The world's biggest producer of corn flour, Gruma, will build a new plant in the state of Puebla. (Gruma)
Gruma, the world’s biggest producer of corn flour, will invest 792 million pesos (US $46.5 million) over the next five years to build a new factory and renovate an existing plant, both in the state of Puebla.
The new site will be devoted to manufacturing snack foods and will have the capacity to produce 200 tonnes per year. Construction will cost US $38 million.
Gruma has so far generated 500 jobs in Puebla, and will create another 440 more over the next five years. (Gruma)
The company will also enlarge its Mission Foods México plant in Huejotzingo, located near Cholula, increasing production to 70,200 tonnes annually. Mission Foods México is a Gruma subsidiary that makes packaged corn and flour tortillas as well as tostadas and corn chips.
The investment will be spread out over five years, with 440 new jobs created across both plants, of which 55% will be allocated to women, the company said. The construction project will also create over 100 indirect jobs.
Making the announcement, Mission Foods México CEO Nader Badii González thanked Puebla Governor Sergio Salomón for his administration’s cooperation in supporting the company’s growth in the state.
“We arrived in Puebla in 2016 with an initial investment of 1 billion pesos (US $ 58.6 million) and have generated more than 500 jobs, 60% were filled by women,” he said. “This new investment reinforces our commitment to the state.”
Gruma, which produces both Mission brand tortillas and popular Maseca tortilla flour, announced a further investment in state of Yucatán earlier this year. (Gruma)
Salomón praised Gruma and Mission for demonstrating confidence in Puebla by reinvesting and expanding their presence in the state. State Economy Minister Jorge Ermilo Barrera Novelo pointed out that the food industry in Puebla contributed 65 billion pesos (US $ 3.8 billion) to the state’s GDP last year and provided 67,000 jobs.
In January, the manufacturing giant, headquartered outside Monterrey, Nuevo León, reported a 5.3% growth in year-on-year fourth-quarter earnings. The increase was largely driven by sales in Mexico which rose 7%.
Also in January, Gruma revealed plans to invest US $89 million in a new plant in Hunucmá, Yucatán, over the next six to eight years. That factory will have the capacity to produce 56,000 tonnes per year of packaged tortillas, tostadas, baked goods and snacks and is expected to generate 800 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs in Yucatán.
Should you build or buy in Mexico? We asked real estate professionals and expats for their experiences. (Dio Arquitectura)
What are the experiences of expats and Mexicans who buy or construct their dream homes in Mexico?
The creativity and skill of Mexican craftsmen are highly valued and considered a major advantage of purchasing or constructing in Mexico. Brigham Golden, a designer, builder and real estate professional at San Miguel Sotheby’s International Real Estate, explained why you should choose Mexico if you are considering building. “There are highly skilled craftsmen in Mexico,” he said. “Building is incredibly fulfilling here because you have the freedom to bring your vision to life more easily than in the U.S.”
Building a home in Mexico makes it possible to design the home of your dreams and combine modern comfort with traditional character. (San Miguel Sotheby’s International)
There are also several cost advantages to purchasing or constructing a property in Mexico compared to the U.S., including lower property taxes and reduced maintenance expenses, notes interior designer Jeffry Weisman, who owns five homes in Mexico.
If you are considering purchasing or constructing a property in Mexico, the pros and cons shared by real buyers and builders can offer valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of building or buying a home, with insights from industry experts and the personal experiences of buyers and builders in cities across Mexico.
We hope these considerations will assist you in making well-informed choices!
Pros of building a home in Mexico
To get an idea of the experiences of buyers and builders, we polled expats across Mexico. Based on the feedback from our respondents, building a home stands out as the preferred option. “If your builder is reliable, constructing can be more cost-effective than buying,” said architect Nicolás Orozco, a Guadalajara real estate expert with 25 years of construction experience and director of DIO Architecture.
“You can have the assurance of receiving the quality you are paying for, along with a personalized design that caters to your specific needs. Furthermore, the experience can be quite enjoyable as it feels like acquiring something new: You can actively participate and relish the process from design to construction, with the ability to select the finer details.”
Building a property gives you the freedom to design the house you want to live in, rather than adapting someone else’s vision. (Esrawe Studio)
Filmmaker Helena Kutter constructed a house in Tepoztlán, Morelos, and has also acquired an existing property in Mexico City. “The significant benefit of building is the freedom to design the house according to your preferences, and creating a home that reflects your personal style is truly inspiring,” she explained.
Golden: “Building smart is best in terms of cost: You get the most value, you get what you want.”
Zoë Siegel, an artist and architect, has constructed 19 houses in San Miguel de Allende. “Building is a fantastic process as it allows you to create and customize the house of your dreams,” she said. “Additionally, you can integrate ecological systems and features such as optimizing the natural light within the house.”
Cons of home-building Mexico
Though our sources preferred building from scratch, construction also has its drawbacks. The disadvantages are primarily linked to the time investment required and the need to secure a reputable agency to support your project.
Siegel: “If you lack a trusted individual to oversee the construction, you may encounter significant issues with permits, for instance.”
Constructing a home can be immensely rewarding, but it involves a greater level of effort. It is a more challenging process compared to purchasing a property, as there is a possibility of making design errors or altering your preferences midway through the project.
Golden: “If you do not meticulously select your vendors and materials, there is a risk involved.”
Orozco: “I have constructed homes for expats residing in Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta, who divide their time between Mexico and another location. In such cases, overseeing the construction can be quite challenging. Another drawback is the significant time and energy investment required to manage the project effectively.”
Advantages of buying real estate in Mexico
There are plenty of avant-garde modern homes available in Mexico if you wish to buy directly. (DIO).
One of the most thrilling aspects of purchasing your dream property is the speed with which you can take ownership. Our interviewees confirmed that for them, this immediacy was a key benefit of buying a house rather than building one.
Orozco: “It can be simpler to arrive, fall in love with an already built property, and make the purchase, especially if you do not reside in Mexico throughout the year. This approach can also save you time.”
Weisman: “For Americans, the cost is notably lower compared to the U.S. Another advantage of buying a property is the clarity in knowing the exact amount of money you are investing.”
Siegel highlights the advantage of having certainty about new installations such as plumbing and electricity.
Kutter believes that buying is more energy-efficient and provides a clear understanding of the house’s cost, which is a positive aspect.
Cons ofbuying real estate in Mexico
For the detail oriented, buying real estate also has its drawbacks.
Golden: “Your home reflects someone else’s vision.”
Orozco: “Developers and builders have higher profit margins, leading to increased purchase costs. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the quality of the properties as many aspects are hidden. You must rely on the information provided about the installations and the structural integrity. Moreover, you may need to adjust to the space, as it may not align perfectly with your preferences.”
Final tips when it comes to buying or building a property in Mexico
Weisman: It is important to verify the total cost of the property (including taxes) with your agency. Create a Mexican will, as an American wills hold no legal value in Mexico. “The absence of a Mexican will could result in the property being claimed by the Mexican government in the event of your passing.”
Golden: Spend time studying and comprehending the market, even when presented with a favorable opportunity. Prior to commencing the project, it is advisable to explore various options and make informed decisions. Conduct thorough research on the neighborhood, engage in conversations with residents and seek recommendations from previous clients of your agency.
Siegel: There is a fundamental responsibility to incorporate a rainwater collection system and promote self-sustainability in construction.
If you are going to build, know that it will probably take longer than planned. A point upon which everyone agrees is the importance of choosing a professional and experienced agency. Following the recommendations of experienced professionals and reading reviews can also help you to make the right choice.
Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and contributor for Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.
The 110-hectare property that today includes an 18-hole golf course will now be a protected reserve. (Las Parotas Club de Golf/X)
Golfers have made their final birdies, pars and bogeys on the Tangolunda golf course in coastal Oaxaca.
A 110-hectare property in Huatulco that includes that golf course has been declared a national park by presidential decree.
The decree that turns the property into a national park was published five days after the concession granted to Grupo Salinas expired, according to the government. (lasparotasgolf.com)
Published in the government’s official gazette on Monday night, the decree officially creates the Tangolunda National Park.
The publication of the decree came five days after President Andrés Manuel López Obrador told reporters that a concession issued to Grupo Salinas to operate the golf course had expired. He rejected a claim from company owner Ricardo Salinas that the concession had been extended until 2027.
“That’s not the case, the contract has already expired,” López Obrador said at his morning news conference.
He also said that the property “is in the middle of two natural protected reserves” and includes a “public beach.”
The new national park is located about six kilometers east of La Crucecita, the main town in the Bahías de Huatulco resort area.
According to López Obrador’s decree, the federal Environment Ministry, via the National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), “must manage, preserve and restore the ecosystems … of the Tangolunda National Park” as well as ensure that the activities carried out within the park don’t violate environmental laws.
The only activities permitted within the park are the preservation and conservation of ecosystems; scientific research; environmental monitoring; environmental education; low-impact environmental tourism; reintroduction of native species; eradication or control of exotic and invasive species; and the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure.
Playing golf is a definite no-no, as are a range of other activities including fishing, agriculture, logging and mining.
Huatulco was developed as a “planned tourism project” by Fonatur, which leased the 110-hectare Tangolunda property to Grupo Salinas. (zonaturistica.com)
A concession to operate a golf course on the property was first issued to Grupo Salinas by the National Tourism Promotion Fund (Fonatur) in 2012. It reportedly expired in 2022.
Grupo Salinas — a conglomerate that includes TV Azteca, the retailer Elektra and other companies owned by Ricardo Salinas — has been accused of stealing large quantities of municipal water for use on the golf course.
López Obrador said that the leasing of the property to Grupo Salinas generated no benefits for Fonatur, the original developer of Huatulco as a “planned tourism project.”
Salinas, Mexico’s third richest person, said on the X social media platform that he didn’t care what the government wanted to call the property, whether that be “restricted area, piece of the moon, disaster area [or] UFO landing platform.”
He also said that the government should hold a public vote in Huatulco “to see if the people agree with being left without the [golf] course.”
Water lovers rejoice! Mexico is a boating paradise, from Puerto Vallarta to Tulum and beyond. (Shutterstock)
With over 5,800 miles of pristine coastline and stunning nature, Mexico has become one of the best destinations for boating in 2024. From the thrill of whale watching in the Pacific to relaxing in the sun over calm Caribbean waters, Mexico offers boating experiences for everyone, no matter what it is you are looking for.
Mexico boating laws also abide by US standards, so you can feel safe and secure on your vacation. If you’re wondering if you can experience boating to Cuba and Belize from Mexico, you can. Whether you sail your private vessel into the country or rent during your stay, there will be no shortage of options when planning your next trip. But why is there such a buzz about boating in Mexico?
A recent analysis by rental platform GetMyBoat, found that Mexico is the number one choice for boat enthusiasts. Using statistics from more than a million service users, GetMyBoat found Cabo San Lucas to be the most-booked location for boat rentals and yacht charters for 2024.
Boating in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California – where to find the best spots for whale watching
Boating in Cabo during whale season is an unforgettable experience. (Unsplash)
For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects with some of the largest yet gentlest creatures in the animal kingdom, this is the place.
The whale-watching season in Cabo starts in December and ends around mid-April. It is possible to spot humpbacks, blue whales and orcas, among other species. Numerous boat tours bring you close enough to feel the power of these impressive creatures and provide the chance to take some stunning photos.
Multiple boat tours take you directly to the heart of the aquatic world at some of the best underwater spots to scuba dive or snorkel. If you do not want to get your feet wet but still want to gaze into the wonders of the depths, why not rent a glass-bottom boat?
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – secluded beaches with quality seafood where you can take your boat in Mexico
Relax in the sunshine in Puerto Vallarta, or take a trip sport fishing with local guides. (Puerto Vallarta Tours)
This resort town has become extremely popular, especially with Canadians, thanks to low cost travel packages offered from Vancouver.
For boaters, Puerto Vallarta has some of the most impressive bays and coves in Mexico, with secluded beaches exclusively accessible by sea. If you do not have your own vessel, there are water taxis providing transport to many of these spots. There are also beachfront restaurants in these hidden areas serving some of the finest and freshest seafood in the region.
If adrenaline is your game, you could charter a private fishing boat with local experts to guide you to the top fishing locations. Fishing is abundant in this part of the Pacific, particularly in the warm weather months when experienced sport fishing charters operate, specializing in sailfish, marlin and tuna. For those who prefer the serenity and bliss of watching a tangerine sunset on the calm ocean waves, there are sailboats to rent ready to take you on this tranquil journey.
Nuevo Vallarta – Boating near Puerto Vallarta with a touch of class and luxury in paradise
Nuevo Vallarta offers a luxury boating experience for anyone lucky enough to be able to visit. (PV Fishing and Sailing)
Although sometimes considered an extension of Puerto Vallarta, this picturesque port town cut into the jungle-draped hillsides of the Sierra Madre should be considered a separate option in its own right. Located on the Bay of Banderas, the same distance from the equator as Hawaii’s Big Island and the Caribbean Sea, the climate is warm all year round. The main difference from Puerto Vallarta is the high number of prestigious golf courses and fine dining options. If you want a little extra luxury, this is the place.
Cancun, Quintana Roo – White sand beaches, turquoise waters and Caribbean party vibes are better from a boat
Cancun’s stunning seas and white sand beaches make for a great day’s boating. (Unsplash)
A magnet for Spring Breakers and the starting destination for many solo travelers, this famous party city is a great place to meet people from across the world.
Aside from the world-class nightlife, Cancun is a hotspot for water sports. Rent a personal jet ski, paddleboard, water skis or take a boat tour to snorkel or scuba diving at the famous coral reefs.
Don’t forget to check out the Underwater Museum of Art, which has over 500 life-size sculptures used to promote coral life.
Tulum, Quintana Roo – boating by Maya ruins on the cliffs
The ruins of Tulum look even better from a boat. (rivercharters.rental)
From relaxing sunset boat tours around calm Caribbean golden sand beaches strewn with palm trees to all-night party boats with hip-hop music, Tulum has something for everyone. At the same time, this pueblo mágico is also a hub for yoga and spiritual retreats. With the coastline surrounded by mangrove forests lined with traversable canals, it is possible to rent a kayak and float through these unique biospheres.
The archaeological site of Tulum is one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Mexico because of its intact pyramids and proximity to the sea. The sight of the majestic ruins from the sea is a one-of-a-kind experience that lets you imagine how Maya traders arrived to exchange their goods from Belize or the Gulf of Mexico.
“I am very pleased that, beginning today Guadalajara will be receiving [an additional] 1,000 liters of water per second,” the president said during the event. “This will be a significant help … especially to the marginalized sectors who will now have freer access to water, which is a fundamental right.”
The El Salto aqueduct will link El Zapotillo dam and the nearby El Salto dam with the El Purgatorio dam on the outskirts of Guadalajara. (Presidencia/Cuartoscuro)
President López Obrador and Governor Enrique Alfaro of Jalisco presided over the ceremony in Valle de Guadalupe, northeast of Guadalajara, during which the El Salto aqueduct and its pumping station were activated.
The El Salto aqueduct connects the controversial El Zapotillo dam in the Los Altos region of Jalisco and the nearby El Salto dam with the El Purgatorio dam on the outskirts of Guadalajara, the Jalisco state capital and home to 5.26 million people in the greater metropolitan area. The water will be stored en route at the La Red and Calderón reservoirs, which together have been supplying 25% of Guadalajara’s water.
“If this project had not been completed, roughly 1 million Guadalajara area residents would have been without water by April,” said Alfaro, who praised the efforts of this administration… “Three presidents and three governors had failed to address our water crisis …but the [new government] came to us and said ‘let’s look for alternatives’.”
The El Zaptillo dam project had been delayed for nearly 20 years as residents of three villages in the Los Altos region fought against the plan that would have inundated their homes to create a reservoir.
President López Obrador called the new system “a significant help” in providing access to water for some of Guadalajara’s most vulnerable populations. (Presidencia/Cuartoscuro)
The El Salto-La Red-Calderón system avoids this scenario by linking El Zapotillo to the downstream dams and reservoirs via aqueducts. Both the La Red and Calderón reservoirs are capable of additional storage, witheach at less than 30% capacity this month.
The project cost 8.5 billion pesos (US $496 million) and first aims to gradually build up storage at the reservoirs before additional dam gates are opened. The governor anticipates that by May the pumps at El Zapotillo will increase their production to 2,000 liters per second.
The president said he plans to visit El Zapotillo in June.
Amazon Web Services will invest more than US $5 billion in the construction of new data centers in Querétaro, the company has announced. (Imgix/Unsplash)
Amazon Web Services (AWS) intends to invest more than US $5 billion in a cluster of data centers in Querétaro, the company announced Monday.
Amazon’s AWS cloud services underpin many modern websites and functions. (Amazon AWS)
“The new AWS Mexico (Central) Region will give developers, startups, entrepreneurs, and enterprises, as well as government, education, and nonprofit organizations, greater choice for running their applications and serving end users from data centers located in Mexico, ensuring that customers who want to store their content in Mexico can do so,” AWS said.
“As part of its long-term commitment to Latin America, AWS is planning to invest more than $5 billion (approx. MXN $85 billion) in Mexico over 15 years. The upcoming AWS Mexico Region is the latest in AWS’s ongoing investments in Mexico to provide customers with advanced and secure cloud technologies.”
Rubén Mugártegui, head of AWS in Mexico, also announced the investment at a press conference on Monday. In an interview with Reuters, he said that the company has been working on the project for over five years.
“Cloud computing helps companies access technology services such as storage and databases through the internet, ending the need to own and maintain physical data centers and servers,” the news agency reported.
Citing a study, Mugártegui told Reuters that companies can reduce their technology costs by about 20% when they use AWS.
Among the companies in Mexico that already use the company’s services are Aeroméxico, Banco Santander Mexico, BBVA and Cinépolis. Another customer is the government of Michoacán.
At Monday’s press conference announcement, Economy Minister Raquel Buenrostro said that the federal government has been working with AWS on its planned project in Querétaro. In his interview with Reuters, Mugártegui declined to say whether the company had been offered any tax incentives to set up in Mexico.
The federal government announced tax incentives aimed at boosting foreign investment in Mexico in late 2023, but they weren’t directed at companies operating data centers.
Querétaro and the surrounding Bajío region have already seen the arrival of several major cloud storage and data server companies. (Shutterstock)
Buenrostro acknowledged that “cloud services are an essential part of everyday life” and said they are “helping us to digitally and economically transform Mexico.”
“We welcome AWS’s investment and expansion in Mexico because it is a sign of trust and demonstrates conditions are right to support the nearshoring trend across many sectors of our economy. We also welcome AWS’s investment in training students, micro, small and medium-sized companies, and digital entrepreneurs in Mexico at scale,” she added.
Querétaro Governor Mauricio Kuri said that “AWS’s infrastructure expansion in Querétaro is a testament to our state’s commitment to advanced technology and innovation, and to the work we’ve done to create an environment where technology companies can thrive.”
Mugártegui said that foreign companies that relocate to Mexico are among AWS’s potential customers here.
The company’s press release highlighted that it “offers the broadest and deepest portfolio of services, including analytics, artificial intelligence, compute, database, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, mobile services, storage, and other cloud technologies.”
“As part of a continued commitment to contribute to the development of digital skills, AWS will hire and develop additional local personnel to operate and support the new AWS Region in Mexico,” it added.
The Amazon subsidiary already has seven “CloudFront edge” locations in Mexico as well as “AWS local zones” in Querétaro. Amazon – owned by billionaire New Mexico native Jeff Bezos – has invested more than $3 billion in Mexico since its arrival here in 2015, Reuters said.
President López Obrador is facing an INAI investigation and criticism from press freedom organizations after publicly sharing a journalist's phone number. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro.com)
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s disclosure of a journalist’s telephone number last Thursday triggered a range of repercussions, including an investigation by the national transparency agency INAI and the leaking of the telephone numbers of the two women vying to become Mexico’s first female president.
At his widely-watched morning press conference, López Obrador displayed and read aloud the telephone number of the New York Times’ bureau chief in Mexico, Natalie Kitroeff, when responding to questions put to him by the newspaper about an inquiry in the United States into allegations that people close to him, including his sons, received drug money during his presidency.
The Times’ report noted that the “the United States never opened a formal investigation into Mr. López Obrador, and the officials involved ultimately shelved the inquiry.”
Nevertheless, it gave further ammunition to critics of AMLO, who were quick to label him a #narcopresidente after three media outlets last month published allegations that his 2006 presidential campaign received millions of dollars in drug money. The president’s disclosure of Kitroeff’s telephone number was widely criticized in a country where violence against journalists — and women — is a major problem.
Here is an overview of the key events following López Obrador’s doxing of the NYT’s Mexico bureau chief at his morning presser.
Mexico bureau chief for The New York Times, Natalie Kitroeff. (The New York Times)
The NYT denounces the president
The Times — which the president had slammed as a “filthy rag” — responded to López Obrador in a post to its public relations account on the X social media platform.
“This is a troubling and unacceptable tactic from a world leader at a time when threats against journalists are on the rise. We have since published the findings from this investigation and stand by our reporting and the journalists who pursue the facts where they lead,” said the statement posted to the @NYTimesPR account.
INAI announces a probe
The National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information and the Protection of Personal Data (INAI) announced in a statement on Thursday that it would commence an investigation into López Obrador’s disclosure of Kitroeff’s telephone number in order to determine whether he had violated Mexico’s personal data privacy laws.
AMLO stands by his actions and responds to INAI
At his Friday morning presser, López Obrador doubled down on his decision to divulge Kitroeff’s phone number, denying the suggestion that he had made a mistake in doing so and declaring that he would do it again.
When a reporter noted that “anyone” could call the journalist and “anyone” could threaten her, AMLO asserted that “absolutely nothing” would happen, even though aggression toward members of the press is a major problem in Mexico.
Probed about his alleged violation of the law, López Obrador claimed that his “moral authority” and “political authority” are “above that law.”
“We’re not criminals, we have moral authority,” he said, adding that neither The New York Times nor anyone else had the right to “put us in the dock.”
In a post to X, Adrián Alcalá also underscored “the seriousness” of the president disclosing the personal details of any person, “especially” those of a journalist.
Press groups denounce the president
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Article 19 both denounced the president for disclosing Kitroeff’s phone number.
“It is unacceptable and dangerous that Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador reveals the contact information of a reporter in response to critical questions asked of his administration by her outlet,” said Jan-Albert Hootsen, CPJ’s Mexico representative.
Article 19 called the president’s actions “a serious attack on freedom of expression rights and on the privacy of the journalist,” adding that he was seeking to “intimidate” The New York Times.
White House spokesperson: “Obviously not something we support”
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about López Obrador’s doxing of Kitroeff at a press conference on Friday.
“I’ve not seen that. Obviously, that’s not something we support. We believe in the freedom of the press, obviously, which is why we do this on [an] almost on a daily basis,” she said.
Activists demonstrate in support of Mexican journalists facing violence, in a 2022 protest. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)
Telephone numbers of Sheinbaum, Gálvez and AMLO’s son all leaked
The telephone number of José Ramón López Beltrán, the president’s oldest son, was leaked on social media in the wake of his father’s widely-criticized disclosure last Thursday. The online publication of the numbers of ruling Morena party president candidate Claudia Sheinbaum and opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez followed.
“Today I have been receiving non-stop calls and messages of hate … because someone published my cell phone number on social media,” Sheinbaum said on X on Saturday.
“It’s clear what they want to do [but] again their attacks are as crude as they are inoffensive. The numbers they should worry about are those from the polls,” she wrote, acknowledging that she is the clear frontrunner in the contest to become Mexico’s next president.
Sheinbaum published one of the messages she had received and indicated she would change her telephone number.
Gálvez said in a video message that her number was also leaked as a “result of the terrible example set by López Obrador.”
She said that she too had received many messages, but highlighted that many of them were to express support. Gálvez, who will represent a three-party opposition alliance in the presidential election, said she wouldn’t change her number and even read it aloud in her video message.
For his part, López Beltrán asserted that the leaking of his number was “a form of revenge and an attempt to do harm,” adding that it put his family in danger.
“This situation began with a letter that contained threats and lies directed at the president of Mexico and his sons. What happened afterwards was a consequence [provoked] by the journalist herself, who exposed her telephone number thinking that the president would respond to her libel by calling her,” he wrote on X. “… What do I have to do with all this?”
The phone numbers of two presidential candidates, Xóchitl Gálvez and Claudia Sheinbaum, were leaked shortly after AMLO publicized the New York Times journalist’s number. (Cuartoscuro/MND)
López Obrador described the leaking of his son’s telephone number as “shameful.”
AMLO: Mexico doesn’t allow “the interference of any foreign government”
In a video posted to social media on Saturday, López Obrador declared that, “we don’t allow the interference of any foreign government in our country.”
He said last week that the allegations published by the NYT wouldn’t affect Mexico’s relations with the United States, although he indicated last month that the previous drug money allegations could have an impact on bilateral ties. He also accused the United States government of involvement in their publication.
Speaking from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, on Saturday, López Obrador said that “Mexico is an independent, free, sovereign country” and “the president of Mexico cannot be slandered.”
“… It must never be allowed. … I’m not going to accept anyone’s calumny. … I don’t accept calumny without proof [from] foreign governments and their agencies, nor do I accept it from newspapers no matter how famous they are,” he said.
YouTube removes videos of president’s press conference, AMLO accuses it of “censorship”
YouTube took down videos of last Thursday’s press conference that had been posted to government channels and López Obrador’s personal channel, which has over 4.2 million subscribers. The video sharing platform said the footage was removed because it violated its policy on harassment and bullying. The footage was later reposted to YouTube after the president’s disclosure of Kitroeff’s number had been edited out.
On social media, López Obrador accused YouTube of “censorship” and declared that it had demonstrated “an arrogant and authoritarian attitude.”
“… The Statue of Liberty has become an empty symbol,” he added.
History repeats itself
At his Monday morning press conference, López Obrador once again presented the letter in which Kitroeff sought responses about the allegations people close to him received drug money. The journalist’s telephone number was once again displayed, albeit just for a brief period before the president asked for it to be removed.
López Obrador subsequently described Kitroeff’s telephone number as “institutional” and “public,” effectively asserting once again that he had done nothing wrong by disclosing it to his large online audience.
San Miguel de Allende is famously one of Mexico's most beautiful cities. Here are five of the best. (Ciudades Mexicano Patrimonio Mundial)
San Miguel de Allende — the five time winner of the world’s “Best Small City” award by Condé Nast Traveler and a UNESCO World Heritage Site— has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1542 atop the indigenous Chichimeca village of Itzcuinapan. Franciscan friar Fray Juan de San Miguel named the settlement San Miguel el Grande, in honor of the Archangel Michael.
In the 16th century, the discovery of silver in Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas elevated San Miguel el Grande’s importance as a vital link between these prosperous mining regions and Mexico City, the capital of what was then New Spain. The town flourished economically and by the 18th century, it had become one of New Spain’s wealthiest settlements, creating much of the impressive architecture that can still be seen today.
Ignacio Allende, a great hero of the War of Independence, was born in 1769 to wealthy Spanish parents in San Miguel el Grande. Originally a Captain in the Spanish Army, he later sought to challenge the oppressive rule of the Spanish crown. Joining priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, they called the people to revolt on the 16th of September, 1810. He was eventually captured in 1811, and accused of high treason to the Spanish crown. He was executed and his head was hung on display in nearby Guanajuato.
In 1826, the town was elevated to city status and changed its name to San Miguel de Allende in honor of its native hero. In 2008, the city’s historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable religious and civic structures in the Mexican Baroque style.
La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel is perhaps the most iconic building in the city and was built in the early 18th century. (Bill Perry/Shutterstock)
The original parish was built in a modest Baroque style in 1709. This changed significantly in 1880 when the Bishop commissioned Zeferino Gutiérrez to create a new façade. Despite being a self-taught architect, Gutiérrez drew inspiration from postcards of medieval European cathedrals. The resulting neo-Gothic masterpiece, characterized by its towering spires made from locally sourced pink quarry stone, are visible from almost anywhere in the city and have made this iconic landmark one of the most famous churches in Mexico.
Templo de San Francisco de Asís
The Templo de San Francisco de Asís showcases a range of different architectural styles from the 18th and 19th centuries. (Ciudades Mexicano Patrimonio Mundial)
Its construction began in 1778 and took over 20 years to complete, during which time architectural styles were changing. The facade features intricate Churrigueresque design with carved stone figures, while the bell tower added in 1799 showcases Neoclassical elements. Considered a prime example of 18th-century Baroque architecture in Mexico, the church’s ornate exterior and beautiful interior attract tourists and worshippers alike. It is an active place of worship, hosting celebrations like the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi on October 4, honoring the patron saint of animals and the environment.
Museo Histórico Casa de Allende
The Museo Casa Allende celebrates the birthplace of one of Mexico’s founding heroes. (Ciudades Mexicano Patrimonio Mundial)
Ignacio Allende’s former residence is now a museum that provides a comprehensive view of the hero’s life and the War of Independence. Through original artifacts, it showcases the history of San Miguel el Grande, spanning the 16th to 18th centuries. Recreating the living spaces of the Allende family, the museum offers a vivid portrayal of daily life for prosperous Creole residents of the era. Detailed accounts of Ignacio Allende’s background, family ties, pivotal role in the fight for independence, ideological differences with Miguel Hidalgo, and subsequent capture, trial, and execution further enhance visitors’ understanding of this tumultuous period in Mexican history.
Domingo Narciso de Allende, Ignacio’s father, commissioned the construction of the house in 1769 as a gift for his wife, María Ana Unzaga. Seized by the viceregal government during the War of Independence, the house was eventually returned to the Allende family after the conflict’s conclusion. The mansion was acquired by the government of Guanajuato in 1976 and later entrusted to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) to open as a museum in 1990.
Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal
The grand Casa Mayorazgo de la Canal was almost destroyed after the owners stood against the Spanish crown. (Casa Cultural de Citibanamex)
Built in the late 18th century as a home for the De la Canal family, this mansion is one of the most opulent buildings in the city. Don Narciso María Loreto de la Canal, a colonel in the Spanish army, supported the liberation cause and gathered over sixty Creole conspirators at his house to plan their fight against Spanish domination. In return, royalist forces looted and nearly destroyed his mansion. The grand wooden gate survived the attack and is now famous for its intricately carved high reliefs displaying the family’s coat of arms. In 1981, Banco Nacional de Mexico purchased and restored this building and it is now open to the public as the Casa de Cultura Citibanamex museum.
Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, Las Monjas
The convent of “Las Monjas” was built after the bequest of an enormous fortune by one of its nuns. (Ciudades Mexicano Patrimonio Mundial)
Upon the death of her parents, María Josefa Lina de la Canal confided in Father Luís Felipe Neri de Alfaro of her desire to become a nun. At only 15 years of age in 1751, he asked her to meditate at the sanctuary of Atotonilco to clarify her thoughts. After eight days, she reaffirmed not only her decision to become a nun, but her intention to establish a convent devoted to the Immaculate Conception, using the 70,000 pesos she had inherited.
Inaugurated in 1765, the Church of the Immaculate Conception is locally known as Las Monjas (The Nuns). Sor María Josefa financially and spiritually supported the project until her death in 1770. An elegant cupola was added by Zeferino Gutierrez in 1891, inspired by Les Invalides in Paris.
The heroes that continue to inspire the city and its UNESCO World Heritage Site status attract visitors from around the world. As visitors explore the landmarks which dot the city, they not only admire their architectural splendor but also pay homage to the enduring spirit of the people who have shaped this vibrant city. Each site tells a story of the pursuit of freedom and expression and safeguards the enduring legacy of San Miguel de Allende.
Sandra is a Mexican writer and translator based in San Miguel de Allende who specializes in mental health and humanitarian aid. She believes in the power of language to foster compassion and understanding across cultures. She can be reached at: [email protected]
Jake Knapp took home the Mexico Open trophy and nearly US $1.5 million in winnings. (Mexico Open/Instagram)
Puerto Vallarta will always hold a special place in the heart of little-known golfer Jake Knapp. It’s where the 29-year-old won the Mexico Open on Sunday for his first PGA Tour victory.
The native of Costa Mesa, California, put himself in strong position with a 7-under-par 63 on Saturday that included a Vidanta Vallarta Course record 28 on the front nine.
Spectators filled the stands at the Mexico Open on Sunday. (Mexico Open/Instagram)
He took a fairly comfortable 4-shot lead into Sunday, and despite shooting an even-par 71 — his worst score in four rounds — he won by two strokes over another PGA Tour rookie, Sami Valimaki of Finland.
The third annual Mexico Open was played on the grounds of Vidanta Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta, a sprawling resort on the Pacific Ocean. Designed by all-time PGA great Greg Norman, the course was awarded “Renovation of the Year” by Golf Inc. magazine in 2022. Its layout winds along the Ameca River and provides limitless views of the Sierra Madre mountains.
Knapp earned a US $1.46 million paycheck for his 19-under 265 in what was only his ninth PGA Tour start since his days at UCLA. The win also earned him invitations to the upcoming Masters and PGA Championship, and moved him from 53rd place into the top 10 in the FedEx Cup standings for 2024.
Knapp, who was working as a nightclub bouncer only a few years ago, dedicated the win to his grandfather, who died from colon cancer last year. “Papa, thank you,” Knapp said, pointing to the sky as he walked off the 18th green.
Álvaro Ortiz, the tournament’s top-finishing Mexican golfer, was tied for the lead until he shot an over-par third round. (PGA Tour)
The top Mexican finisher was Alvaro Ortiz, whose 7-under 64 in the second round left him in a four-way tie for the lead. However, thoughts of his first PGA Tour victory faded away when he shot a 2-over-par 73 in the third round Saturday.
The 28-year-old who grew up in Guadalajara and played collegiately at the University of Arkansas finished the tournament in a six-way tie for 13th place, eight strokes behind Knapp. He earned US $145,000.
In Puerto Vallarta, one of the players tied for 13th was American Tony Finau, the defending champion. Last year, he shot 66 or less in each round to take the $1.39 million winner’s check.
This year, Finau was the only player in the tourney ranked in the top 30 of the official World Golf Rankings. He remained in the No. 24 spot, while Knapp moved up from 101 to 52. Alvaro Ortiz, meanwhile, improved from 669 to 545 (his older brother skyrocketed from 1,286 to 237).
Until the announcement, Tampa Bay was Aeroméxico's largest unserved market in the U.S. (Unsplash)
Aeroméxico has announced a non-stop flight connecting Mexico City and Tampa, Florida, starting this summer.
Flights will commence on July 1, with a daily route served by Aeroméxico Connect, the regional airline of Aeroméxico.
The flights announcement was celebrated with a mariachi serenade at the Florida airpot. (Tampaairport.com)
“It’s a big day when we get to announce both a new airline and a new route that connects Tampa Bay with the largest metropolitan area in North America,” Tampa International Airport (TPA) CEO Joe Lopano said during the announcement.
The flight will be served by an Embraer 190 aircraft, with capacity for 99 passengers.
Flights will depart from Mexico City at 10 a.m. and arrive in Tampa at 3:20 p.m. (local time). The flight from Florida will take off at 4:35 p.m., and land at Benito Juarez International Airport at 6:14 p.m. (local time).
According to a report from TPA, Mexico City ranked as the airport’s eighth-largest unserved market last year, while Tampa Bay was the airline’s largest unserved market in the U.S.
“The route is a major win for TPA, which has listed the Mexican capital as one of its top-targeted international destinations for years,” the airport celebrated in a statement.
According to TPA, the new route will generate around US $70 million in annual economic revenue for the region.
“This new service to the Tampa Bay area demonstrates our commitment to offer the best connectivity between Mexico and the United States, hand in hand with our partner Delta Air Lines,” said Jose Zapata, Vice President of Sales for U.S., Canada and Latin America.
According to preliminary reports from Ishrion Aviation, Aeroméxico plans to operate this route through the beginning of next year, using a larger aircraft during the holiday season.
