The 10-day design festival runs through Sunday, Oct. 5, and includes more than 100 creators in 11 venues concentrated in and around Chapultepec Park. (jefaturadegobierno.cdmx.gob)
Sprawling Chapultepec Park in the nation’s capital once again has been transformed into a mecca of creativity as the ninth Mexico City Design Open unfolds its 2025 edition under the theme “Weeds. Design in Resistance.”
The 10-day festival, which began last week and runs through Sunday, Oct. 5, includes more than 100 creators in 11 venues concentrated in and around Chapultepec Park. It is free to the public.
Designs for children are also featured, some inspired by icons of Mexican culture, such as the papalote (kite) and the butterfly. (jefaturadegobierno.cdmx.gob)
The event began in 2013 but later underwent a five-year hiatus before its reboot this year.
Visitors can explore six themed pavilions — Architecture, Academic, Visual Communication, Furniture and Objects, Public Space and New Developments — and attend workshops, talks and exhibitions aimed at exploring design’s role in cultural and ecological transformation.
This year’s curatorial concept — “Maleza. Diseño en Resistencia” in Spanish — draws on the resilient metaphor of the weed: “creativity that sprouts on the margins, thrives in the face of adversity and transforms the environment without asking permission,” according to a CDMX government press release.
If the weed theme seems puzzling for a design event, consider this metaphor from a city government press release in which weeds are described as “creativity that sprouts on the margins, thrives in the face of adversity and transforms the environment without asking permission.” (jefaturadegobierno.cdmx.gob)
The program is also introducing Plots, or thematic clusters that explore issues in contemporary design. They include Fertility, on motherhood and its challenges; Shoots, highlighting design for children; Ecosystems, focused on sustainable practices and landscape transformation; and Pollination, which addresses migration, cultural identity, and resistance.
Among the highlights is a monumental installation by French designer Camille Walala on the terrace of the Papalote Children’s Museum. Celebrated for her colorful, exuberant geometric designs, Walala was inspired for this work by icons of Mexican culture, most notably the papalote (kite) and the butterfly.
At Lago Algo, visitors can see immersive works created from Chapultepec’s own natural waste, illustrating the importance of ecosystem restoration.
The festival opened with the “What Design Can Do México GNP” series, its title always given in English, odd syntax and all, even in Spanish texts. It features debates on ecological design, artificial intelligence and architecture.
Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s economy minister, inaugurated the event, calling on young designers to merge innovation with ancestral knowledge.
International voices such as Australian-born landscape designer Julia Watson (an expert in Indigenous ecological technologies) and technology-driven Swiss academic Benjamin Dillenburger (known for his research into large-scale, 3D-printed architecture) joined Mexican creators in exploring the intersections of sustainability and technology.
One of the Mexican voices was designer and Mujeres de la Tierra founder Rocío Lobato, an activist who defends native corn and promotes the dignity and visibility of rural women through art and public projects.
Mexico City’s Tourism Minister Alejandra Frausto underscored the event’s impact, stating, “The 2025 Design Open projects our city as a cultural and creative capital of international reach, fostering the talent of our designers, strengthening cultural tourism, and contributing to economic development and social well-being.”
Miguel Ángel García Hernández, 32, was among three detainees shot on Sept. 24 when a sniper fired at a van inside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. (Social media)
A Mexican man shot at a Dallas immigration field office last week has died, the second immigrant to die as a result of the attack.
Miguel Ángel García Hernández, 32, was among three detainees shot on Sept. 24 when a sniper fired at a van inside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
García was removed from life support and died on Tuesday morning.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum asked U.S. authorities for a thorough investigation and said Mexico would intercede if it were discovered that García’s rights were violated.
“We are in contact with the families regarding all aspects, both financial and legal, and should they wish to file a complaint, we will make all diplomatic appeals at our disposal,” she said.
In a statement, García’s wife Stephany Gauffeny described him as a “good man, a loving father, and the provider for our family.” She called his death “a senseless tragedy that has left our family shattered.”
García was the father of four children, ages 3, 8, 12 and 14, and Gauffeny is 39 weeks pregnant with the couple’s fifth child.
“We had just bought our first home together, and he worked hard every single day to make sure our children had what they needed,” Gauffeny told NPR.
García, who worked as a house painter, was originally from the northern state of San Luis Potosí and had lived in the U.S. since he was 13 years old.
The Sheinbaum administration fast-tracked paperwork to allow García’s mother to travel to Dallas after the shooting.
García is the second Mexican citizen to die this month while in ICE custody.
Three other Mexicans have died while in ICE custody amid the “mass deportation” push set in motion by Donald Trump upon taking office as U.S. president in January.
Experts warn there are likely to be more such deaths as U.S. authorities attempt to reach the established target of arresting 3,000 people a day, especially as private companies are being tasked with transporting immigrants, but with little oversight to ensure their safety.
Besides the 670 arrests, DEA agents seized nearly US $30 million in cartel assets. (DEA.gov)
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Monday announced it made 670 arrests and seized large quantities of drugs, more than US $18 million in cash and 244 guns during a week-long surge aimed at dismantling the Mexico-based criminal organization known as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
During the operation that ended on Sept. 26, DEA agents from 23 domestic field divisions and seven foreign regions carried out coordinated actions that resulted in the seizure of 92.4 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 1.1 million counterfeit pills, 6,062 kilograms of methamphetamine, 22,842 kilograms of cocaine and 33 kilograms of heroin.
The five-day operation that ended on Sept. 26 involved DEA agents from 23 domestic field divisions and seven foreign regions carrying out coordinated actions. (DEA.gov)
Overall, DEA agents seized nearly US $30 million in assets.
During her Tuesday morning press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico did not cooperate with the DEA because “the operation was carried out there in the United States.”
“DEA is targeting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as what it is — a terrorist organization — at every level, from its leadership to its distribution networks and everyone in between,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole in the press release.
In February, the notorious cartel was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government and, according to the press release, “it is responsible for flooding the United States with deadly fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin to fuel addiction, overdoses and violence in communities across the United States.”
The CJNG operates globally, with tens of thousands of members, associates and facilitators in at least 40 countries, according to the DEA.
In Monday’s press release, the DEA reaffirmed its commitment to taking down CJNG’s command, control and distribution networks and will continue to pursue CJNG co-founder and leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” He is on the DEA’s Most Wanted Fugitives list and the U.S. State Department has offered a US $15 million reward for his capture.
Rubén Oseguera González, or “El Menchito.” (Archive)
“El Menchito” was extradited from Mexico in 2020 and, on March 7, 2025, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for international drug trafficking and firearms offenses. He was also ordered to forfeit over US $6 billion of drug trafficking proceeds.
Additionally, Allen recounted the violence the CJNG routinely employs, including retaliation against family members of informants, while describing the threat the criminal group poses to U.S. citizens.
In an operation taking place during the final week of August, agents seized 480 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 714,707 counterfeit pills, 2,209 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7,469 kilograms of cocaine and 55 kilograms of heroin.
On top of the drugs, agents seized more than US $11 million in cash, roughly US $1.7 million in assets and took 420 firearms off the street.
Sheinbaum is significantly more popular than her five most recent predecessors were at the completion of their first year in office. (Presidencia/Cuartoscuro)
President Claudia Sheinbaum has an approval rating above 70% at the end of her first year in office, according to the results of two polls.
Sheinbaum, who was sworn in as Mexico’s first female president on Oct. 1, 2024, is thus significantly more popular than her five most recent predecessors were at the completion of their first year as president.
The newspaper El Financiero polled 1,000 Mexican adults by telephone in September, 73% of whom said they approved of Sheinbaum’s work as president.
A much larger online poll of more than 62,000 people conducted by Mitofsky for the newspaper El Economista this month detected a slightly lower 71.6% approval rating for the president.
Both polls found that close to three in ten people disapproved of Sheinbaum’s performance as president.
Women more likely to support Sheinbaum than men
The Mitofsky/El Economista poll found that 74.1% of women supported Sheinbaum, whereas 69% of men approved of the president’s performance.
The poll also found that young Mexicans were more likely to support the president than older people. Support for Sheinbaum among people aged 18-29 was 73% compared to 69.8% among those aged 30-49 and 72.6% among Mexicans aged 50 and above.
Among people with university qualifications, support for the president was 60.3% whereas 74.6% of Mexicans with lower levels of educational attainment approved of Sheinbaum’s performance.
Support for Sheinbaum highest among housewives, lowest among businesspeople
The Mitofsky/El Economista poll found that 81.1% of housewives supported the president, the highest percentage among 12 different “occupation” categories.
Three other cohorts of people — informal sector workers, retirees and farmers — expressed support for Sheinbaum in higher numbers than the national average of 71.6%.
The president’s approval rating was below 60% among three cohorts of people: businesspeople (54.8%), professionals (56%) and unemployed people (59.9%).
Among people who benefit from government welfare programs, support for the president was 80.2%.
Sheinbaum’s popularity is highest in Tamaulipas, lowest in Jalisco
Sheinbaum’s approval rating was above 80% in seven states, according to the results of the Mitofsky/El Economista poll.
Those states were Tamaulipas (83.4%); Hidalgo (82.6%); Tabasco (81.8%); Campeche (81.6%); Oaxaca (81.1%); Tlaxcala (80.9%); and Durango (80.6%).
President Sheinbaum takes a selfie with supporters after delivering government pension cards to retirees in Hidalgo. (Presidencia)
Sheinbaum’s approval rating was below 60% in three states: Jalisco (55.5%); Sinaloa (56.2%); and Zacatecas (57.5%).
Two of the three states where support for Sheinbaum is lowest — Sinaloa and Zacatecas — are governed by Morena, the national party of government. Sinaloa has been plagued by security problems over the past year, but homicides in Zacatecas have declined during the Sheinbaum administration.
Strong majority sees Sheinbaum as an honest president with good leadership skills
El Financiero asked its poll respondents to rate Sheinbaum on three personal attributes: honesty, leadership and ability to deliver results.
Sixty-four per cent of respondents rated the president highly for her honesty (good or very good), while 66% praised her leadership. Only 54% of those polled said that Sheinbaum’s ability to deliver results was good or very good, down from 78% in February.
Strong support for welfare programs, considerable criticism of efforts to combat crime
Exactly three-quarters of respondents to the El Financiero poll described the social support the federal government provides to citizens as good or very good. That support comes via welfare programs, including employment, pension and scholarship schemes.
A majority of those polled (53%) also said that the government is doing a good or very good job managing the economy.
With regard to the fight against organized crime, 75% of respondents described the Sheinbaum administration’s performance as bad or very bad, while 74% were critical of its efforts to combat corruption.
Asked to rate the government’s performance in the area of public security, 53% of those polled said bad or very bad, even as homicide numbers trend down.
Mexicans optimistic that government will protect migrants, but pessimistic about health care
A strong majority of respondents to the Mitofsky/El Economista poll (64.3%) said they believed that the Sheinbaum administration would do “a lot” or “quite a lot” for Mexicans who live in the United States, where the Trump administration is carrying out an immigration crackdown.
However, only 29.4% of those polled said they believed that the government would do a lot or quite a lot to improve health care in Mexico.
More than 60% of respondents said they believed the government would do a lot to “increase the international prestige of Mexico” and “improve the situation of people in the countryside.”
But only 39.8% of those polled expressed confidence that the Sheinbaum administration would do a lot to “protect the rights of all citizens,” while 46% said they believed it would do a lot to reduce corruption.
Mexico’s biggest problem is insecurity
Asked to identify Mexico’s “main problem,” 52% of respondents to the El Financiero poll cited public insecurity.
Around one in five people (21%) mentioned the economy and unemployment, while 19% cited corruption.
Similarly, 55% of respondents to the Mitofsky/El Economista poll cited insecurity as their “main concern.”
About one in six respondents to that poll (16.2%) said that health care was their primary concern while 11.7% cited the economy.
Slim majority supports proposed tariffs on China
Among the 1,000 respondents to the El Financiero poll, 51% expressed support for Sheinbaum’s proposal to impose new tariffs on a wide range of goods from China and other countries with which Mexico doesn’t have trade agreements.
According to Mitofsky’s polling, Sheinbaum’s approval rating has increased 10.1 points compared to her first month in office.
By contrast, the approval ratings of former presidents Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), Enrique Peña Nieto, Felipe Calderón and Vicente Fox all declined in the period between their first month in office and the one-year mark of their presidencies.
Among the six most recent ex-presidents, only Ernesto Zedillo (1994-2000) and Carlos Salinas (1988-94) had improved their standing by the one-year mark.
Sheinbaum’s approval rating of 71.6%, according to the Mitofsky/El Economista poll, is 13 points higher than AMLO’s approval rating when he reached the end of his first year in office in December 2019. She is almost 22 points ahead of where Peña Nieto was at the same stage of his presidency, more than 13 points ahead of Calderón, over 12 points ahead of Fox and more than 28 points ahead of Zedillo.
Among the six most recent previous presidents, Salinas was the only leader who had a similarly high approval rating at the end of his first year in office. His approval rating at that point was 69.2%, according to Mitofsky. Salinas was president at a time when the Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, continued to rule Mexico as an effective one-party state.
Take some time for self care and treat yourself to a gourmet night out — maybe even at one of these gems. (Shutterstock)
Eleven percent of global travel is now done solo — and that number is projected to grow by 9%–13.5% annually through 2030. That’s huge. Alongside this trend, dining out alone is becoming increasingly normalized. In fact, reservations platform OpenTable reported an 8–10% increase in solo dining bookings worldwide just last year.
Fortunately, Mexico City is packed with opportunities to treat yourself to a solo date — because, really, who’s a better companion than you?
At Mexico City’s Cafe Hiyoko sushi bar, you can sit at the counter and watch your meal being made — a perfect activity for the solo diner. (Cafe Hiyoko/Instagram)
Of course, while it’s possible to dine solo just about anywhere, it can feel awkward to sit at a table for two (or four) surrounded by couples and groups. Think school cafeteria flashbacks, where you’re the kid sitting alone while everyone else is deep in chatter.
That’s why we’ve scouted out a handful of spots that are especially solo-friendly, with counter seating, kitchen-facing bars, cozy tables for one and even communal setups. So grab a book — or your phone, if you must — settle in and enjoy some quality time with your most loyal lifelong friend: you.
Pasta Mestiza, Roma Norte
Solo diners at Pasta Mestiza can enjoy handmade pasta and chat with the chef while also making new friends. (Instagram)
In the bustling Mercado Roma, this gem offers handmade pasta in a unique and brilliantly executed mix of flavors that traverses Mexico, Italy and the Middle East. Pasta Mestiza‘s stall offers a limited number of countertop seats looking over the kitchen, where you can watch the magic at work in front of you. Grab a glass of Mexican wine and strike up a conversation with Chef Rotem over a mouthwatering pasta barbacoa or the spot’s incredible dish deconstructing Mexican street corn (esquites). Not to be missed.
Hiyoko, Cuahtemoc
Counter dining offers a front row seat for Hiyoko’s creative cuisine. (Instagram)
A cozy Japanese sushi bar, Hiyoko is all about attention to detail. This intimate sushi-ya keeps things refreshingly simple: a handful of counter seats wrapped around the kitchen, where the fresh sushi is prepared right in front of you. It’s the kind of spot where solo dining feels completely natural — you can watch the chefs work or simply savor piece after piece, in peace. Order an omakase progression if you’re in the mood to be surprised, or keep it casual with some nigiri and sake.
Curiosa, Condesa
Mono-table seating is one of many attractions at Curiosa Juice Bar and Cafe in Mexico City.
Admittedly, I’m biased as I own and love this place. But the mono-table seating and thoughtful menu offerings make it a natural haven for solo diners looking to escape the chaos of big groups and overloaded plates. Think of Curiosa as a cross between a health-forward café and a smoothie bar. It’s not uncommon here to see solo scribblers journaling over a berry almond butter smoothie while another devours gluten-free apple-cinnamon waffles with a Kindle read in hand.
La Docena, Polanco
Watch food prepared from your counter perch at La Docena while enjoying the people-watching in trendy, upscale Polanco. (Facebook)
We know La Docena is an international chain, but hear us out. The Polanco location offers well-prepared and fresh seafood in a buzzy atmosphere. Center-based bar seating ensures you can observe both the food prep proceedings and have a covert people-watching session over the well-heeled Polanco crowd. It’s lively and consistently delicious. Order the lonja de pescado, a few oysters and a tostada de atún (I maintain theirs is much better than that of the over-hyped Contramar).
Escándalo, Roma Norte
There are no bad seats, only exceptional tacos and mezcal, at Escándalo in Mexico City. (Instagram)
The brainchild of the team behind Michelin-recognized Cariñito Tacos, Escándalo is a low-key neighborhood spot balancing quick bites with an old-school feel. Grab a mushroom taco at one of the standing outdoor countertops (I like to slather mine with each of their tasty salsas), or settle in at the mezcal bar for a guided tasting. It’s casual, delicious, and perfect for a solo stop that can be as quick — or as extended — as you’d like.
Parker & Lenox, Juárez
At Parker & Lenox, the vibe is glam speakeasy, featuring casual dining, craft cocktails and live jazz and blues, making for an unforgettable experience. (Parker & Lenox/Facebook)
Take yourself out for some jazz and truffle fries at this speakeasy-style venue. The velvet seating, dim lighting and red-curtained stage ooze old-school glamour. Mosey on up to the long wooden bar for a carefully crafted cocktail (there are over 30 to choose from) and enjoy live jazz, blues, or fusion. Parker & Lenox‘s food menu is light — think “munchies” more than fine dining — which makes it ideal for a solo nightcap with music.
Ticuchi, Polanco
Homemade esquites prepared with fresh corn, queso fresco, and chili powder, served in a corn husk at Ticuchi. (Ticuchi/Instagram)
From the team behind Michelin-starred Quintonil, Ticuchi is more accessible and decidedly more fun. Think moody lighting, a square bar, sexy music and elevated Oaxacan plates. Snack on aguachile or tostadas while soaking in the lounge vibe — sometimes even with a live DJ. Perfect if you’re looking to dine solo but still crave some nocturnal energy.
La Cocina del Bizco, Roma
Tapas, counter seats and occasional live music are among the many reasons solo diners gravitate to La Cocina del Bisco in Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood. (Facebook)
Festive, eclectic, and never boring — Bizco is equal parts tapas bar and live-music venue. Slide into the bar counter with a glass of chilled albariño, snack on tortilla de patatas and manchego, and enjoy the din of conversation and (sometimes live) music. Dining alone here feels more like joining a party you didn’t know you were invited to.
Café Nin, Juárez
The staff always have a smile and a delicious drink on hand at Cafe Nin. (Instagram)
Already an expat darling, Café Nin is the more casual sibling of Rosetta, under famed chef-owner Elena Reygadas. It blends the pedigree of Panadería Rosetta’s beloved baked goods with a café-bistro vibe that invites lingering. For solo diners, Café Nin is excellent: there’s bar or counter seating, intimate tables and ample outdoor or patio spots. The pace allows for reading, working or simply watching the world go by. It’s polished but relaxed —sophisticated without formality. Enjoy a pan dulce with a chai latte in the mornings, or lasagna for lunch.
One of Roma’s buzziest recent openings, Sapo is a high-top-heavy Asian spot with a wrap-around bar. Expect bold flavors — yakitori skewers, bao, crispy bites — paired with craft cocktails or sake. The energy is electric, and with all seating at the bar, solo diners fit right in.
Voraz, Roma Sur
Fine dining with vintage vibes characterizes Voraz seafood restaurant in Roma Sur. (Instagram)
Still fresh on the scene, Voraz is generating well-earned hype. Its sleek concrete bar setup is tucked slightly away from the main dining area while still within it (facing a nice mirrored wall for undercover people-watching). The menu changes seasonally, but the food is always fresh and innovative and the cocktails are uniquely inventive. This is a place to come alone, indulge and leave inspired.
Baldío, Condesa
Grab a seat at Baldío’s high-top window overlooking the kitchen and watch the kitchen magic at this sustainable Michelin Guide favorite. (Michelin Guide)
Baldío, recently awarded a Michelin Green Star for its environmental practices, works closely with local farmers, revives ancestral chinampa agriculture and minimizes waste through fermentation and whole-ingredient cooking. The space is warm and natural, with wood accents and an open kitchen. For solo diners, Baldío is particularly welcoming: Grab a seat at the high-top window bar overlooking the kitchen and watch the fire-roasted vegetables, pipián sauces, and creative ferments come to life. It’s cozy yet elevated, and the kind of place where each dish provides food for thought.
So, there you have it — just a few of the many places to take yourself out to in Mexico City. The beauty of solo dining in the nation’s capital is discovering that some of the city’s best culinary experiences happen when you’re fully present with just yourself.
Where are your favorite solo snacking spots in the city? Share them in the comments below.
Monica Belot is a writer, researcher, strategist and adjunct professor at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she teaches in the Strategic Design & Management Program. Splitting her time between NYC and Mexico City, where she resides with her naughty silver labrador puppy Atlas, Monica writes about topics spanning everything from the human experience to travel and design research. Follow her varied scribbles on Medium at medium.com/@monicabelot.
In Tulum, many beaches that were once open to everyone now have fees and physical barriers that restrict their use to beachfront hotel guests. (Ana y José Hotel/Facebook)
Fifteen hotels and beach clubs in Tulum, Quintana Roo, have agreed to provide free beach access with no cover charge or minimum consumption requirement, according to Municipal President Diego Castañón Trejo.
“We are very pleased to announce that this weekend, we were able to add 15 more beach access points, thanks to the willingness of hotel owners and beach clubs in the area, who have agreed to allow people access through their facilities,” he said.
Castañón said these efforts are part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and make it easier for both locals and tourists to enjoy Tulum’s beaches at no additional cost.
This agreement represents a rare show of solidarity from the private sector and local government, following complaints surrounding tourism costs. The move comes after hundreds of Tulum residents protested for free beach access, following the imposition of an entrance fee for previously free beaches at the newly opened Jaguar National Park.
“The beaches are life, they are history, they are the heritage of our grandparents and the future of our children,” protesters in Tulum were recently reported saying. “No government or business will be able to take them away or privatize them.”
The Jaguar Park, adjacent to the Tulum ruins, is a protected natural and cultural reserve that spans a large area of jungle and coastline. Following the protests, the southern access to the Jaguar Park beaches will remain open year-round at no cost.
Free access to beaches is a constitutional right under Mexican law
Although the Mexican Constitution recognizes beaches as national assets for common use, there are no clear and effective laws guaranteeing free and open access for all. Thus, this constitutional right is often violated with instances of blocked access, unjustified charges and occupation by tourist developments that restrict collective use of the coastline.
In some tourist destinations, such as Tulum, this problem has become particularly evident – beaches that were once open to everyone now have fees and physical barriers that restrict their use.
Earlier this month, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama led a meeting with Adolfo Héctor Tonatiuh Velasco Bernal, general director of Grupo Mundo Maya (the management company in charge of Jaguar Park), to strengthen coordination between institutions at all three levels of government and ensure free access to the beaches of Tulum.
A statement following the meeting said that these actions reaffirm the government’s commitment “to working in a coordinated manner to ensure that Quintana Roo’s natural spaces are accessible to all, strengthening the region’s social and tourism development.”
These remarkable stromatolites in Bacalar Lagoon are considered living fossils. (Instagram)
I first came across stromatolites seven years ago during a private sail around Bacalar. Nonchalantly sitting along the shore, I wasn’t sure what I was looking at. Our captain, Darius, said, “See over there? They are the oldest lifeforms on earth,” while pointing at some mangroves near shore.
Looking closer, he shared the fascinating history of these rock-like columnar communities of bacteria. I won’t lie, I found it so fascinating that I jumped in and swam over for a closer look (while keeping a safe distance, as I didn’t want to touch or disturb them.) I mean, they’re billions of years old. Imagine if I broke one? Or worse, killed off some little life forms with my big sausagey human hands! Eeek, not this nature geek.
Living since the Big Bang
This stromatolite fossil from Western Australia is 3.4 billion years old. (Wikipedia Commons/Didier Descouens)
Being the oldest life forms on earth, scientists theorise they’ve been around since the Big Bang. Long before life emerged from the primordial ooze to conquer land and evolve into mammals, then primates, then man.
So, I wanted to know more about these stromatolites, believed to be the first living things on Earth. Tell me you’re not curious about their formation, their history and especially their age.
Only found in a few places on earth, the only other place I know to see these structures is on the other side of the world, in Shark Bay, in my native Australia. So, recently, when a friend flew down to come on an adventure with me, I told her about them. We were doing a trip around southern Mexico on the new Maya Train, which gave us the perfect excuse to stop in Bacalar and check them out.
Where to find stromatolites
Bacalar is stunningly beautiful and one of my favorite places in Mexico. Being able to see these living and fossilized life forms is a rare treat. Not only did we see them, we floated past masses of stromatolites in the rapids about twenty minutes outside of town in crystal clear water.
I adore Bacalar; it’s one of my all-time favorite places in Mexico. Mentioning these, she was as intrigued with the stromatolites as I have always been. So, that was the way we wanted to end our trip. With a few days lakeside to relax, enjoy some amazing food, and swim with stromatolites.
A living history of the Riviera Maya, and the world
How I love exploring the living history of the Riviera Maya. It’s one of the reasons I chose to live here. The rich Mayan ancestry is fascinating of course, but there’s also unique natural history. Like being able to walk through a 5-million-year-old cave system, rated third on National Geographic’s top underground walks of the world. It was magic.
An up-close look at a stromatolite formation in Bacalar. (Wikimedia Commons/Jiinjung)
Its extensive formation of stromatolites in the northern end of the lagoon, known as the rapids, is over 10km long (6.2 mi). The living giants are not only rare, but this bed of formations is the largest on Earth. I should say, the largest in size of living freshwater formations. Not only of the microbialites, but of any organism on Earth.
Now, can you see why I geek out on this stuff? What an amazing world we live in, where the existence of the first life on Earth is just down the road. To me, that is pure magic.
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 7 years now, she’s in love with Mexico and has no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.
Sheinbaum said on Monday that she will deliver a speech recapping her first year as president in Mexico City's central square, the Zócalo, this Sunday. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)
Monday is the penultimate day of the first year of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s six-year term.
At her press conference on Monday morning, she spoke about a “rare” incident at Mexico City airport and the Mexico City-Toluca railroad, among other topics, such as Mexican corn.
Sheinbaum also commented briefly on her “unprecedented” national “accountability tour.”
CDMX air traffic control tower was struck by lightning twice
Sheinbaum acknowledged that the air traffic control tower at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) was struck by lightning on Saturday — twice, in fact, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT).
The first lightning strike caused an electrical fault in the control tower and one runway at the AICM was subsequently closed for almost two hours on Saturday night, SICT said in a statement.
“During this period, the other runway continued to operate. As a result of the meteorological conditions, some flights were diverted to other airports,” the ministry said.
“Later, a bolt of lightning struck the control tower again. However, thanks to the redundant emergency communication systems, at no time was contact with aircraft lost,” SICT said.
“Between 20:01 and 20:33, departures were suspended to give priority to landings. … From 20:33, normal operations were reestablished with the resumption of take-offs,” the ministry said.
Sheinbaum said that the air traffic control tower’s systems had to be rebooted after the first lightning strike.
“And for safety, what is done in these cases is to stop [flight] operations,” she said.
Asked whether the interruption to operations could have been avoided with “better infrastructure,” Sheinbaum noted that the air traffic control tower has a lightning rod.
“It has everything, but this is something that is impossible to diagnose,” she said.
“It’s not that it can be avoided, but rather there are protocols in place for when lightning strikes [the air traffic control tower]. It is very unusual or rare for it to happen, but if it does occur, there is an emergency protocol to prevent any accidents,” Sheinbaum said.
CDMX-Toluca train to be fully operational by late 2025 or early 2026
Sheinbaum noted that the Mexico City-Toluca commuter train, “El Insurgente,” has been conducting trial runs to the Observatorio station in the national capital.
The Mexico City-Toluca commuter train — known as “El Insurgente” — will connect the Metropolitan Area of Toluca in México state with western Mexico City. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)
Construction of the railroad began in 2014 during the presidency of Enrique Peña Nieto, but the first (partial) service didn’t run until 2023. As of September 2024, travel between Toluca and the Santa Fe station in Mexico City has been possible, but the Vasco de Quiroga and Observatorio stations in the capital remained out of action.
Sheinbaum said that the trial runs to the Observatorio station — where passengers will be able to transfer to the Observatorio metro station — will last around a month.
She said that the latest information she received was that passenger services between the Zinacantepec station near Toluca and the Observatorio station would commence during “the final days of December,” or in early January 2026.
The railroad is “practically” finished, Sheinbaum said before noting that 11 years have passed since construction first began.
Sheinbaum’s ‘accountability’ tour nears its end
Sheinbaum noted that she has now visited 30 Mexican states on her “accountability tour” after spending time in Chihuahua, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco and Colima during the past three days.
Sheinbaum said that she will go to Morelos on Tuesday to complete her tour of all 31 states, while she will also deliver a speech in Mexico City’s central square, the Zócalo, this Sunday.
“It has truly been a very motivating experience,” she said of her national tour, adding that “a lot of people” attended her events across Mexico.
The president during a visit to Saltillo, Coahuila, on Sept. 7. (Alejandro Rodríguez/Cuartoscuro)
“What we do is provide a report on welfare programs … and infrastructure projects … that we’re doing in every entity of the republic,” Sheinbaum said.
“The truth is it has been a very moving experience,” she said.
“And I think all those who have attended, close to half a million people have attended the … [events]. It’s unprecedented because it’s the first time that a president, a presidenta in this case, has given a report in each state,” Sheinbaum said.
Sheinbaum made maíz the focus of her Sep. 29 morning press conference in honor of National Corn Day. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)
President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced the strengthening of germplasm or seed banks to further safeguard the genetic varieties of Mexican corn as part of her policy to protect a grain that is considered a national and cultural heritage.
The federal initiative follows a recent constitutional reform that prohibits the planting of genetically modified corn in Mexico. The ban seeks to ensure that native varieties are not at risk of disappearing as a result of contamination from modified corn crops.
A germplasm bank or seed bank is a repository where the seeds and hereditary material of plant varieties are preserved to protect their distinct genetic makeup. Sheinbaum’s plan is to fortify the existing corn germplasm bank system to safeguard all 64 varieties existing in Mexico, 59 of which are native. Those varieties of corn (or maize in English and maíz in Spanish) are considered vital to Mexico’s food security as well as its cultural identity.
“For each variety of corn that exists in Mexico, we need a bank to store that corn, those corn kernels, that germplasm, so it doesn’t get lost,” Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference on Monday, Sep. 29, which is National Corn Day.
The germplasm bank is part of a larger agricultural program dubbed Sin maíz no hay país (Without corn there is no country), which aims to support corn producers.
Mexico is already home to several germplasm or seed banks focused on the conservation of seeds and genetic diversity of different crops, including some dedicated to corn. During the morning press conference, Mexico City Environment Minister Julia Álvarez Icaza reminded reporters that Mexico already houses the world’s largest maize germplasm bank, making the protection of the country’s corn a matter of global food security.
Called the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), this germplasm bank is located in Texcoco and houses the largest and most diverse collections of maize and wheat in the world.
Dr. Carlos H. Avendaño, Director of the National Center for Genetic Resources (CNRG), has said that the most important objective of the conservation strategy is to ensure the preservation and availability of seeds and other species for the future.
He explained that germplasm banks play a crucial role in safeguarding Mexico’s existing genetic resources, as they ensure agri-food sovereignty. For instance, in the event of a pest problem, these banks can provide resistant strains that may resolve the issue.
The Safeguarding Plan for Yucatecan Maya Embroidery, linking ancient tradition to contemporary social and economic vitality, is one of the projects that Mexico will be presenting at the global conference. (Shutterstock)
Cultural leaders from the Mexican states of Nuevo León and Yucatán are in Barcelona, Spain, this week, joining others from around the world in showcasing innovative community and heritage projects at UNESCO Mondiacult 2025.
Held for only the third time ever, the world’s largest cultural policy conference began on Monday. It will last for three days.
Representatives from 194 countries have arrived in Barcelona for the third UNESCO global conference on culture policy. The previous two conferences took place in Mexico City. (@CooperacionESP/X)
UNESCO is the acronym for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and Mondiacult — a portmanteau of “mondial” (“worldwide” in Catalán) and “culture” — is shorthand for the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development.
The first two versions of Mondiacult were held in Mexico City — in 1982 and in 2022.
This year’s gathering in Barcelona has brought together representatives from 194 countries for talks on global cultural policy and sustainable development.
Topics on the agenda include digital technology, education, climate action and economic impact of programs. Emerging issues like peace and artificial intelligence are also under discussion.
Mexican officials will take part in a conference on cultural rights and heritage, and Diego Prieto Hernández will speak on advancing cultural democracy. Prieto is the head of Mexico’s Unit for Living Cultures, Intangible Heritage and Interculturality (UCVPII).
Cultural Spheres in Nuevo León
Nuevo León’s “Cultural Spheres” program will be featured as a community model that uses art spaces for social transformation.
The 6-year-old initiative has reached more than 2.1 million people in marginalized communities and stands as a flagship community intervention initiative driven by the belief that culture fuels social transformation.
Art-infused community centers offer free, accessible spaces designed for all ages and abilities, supporting integration, creativity and human development. Facilities include early childhood zones, multidisciplinary art workshops, music studios, libraries and theatres — all tailored to facilitate engagement throughout the day.
Nuevo León’s “Cultural Spheres” initiative creates art-infused community centers reaching more than 2.1 million people, from kids to seniors, in marginalized communities in the belief that culture fuels social transformation. (nl.gob.mx)
Maya embroidery in Yucatán
Yucatán is presenting its gender-sensitive Safeguarding Plan for Yucatecan Maya Embroidery, an innovative cultural policy linking ancient tradition to contemporary social and economic vitality.
The effort centers on protecting and professionalizing traditional embroidery, empowering over 300 artisans — mainly women — through the development of local and state safeguarding plans, official certifications, and organizational networks.
The plan, backed by UNESCO, recognizes Maya embroidery as both living heritage and an economic engine. Last December, 200 master embroiderers gained formal certification, allowing them to pass on their expertise with curriculum recognition.
These steps have helped strengthen community organization and support fair, culturally relevant business models, making embroidery a pillar of local development.
The program also aims to secure official recognition for Maya embroidery as part of Mexico’s national intangible heritage inventory, which would ensure institutional support and further economic resilience.
