tunas.
  2. Put all the peeled tunas and 2 cups of water into a blender. They’re really soft, so it only takes a moment to blend smoothly.
  3. Place a sieve over your jug to catch the seeds, then pour the blended mixture into your jug. 
  4. Add the rest of the water and sugar and stir well. 
  5. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Squash blossoms

Clusters of fresh, bright yellow-orange squash blossoms with hints of green stems are piled high in a red, slotted plastic market crate, with other crates subtly visible in the background.
Many a Mexican would swear that you haven’t lived until you’ve tasted a flor de calabaza (squash blossom) quesadilla. (Koffermejia/Wikimedia Commons)

I love these! And I’m not the only one. Ricotta-stuffed squash blossoms are popular throughout Mexico, and shockingly easy to make. Ready in under half an hour, they’ll always be gobbled up with delight. After all, who could resist this combo? Perfect for snacks or appetizers anytime, you may want to double the recipe. I can’t think of a more delicious way to get your vitamins and important minerals like calcium, magnesium and zinc.

Ricotta-stuffed Squash Blossoms

Ingredients

  • 16 squash blossoms
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 serrano chile minced (optional)
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • ¼ cup beer
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Directions

  1. Wash and dry the blossoms. Remove the inside — the pistil — of the flower with scissors. 

Make the filling:

  • Heat the tablespoon of oil in a frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and pepper (if using) until onions are clear, about 1–2 minutes.
  • Add ricotta to a bowl and, once cool, add the onion mixture and parsley. Mix together, adding salt and pepper to taste. 

Stuff and fry the blossoms:

  • Carefully stuff each blossom. Once stuffed, they can be put in the fridge while you make the batter. 
  • In a bowl, mix the egg, flour and beer to form a batter. 
  • Heat a frying pan over medium-low until hot. Then grab a blossom, dip it in the batter and place in the oil to fry. Cook until light brown (just over a minute), then flip to cook the other side. 
  • Repeat with the remaining blossoms, cooking in batches. 
  • Place on a paper towel to remove the excess oil and serve. 

Mushrooms

A close-up view of whole and halved white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) with their creamy white caps and light brown gills visible, arranged on a textured, light brown fabric surface.
The humble mushroom is proof that simple ingredients can yield extraordinary flavors. (U.S. Govt.)

Have I ever told you I’m a total mushroom lover? I could eat them every day. These sautéed mushrooms are perfect as a side or a filling for quesadillas and empanadas. You can’t go wrong with them.

The mushrooms’ hearty flavor goes beautifully with the minty citrusy taste of epazote. If you’re not a fan, just substitute cilantro. Quick and easy to make, they’re ready in 20 minutes.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Ingredients

  • 10 oz mushrooms, chopped how you like them
  • 2 scallions
  • 2–4 epazote leaves finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 guajillo pepper de-seeded and sliced
  • 2 árbol chiles (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a pan or clay pot. Add scallions and garlic, stirring constantly for a few minutes so the garlic doesn’t burn. 
  2. Add mushrooms, guajillo and arbol chili, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until the mushrooms are slightly golden. 
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the epazote, adding salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve with warm tortillas and a spicy red taqueria-style salsa (recipe from last month). 

Mexico Correspondent for International Living, Bel is an experienced writer, author, photographer and videographer with 500+ articles published both in print and across digital platforms. Living in the Mexican Caribbean for over seven years now, she’s in love with Mexico and has no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.

Shooting star: The story of Mexico’s first chess Grandmaster

By
Chris Sands
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4
Carlos Torres standing to the left of two men in front of a chess board.
Mexico's greatest chess prodigy was an unassuming young man from Mérida. (Chessbase)

While traveling aboard a Cunard liner to play in his first big European chess tournaments in March 1925, young phenom Carlos Torre Repetto kept his game sharp by playing with Frank Marshall, the man for whom the Marshall Chess Club in New York City was named and the then-reigning U.S. champion. In one still-legendary game from this trip, he beat Marshall in seven moves with the black pieces, an astonishing feat. 

He had his moments at his first European tournament at Baden-Baden, Germany, against all the best players in the world but two: former world chess champion Emanuel Lasker, who held the title for 27 years, the longest reign in history, and the current champion, José Raúl Capablanca. But Torre was nervous, played too cautiously, and finished only 10th in a field of 21 players, despite a notable victory against Ernst Grünfeld, inventor of the Grünfeld Defense. 

Carlos Torres

Carlos Torre became Mexico’s first chess Grandmaster in 1977, more than 50 years after his abrupt retirement. (Public Domain)

He started to find his form at the next tournament in Marienbad, Czech Republic, where he played with his more characteristic boldness and artistry. He finished tied for third with Marshall, defeated Grünfeld again, and during another of his thrilling victories, Aron Nimzowitsch, the man the Nimzowitsch Defense is named after, declared, “A new genius has arisen in the world of chess.”

The Mexican Immortal

That statement would prove prophetic at Moscow, in the then Soviet Union, where the first state-sponsored chess tournament in history was to be held. All the top players in the world were there, including Capablanca and Lasker. Torre drew against the former and won in 43 moves against the latter in a game so iconic it has also gone down in history as “The Mexican Immortal.” 

Indeed, just as his miniature against Marshall aboard the Cunard ship Antonia would be canonized in chess lore as the Mexican Defense, his opening against Lasker would come to be known as the Torre Attack. This initial sequence, characterized by the moves d4, Nf3, Bg5 for white, helped to set him up in a great position. But it was his creative queen sacrifice on the 25th move that would enable a devastating windmill tactic that allowed his bishop-defended rook to lay waste to Lasker’s black defenses. 

After this victory, which took place four days before his 21st birthday, Torre was famous in the chess world and would remain so even after a nervous breakdown the following year ended his career. Nearing the peak of his powers in Moscow, he would play in only two more tournaments, among which was a victory at Mexico’s national chess championship in Mexico City in 1926.

Youtube video

The remarkable rise of Carlos Torre

Born in Mérida, Yucatán, on November 29, 1904, Torre learned to play chess beginning at age six from watching his father, Egidio, and brother Raúl play.  From this early stage, chess was a matter of fun for him. Later, when he started to become well-known for his abilities, he would see each game as a work of art. However, he always hated the competitive aspect, which was inevitably accompanied by unwelcome anxiety.

That competitive aspect became inevitable when he met Edwin Ziegler Adams, who became his mentor after his family moved to New Orleans when he was 12. By then, Torre’s talents were already apparent. He was so good within a few years of his arrival in New Orleans that no one wanted to play against him. By the age of 14, a local magazine hailed him as the second coming of Paul Morphy, a native New Orleanian who had dominated U.S. chess in the 1850s and was acknowledged as the world’s best player before abruptly retiring at age 22. In an odd twist of fate, Torre would retire at the same age.

However, that was still three years in the future when Torre, after winning the New Orleans city championship, won the Louisiana state chess championship in 1923. Seeking better players against whom to match his skills, he set his sights on New York, where he became a member of the Marshall Chess Club and went on to win that state’s championship in 1924. Marshall himself didn’t compete in that event, but as would later become apparent, on shipboard and in tournament play over the next two years, Torre was at least the equal of Marshall. 

The only player then in New York (and indeed the entire U.S.) whom he probably wasn’t the equal of was Capablanca, the Cuban world champion whom he had yet to play against. But after Torre followed up his New York State Championship victory with a dominating performance in the Western Chess Association Championship in Detroit against the best players from around the U.S., winning 12 out of 16 games and drawing the other four, comparisons were being made. An issue of the American Chess Bulletin afterward was almost solely devoted to Torre, with his game compared to that of Capablanca.

It was this rapid rise that set the stage for Torre’s trip to Europe in 1925 and his immortal game against Lasker.

Torre’s abrupt retirement

Torre’s legacy is celebrated each year by a tournament in his memory in his hometown of Mérida. (México Chess)

Torre’s nervous breakdown in October 1926, nearly a year after he returned from his triumphs in Europe, has long been shrouded in mystery. One story has it that he broke down and began taking all his clothes off on a New York City bus. Another claims that his breakdown was brought on by being jilted by his fiancée for another man. Neither has ever been verified.

Torre himself, speaking more than 50 years after it occurred to Gabriel Velasco, who would later write “The Life and Chess Games of Carlos Torre: Mexico’s First Grandmaster,” said he was in fragile health due to dietary difficulties and was stressed out from being so far from home. The lack of dietary discipline — Torre often ate 12 pineapple ice cream sundaes in a single day — was likely a factor. So too was the lack of sleep, since he reportedly was only getting two hours per night. 

After the breakdown, Torre quit tournament chess and returned to Mexico. He took a job in a pharmacy owned by his brother and was anonymous to all but chess players, who would often seek him out for advice. He spent his final years in a nursing home in Mérida, his hometown.

A legacy in chess

Although the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) didn’t create the grandmaster title until 1950, nearly a quarter of a century after Torre played his last competitive games, the memory of his brilliancies remained. Thus, in 1963, FIDE awarded him the title of International Master (IM), and in 1977, it upgraded him to Grandmaster (GM) status, making him the first Mexican player to receive such an honor. Torre died soon after this announcement, in 1978, and it’s not known whether he ever knew about it. 

But his legacy was secured and has only continued to grow thanks to the Torneo Internacional Carlos Torre Repetto, which since 1987 has been held annually in Mérida. Founded by physicist and philanthropist Alejandro Prevé Castro with the ambitious goal of raising the profile of chess in Mexico, it’s now considered one of the country’s finest tournaments, with the most recent iteration taking place in December 2024. 

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

Where to Travel in Mexico 2025 Guide: Solo travelers

By
Nellie Huang
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9
A person with their back to the camera sits on a stone edge, looking out over a vast, dense green jungle canopy that stretches to the horizon under a cloudy sky. In the distance, ruins are partially visible above the treetops.
Embracing the freedom of solo travel is not only possible in Mexico, it's recommended. (Nellie Huang)

There’s something special about solo travel: the freedom to explore entirely on our own terms offers liberation and self-discovery. Only when I travel solo do I feel I have the space to truly connect with a place. 

But traveling solo can sometimes get lonely and overwhelming if you don’t pick the right place. I’ve traveled solo to many far-flung places like Ghana, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan, and I’ve come to learn that not every place is made for solo travelers.

Mexico, in my experience, is fantastic for those who explore solo, thanks to its warm, fully embracing culture. If you open your heart, you’ll find that Mexicans are incredibly welcoming and that most are happy to share their love for the country with you. 

I’ve wandered small villages, strolled countless cobblestoned streets, observed local life in quiet plazas, and hiked many trails — all by myself — but never once did I feel lonely thanks to Mexicans’ openheartedness.

For those who also love traveling solo, I bring you another installment of Where to Travel in Mexico 2025, a series that spotlights the best locations across Mexico for specific travel styles, whether you’re a family traveler, road tripper or beach lover. 

As a writer who’s traveled on assignment (solo) to various parts of Mexico, I’ve picked out six prime locations in Mexico for those who like to explore on their own terms.

Mérida: For cultural connoisseurs and foodies

(File photo)

Travelers who prize safety, history and culture will love Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state. Often cited as one of the safest cities in Mexico, Mérida gives first-time travelers the peace of mind to wander with confidence. For a solo traveler, this freedom is invaluable. 

At just a 3.5-hour drive from Cancún, Mérida is easy to get to (now more than ever thanks to the Maya Train), and yet, with its quaint historic center, colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, it offers a stark contrast to Cancún’s party vibes. 

Nicknamed “The White City” for the pale limestone of its colonial buildings, Mérida is a living museum. Its elegant core, with pastel-hued mansions lining the grand Paseo de Montejo, is fantastic to explore on foot. 

But the city’s appeal goes beyond the surface. Mérida is a launchpad into the heart of the Maya world, with a healthy Indigenous population, ancient ruins nearby and a unique cuisine that traces its roots back to the pre-Hispanic era. 

Be sure to try Yucatecan specialities like cochinita pibil — a slow-cooked pork stewed with achiote and bitter orange — at the Netflix-featured Manjar Blanco restaurant, and regional staples like panuchos and salbutes (both featuring masa madre) at Taquería La Lupita in Mercado Santiago. If you’re looking to try more contemporary Mexican cuisine, book a table at Micaela Mar & Leña, named the country’s best restaurant by the Mexico Gastronomic Guide 2024.

The city’s rich cultural calendar means there’s always a free concert, traditional dance performance or video-mapping show in one of the central plazas, offering easy, low-key ways to feel part of the city’s community. Sundays are the best time to mingle, as the streets of the historic center are closed off to traffic for locals and visitors to cycle, stroll or simply snack at the street market.

San Pancho: For the wellness wanderer

Five women are seated cross-legged on yoga mats in a rustic, open-air studio with wooden slatted walls, practicing meditation with their hands in various positions on their chests.
(El Estar)

If you are all about holistic living and wellness travel, the best place in Mexico for you is the laid-back beach town of San Francisco, affectionately known as San Pancho. Located on the Riviera Nayarit, San Pancho has cultivated a reputation as a hub for yoga, mindfulness and community-minded living. 

Compared to neighboring Sayulita just 5 kilometers south, San Pancho has a decidedly unfussy, soul-stirring charm and mellow vibes. It attracts a wonderfully eclectic mix of people – surfers, yogis, ecoconscious travelers, and those simply looking to disconnect. 

It’s easy to fall into conversation at a beachside palapa, join a drop-in yoga class (at El Estar), or take a beginner surf lesson on the gentle waves (with Mitclán Surf School). Your days will revolve around yoga classes, long walks on the expansive beach, enjoying healthy food from organic cafés and watching spectacular sunsets.

The town’s small size is its biggest asset. After a day or two, you’ll start recognizing faces. Becoming a regular at a local coffee shop or juice bar is a great way to feel connected to the local community. Volunteering at the nonprofit community center, Entreamigos will also help build more bonds and give back at the same time. 

Oaxaca: For social butterflies

Street in downtown Oaxaca decorated with rows of traditional Mexican colored paper that's tied to buildings on either side of the street, stretching over the street.
(Shutterstock)

Oaxaca is the place to go if your idea of a perfect solo trip involves meeting fellow travelers, sampling world-class food and immersing deeply in Mexican culture. The culture hub is a magnet for digital nomads, backpackers and long-term expats, creating a dynamic social fabric that’s incredibly easy to weave yourself into. It pulses with Indigenous culture, vibrant markets, world-renowned cuisine and a deeply artistic spirit. 

The city’s walkable historic center is brimming with colorful streets, bustling markets like Mercado 20 de Noviembre, and rooftop bars perfect for striking up conversations over mezcal cocktails. The abundance of excellent hostels (like the socially-oriented hostel, Grana B&B, which organizes communal dinners) and coworking spaces in Oaxaca (try Convivio Oaxaca) also makes it simple to find your tribe.

Oaxaca’s many workshops — from mezcal tasting to traditional weaving — are also fantastic for meeting like-minded people in a relaxed, natural setting. Joining a mole cooking class with La Cocina Oaxaqueña or a food tour with Oaxaca Eats , foodies are in for a ride here. Oaxaca’s food scene, from street stalls to fine dining, is so rich that every meal feels like an adventure. 

If you have time, make your way to Oaxaca’s coastline for a more laid-back, sun-drenched experience. Go surfing and join baby turtle releases in Puerto Escondido, visit the turtle center in next-door Mazunte, or kick back on the nudist beach in bohemian Zipolite.

Copper Canyon: For the intrepid adventurer

A sunlit panoramic view of Copper Canyon, with a cable car full of tourists capturing moments against the sprawling natural vista, under a nearly clear sky, with no identifiable traces of individuals
(Shutterstock)

Barrancas del Cobre, or Copper Canyon, is Mexico’s ultimate adventure playground for solo travelers who thrive on epic landscapes and outdoor activities. Deeper and vaster than the Grand Canyon, this network of six interconnected canyons in the Sierra Tarahumara mountains of Chihuahua state offers a raw, rugged experience far from the tourist trail.

From my own experience, remote places aren’t typically great for solo travelers — but the Copper Canyon is. The legendary El Chepe train makes it easy to navigate the area by connecting rural towns and villages, revealing spectacular mountainscapes along the way. This is a trip that requires a spirit of self-reliance, but those looking for adventure will find it here.

The highlight of any Chepe train journey is the Divisadero station, where a spectacular viewpoint and the iconic Hotel Divisadero Barrancas, stand right across the train tracks. At the nearby Parque de Aventura Barrancas del Cobre, you can brave the ZipRider (one of the world’s longest ziplines) or ride the cable car across the canyon. 

I’ve traveled the region twice solo and have had the best experiences: from going on a sunrise hike with local Rarámuri guides to visiting artisan markets and tasting locally produced wines all in one day. The camaraderie on the El Chepe train is a unique part of the experience. Don’t be shy to share stories and tips with fellow passengers (you’ll find mostly Mexicans on the train journey) — they are your best resource in this remote region. 

San Miguel de Allende: For artsy retirees

A narrow, uphill cobblestone street in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, lined with colorful colonial buildings in shades of orange, pink, and white, leading towards a distant church spire under a clear blue sky.
(Nellie Huang)

There’s a reason San Miguel de Allende consistently charms visitors from around the globe – it was even voted world’s best city by Travel + Leisure readers in 2024. For solo travelers, its appeal is particularly strong. This UNESCO World Heritage city, with its stunning colonial architecture and iconic pink Parroquia church, is welcoming and easy to navigate on your own. The historic center is compact and walkable, with sheer beauty at every turn.

San Miguel de Allende has an artistic flair and creative edge that appeal to those in search of an unconventional life. Many Americans and Canadians retire here, drawn by the slow pace of life, the flurry of cultural events and the large, friendly expat community. 

It’s a hub for creativity and learning, with plenty of opportunities to enroll in a Spanish language course (the Instituto Allende offers an array of classes), a painting workshop (check out Fabrica La Aurora) or even an ancestral cooking class in a beautiful hacienda setting. You’ll easily find language-exchange meetups, game nights and cultural events for all ages.

I’ve lived in this city with my family for almost two years and have made lifelong friendships with many like-minded people: from progressive Mexicans seeking to slow down to world travelers like me who like having a place like this to call home in between global trips. It’s a fantastic place not just for retirees but also for families with young children and younger digital nomads looking for a different way of life. 

San Cristóbal de las Casas: For the budget traveler

Typical street of in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, with colorful colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe on top of a hill
(Shutterstock)

Perched in the misty Chiapas highlands, San Cristóbal de las Casas is a cultural crossroads with a magnetic pull. It’s a popular stop-off point for budget-conscious solo travelers making their way to Guatemala by land – but with its bohemian atmosphere, proximity to pristine nature, and Indigenous villages, this mountain town deserves to be a destination on its own. 

On my first solo trip here, I’d planned to stay just a few days but ended up lingering for two weeks, utterly captivated by the ingenuity of locals and the region’s natural wealth.

The city’s walkable, cobblestone streets are lined with amber workshops, cozy cafés perfect for lingering with a book and bustling artisan markets. The air is often filled with the scent of locally-grown coffee and the sound of marimbas drifting from a sun-drenched plaza. Indigenous Tzotzil and Tzeltal Mayas, dressed in beautiful traditional wear, stroll the streets, often selling handmade textiles and other handicrafts. 

San Cristóbal is a launchpad to the natural wonders of Chiapas: The spectacular Sumidero Canyon is just a 1.5-hour drive away; the thundering cascades and turquoise natural pools of Cascada El Chiflón are around three hours away by car; and the alpine lakes of Lagos de Montebello are four hours away. As it’s a popular nexus point for backpackers, the sheer number of hostels, coliving spaces, affordable Spanish schools, and volunteer opportunities creates a dynamic social ecosystem perfect for solo travelers. 

What’s right for each type of traveler?

(Shutterstock)

We’ve put together a table summarizing which destination would suit travelers based on their experience in Mexico.

Beginner travelers are those with limited international experience; maybe this is their first trip to Mexico. Ideal for first-timers who prefer margaritas with training wheels. These travelers stick to well-trodden paths, mastering “¿Dónde está el baño?” while clutching a phrasebook. They thrive in destinations where guacamole arrives with optional spice and the hotel staff speak Google Translate.

Intermediate travelers are those with some international experience who can handle moderate language barriers and cultural differences. Ready to trade resorts for real-deal experiences, these travelers navigate cobblestone streets without face-planting. They’ve graduated to ordering “tres tacos al pastor” without pointing and can haggle for a sombrero in Oaxaca’s markets… but still overpay by 20%.

Advanced travelers are those with extensive experience navigating complex destinations independently. These wanderers treat Mexico like a choose-your-own-adventure novel written in Spanglish. They’ve adopted a street dog named Churro, debate the merits of different artisanal mezcals and know which mercado stall has the best tamales oaxaqueños.

​​Nellie Huang is a professional travel writer and author based in San Miguel de Allende with her family. She has contributed to BBC Travel, CNN, International Business Times, and National Geographic, and co-authored Lonely Planet’s 2025 Mexico guide. Read about her adventures worldwide on wildjunket.com and follow her updates on Instagram @wildjunket.

Strange fruit: Mexico’s weird and wonderful natural treats

By
Chris Sands
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6
Pitayas
When it comes to native fruit, few countries boast as bountiful an offering as Mexico. (Samuel C. Blackman)

Mexico is one of seventeen countries worldwide classified as megadiverse, meaning it’s extraordinarily biodiverse and teeming with endemic species. Indeed, these seventeen countries account for over 70% of all species worldwide. Mexico, for example, boasts an astonishing variety of plants (23,000) and a vast bounty of 762 edible fruits, of which 53 are native.

Here are a few of the most interesting endemic examples:

Xoconostle (Opuntia joconostle)

Xoconostle on a nopal
Xoconostle is one of many species of cactus fruit used in Mexico’s cuisine. (Gobierno de Mexico)

Mexico has plenty of fruit that grows on trees, but many of its most iconic fruits come from cacti. Xoconostle, a fruit from the nopal, is among the oldest and most culturally relevant, having been domesticated from about the same time as corn, 9,000 years ago, and has been a staple of salsas, food, and drinks ever since. It’s endemic to Mexico and grows in several states, including Aguascalientes, Durango, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacán, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas.

The name xoconostle is Nahuatl in origin, with its name translating to “sour tuna.” The fruit is quite tart, even when it has changed color from pale green, indicating unripeness, to a rich pink or red. That tartness has made it popular, often as a counterpoint to sweetness, in everything from jams and jellies to aguas frescas, liqueurs, snacks, sweets, and soups, the most famous of which is a beef stew, mole de olla. 

Tejocote (Crataegus mexicana)

Tejocotes
Orange or yellow tejocotes are one of the country’s most popular tree fruits, particularly when it comes to Ponche Navideño. (Daniel Manrique)

Tejocote is harvested from trees (or large shrubs) of the Hawthorne genus. This endemic yellow or orange fruit is overwhelmingly found in the state of Puebla, where some 5,000 tons are produced annually. However, numerous other states in Mexico also grow this crabapple-resembling fruit, whose most famous culinary use is as the signature ingredient in Ponche Navideño, or Christmas Punch. 

This seasonal use is not an accident as the fruit traditionally ripens between October and February, just in time for it to be used in Day of the Dead celebrations, too. In this case, it’s often in candied form, with cinnamon and sugar added for dulce de tejocote, or chile and sugar for candy rielitos, each of which can be left as offerings on ofrendas. Tejocote is also an ingredient in jams, jellies, ates, and preserves. 

Like the vitamin C-rich xoconostle, tejocote has also been noted for its health benefits and was used by pre-Hispanic healers to cure a variety of digestive and respiratory ailments.  

Pitaya de Mayo (Stenocereus pruinosus)

Mexican pitaya colorful fruit
(Huerto en casa)

The gray ghost organ pipe cactus, found most commonly in states like Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, and Puebla, produces distinctive white flowers and a fruit that, like many species of pitaya, has a very short harvest season. For pitaya de mayo, as the name suggests, it’s in May. Although there’s not much time to savor its bounty, each ripe cactus offers an exceptional number of fruits (about 50 to 100, on average) that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. 

Pitayas have a long history of use in Mexico, dating back thousands of years, and with good reason. Of the 23 species in the Stenocereus genus found worldwide, 21 grow naturally in Mexico. Sinaloa alone is home to seven species. Agua de frescas, in which pitaya fruit is blended with water, sugar, and lime, are a popular summertime treat, but they also find their way into everything from ice cream and popsicles to candies and jam.

Tuna cardona (Opuntia streptacantha)

Also known as the prickly pear, tuna fruit is delicious, nutritious and uniquely Mexican. (Hal Wilson/500px)

Another endemic cactus fruit, this one of the prickly pear variety, tuna cardona is notable for being grown at elevation (between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level) in 13 mainland states of Mexico. It’s often so abundant in San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas that it forms dense prickly pear forests known as nopaleras, or tunales. These are not as prevalent as they used to be now that more areas have been cleared for agriculture, but tuna cardona remains an important food source in the rural areas where it still grows.

Some of the traditional preparations for it are a bit unusual. Queso de cardona, for example, belies its label as it contains no dairy. As such, it’s not really a cheese at all, but acquired the name because of its similar texture, which is achieved by boiling the fruit at high heat until it binds into blocks. Peanuts or almonds are sometimes added for added crunch and flavor. 

However, the most famous of these concoctions is undoubtedly colonche, a fermented alcohol that has been made from the fruit for over 2,000 years, with its initial creation attributed to the Chichimecas. It’s still made in San Luis Potosí and Zacatecas, although residents of the former consider their version superior due to the addition of cinnamon.

Pitaya de Querétaro (Stenocereus queretaroensis)

Pitaya de Queretaro
(iNaturalist)

Mexico’s endemic pitayas and pitahayas (which are spelled differently because they belong to the genus Hylocereus) are the gift that keeps on giving. This picturesque columnar version of the former, which somewhat resembles a candelabra in shape, is not, despite its name, confined to the boundaries of Querétaro. Rather, it can be found in several states in Mexico at elevations of up to 6,000 feet. Like other pitayas, the fruit of Stenocereus queretaroensis (aka “pitayo”) is avidly sought after during its short growing season for summertime specialties like aguas frescas and ice creams. 

However, the most interesting culinary application for this pitaya is dehydrating it and turning it into a powder, which can be made into flour and used to bake bread. No, it can’t be used exclusively, but it can replace wheat flour for up to 30% of the formulation.

Capulín (Prunus salicifolia)

Capulínes
(Pinterest)

The five species above are all endemic, meaning they exist naturally in Mexico and nowhere else. That’s a slightly different category than native, which means the fruit originated in Mexico but has since been transplanted to other locales. A good example of this would be capulín (Prunus salicifolia), a wild black cherry which is thought to have originated in the Valle de Mexico, but is now cultivated throughout the Americas and in Europe. It was an essential nutritional source for the Spanish Conquistadors when they arrived in Mexico during the 16th century, as it was for the Mexica, who so valued the fruit that they had two words for it based on the size of the cherries. 

Like almost all of Mexico’s endemic fruits, the culture and traditions that surround capulín are regional, and yes, it can be enjoyed fresh, too. Although in this case, it isn’t enjoyable unless its cherries are fully ripe, since they’re a bit too bitter otherwise. 

Fortunately, in Mexico, there are always other fruity options to choose from in the meantime.

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

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