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In countdown to election, Claudia Sheinbaum still leads in the polls

By
MND Staff
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Claudia Sheinbaum speaking at a campaign rally
According to polls published this week, with days to go until the election, Claudia Sheinbaum (Morena-PT-PVEM) has a minimum 20-point lead over her closest rival, Xóchitl Gálvez (PAN-PRI-PRD). (Cuartoscuro)

If the polls are right, there is little doubt that Mexicans will elect Claudia Sheinbaum as the country’s first female president this Sunday.

Separate poll results published by major newspapers this week all showed the ruling Morena party candidate with a commanding lead over Xóchitl Gálvez of the Strength and Heart for Mexico (PAN-PRI-PRD) opposition bloc and Jorge Álvarez Máynez of the Citizens Movement (MC) party.

Claudia Sheinbaum, Jorge Álvarez Máynez and Xóchitl Gálvez
The three presidential candidates close their campaigns today and polls show Claudia Sheinbaum (left) has a commanding lead over both Xóchitl Gálvez (right) and Jorge Álvarez Máynez (center). (Cuartoscuro)

Excluding undecided voters, El Universal found that Sheinbaum has a 20-point (54%-34%) lead over Gálvez, while Reforma also detected a 20-point advantage (55%-35%) for the Morena candidate, who is also backed by the Labor Party (PT) and the Ecological Green Party of Mexico (PVEM)

Eligible voters polled by El País and El Economista expressed support for Sheinbaum in even greater numbers.

El País found that the former Mexico City mayor has a 23-point lead (56-33%) over Gálvez, a former National Action Party (PAN) senator, while El Economista detected an even bigger 25.7-point (56.9%-31.2%) lead for the Morena candidate.

Support for Álvarez Máynez in the four polls ranged from 10% to 12%.

A Mexican citizen presses a button on an official voting machine.
Nearly 100 million Mexican citizens are eligible to vote in the June 2 elections. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)

While there have been some fluctuations in poll numbers during the three-month-long campaign period, one constant has been Sheinbaum’s clear advantage over Gálvez in all the major polls.

Even more evidence of the Morena party candidate’s status as the clear frontrunner is provided by Expansión Política’s “Poll of Polls,” which shows Sheinbaum 19 points (53%-34%) ahead of Gálvez, and Bloomberg’s “Electoral Barometer,” which has Sheinbaum 24.8 points (57%-32-2%) points clear of her main rival.

According to Expansión Política, Sheinbaum has a 98% probability of winning the presidential election this Sunday.

The congressional contest 

Mexicans will also vote on Sunday to renew both house of federal Congress. Up for grabs are 500 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 128 positions in the Senate.

A two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress is coveted, as it enables the approval of constitutional reform proposals without the need to negotiate with opposition parties.

If Morena and its allies were to win supermajorities, Sheinbaum — if elected president — would be able to enact constitutional reform proposals she supports, a package of which has already been submitted to Congress by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

In its poll, Reforma asked 1,000 eligible voters across the country which party they intended to vote for in the Chamber of Deputies election.

López Obrador makes a hugging gesture during a political event
On Feb. 5, the president announced a suite of sweeping constitutional reform proposals that, according to some observers, severely downgrade Mexican democracy. (lopezobrador.org.mx)

Morena, which was founded by López Obrador, was nominated by 44% of respondents, more than double the number of people who expressed support for the second most popular party, the PAN.

An additional 6% of respondents said they would vote for PVEM candidates, while 5% indicated they would support PT aspirants.

Thus Morena and its allies — which together make up the Let’s Keep Making History coalition — had combined support of 55%.

Just over one in five respondents — 21% — said they would vote for the PAN, 10% expressed support for the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and 2% indicated a preference for the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD).

Thus the PAN-PRI-PRD alliance had combined support of 33%.

MC attracted the support of 10% of those polled, while the remaining 2% said they would cast their votes for independent candidates in the lower house election.

Other poll findings 

Detailed below are some of the other findings of the recent polls conducted by or for the major newspapers listed above.

Sheinbaum more popular among men than women

Support for Sheinbaum is higher among men than among women, the El Universal poll found.

The Morena candidate attracted the support of 47% of male respondents but just 40% of female respondents.

Three presidential candidates at third debate screen capture
Sheinbaum (right) had more support among men than women according to the El Universal poll, with Xóchtil Gálvez (center) having a slight advantage with women over men, and Máynez as well. (Screen capture)

Just over one quarter of men polled — 27% — said they would vote for Gálvez, while the figure among women was one point higher at 28%.

One in 10 women — 10% — said they would vote for Álvarez Máynez, while the MC candidate attracted 9% support among men.

Around one in five male and female respondents didn’t indicate a preference among the three candidates. A total of 2,000 people were surveyed for the El Universal poll.

Sheinbaum seen as the best option to attract investment, combat corruption and reduce insecurity 

Respondents to the Reforma poll were asked the following questions. “Out of Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez, who do you think…”

  • would attract more investment to the country?
  • would improve the (existing) social programs?
  • would promote renewable energy more?
  • would improve the quality of education?
  • would respect (Mexico’s public) institutions more?
  • would improve health care services?
  • is more honest?
  • would do a better job combating corruption?
  • would reduce insecurity?

A majority of those polled opted for Sheinbaum in response to every question.

The percentage of respondents who chose Sheinbaum ranged from a high of 64% (in response to who would attract more investment to Mexico) to a low of 53% (in response to who would do a better job on reducing insecurity).

The percentage of those polled who opted for Gálvez ranged from a high of 29% (in response to who would improve health services) to a low of 22% (in response to who would attract more investment and who would improve the social programs).

Insecurity considered Mexico’s biggest problem 

In the El País poll, 1,210 eligible voters were asked whether insecurity, corruption or “economic problems” was Mexico’s “main problem” at the moment.

Just over half of those polled — 51% — nominated insecurity.

Soldiers at a crime scene
Mexicans ranked insecurity as the country’s top concern in an El País poll, above corruption or economic issues. (Cuartoscuro)

Homicide numbers in Mexico have declined in recent years, according to official data, but remain very high.

Around 30,000 people were murdered last year, and violence has plagued the 2023-24 electoral process, with more than 30 candidates and political aspirants slain and dozens of other killings linked in one way or another to the elections this Sunday.

Each of the three presidential candidates endorsed a “Commitment for Peace” document drawn up by Mexico’s Roman Catholic leadership earlier this year, while they outlined their security proposals at the third presidential debate on May 19.

Three in 10 respondents to the El País poll cited corruption as Mexico’s “main problem,” while the remaining 19% said economic problems were the biggest concern.

Mexico News Daily 

What do Mexico and Japan have in common?

By
Bethany Platanella
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A downtown scene in Japan
Bethany Platanella highlights six pillars of society shared by both Mexico and Japan. (Unsplash)

If you’ve ever ventured to the eastern side of Avenida Reforma near the Angel of Independence, you might have noticed an abundance of Japanese outposts.

In the residential part of Cuauhtémoc borough, you’ll encounter some of the city’s best sushi and ramen restaurants, not to mention a ryokan hotel that is all but hidden by a lively Spanish tapas bar next door. The area is unofficially known as Mexico City’s Little Tokyo District thanks to Edo Kobayashi, the Tijuana-born founder of Nippon hits like Rokai and Tokyo Music Bar. But wait a minute – Japan? Tijuana? Mexico City?

The restaurant Rokai in Mexico City's "little Tokyo."
The restaurant Rokai in Mexico City’s “little Tokyo.” (OpenTable)

To make it make sense, we need to take it back to 1609, when the Spanish galleon San Francisco was making its way from Manila (the Philippines was part of New Spain at the time) to Acapulco.

The vessel was likely carrying silks and spices in exchange for silver and other precious medals, but it wrecked off the coast of Japan. The crew was rescued by Japanese fishermen, and a few months later, they sailed again to Acapulco, but this time on a Japanese ship with representatives from the land of the rising sun. This marked the moment of “first contact” between the two nations.

With the 19th century came Mexico’s independence and the Meiji Restoration in Japan, a tumultuous time when centuries of societal structure was reconfigured to make way for more Western-style policies. This led to the first wave of Japanese immigrants to Mexico in Chiapas in 1897.

Over the years, Japanese communities in Mexico flourished and by the 1920s they expanded north to regions like Baja California, Sonora and Sinaloa. There are records indicating that approximately 1,000 Japanese nationals resided in Mexico City at this time. 

Both Mexico and Japan are known for their rich and distinctive culinary traditions.
Both Mexico and Japan are known for their rich and distinctive culinary traditions. (Unsplash)

There are at least 10,000 Japanese living in Mexico today, the majority working in the auto industry and residing in Querétaro, Guanajuato, and León. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Marie Sato, deputy director of Mexico City’s Fundación de Japón en México and Japan native. I noted her excellent command of Spanish and asked about her experience learning the language. She explained to me that vocal similarities in pronunciation has made articulation quite easy.

Mexicans too seem to find the Japanese language intriguing — according to Ana Solis, Activities Coordinator at the foundation, their free online language classes have more Mexicans enrolled than any other nationality worldwide.

On a more personal note, I recently took advantage of the direct flight from Mexico’s Benito Juárez International Airport to Narita International in Tokyo. Mexico is always on my mind and it’s hard to shut off my internal comparison mechanism.

The Mexican luchadores Mil Mascaras and Dos Caras in Japan.
The Mexican luchadores Mil Mascaras and Dos Caras in Japan in 1983. (The Club Lucha Libre/Facebook)

While exploring different parts of Japan, I was pleasantly surprised by a few noteworthy similarities:

  1. Rich and distinctive cuisines. Different ingredients, equally ancient, same reverence. There is so much love and pride behind their cuisines, it’s hard to ignore the similarity.
  2. Wrestling. Professional wrestling in Japan is a big deal. In the 1970s, Mexican Lucha Libre fighter Mil Mascaras debuted in the island nation. The Japanese were so taken by his acrobatic combat style and mask that wrestlers began traveling to Mexico to train in the Lucharesu style. Soon after came Tiger Mask, the popular comic book character that lived the life of a masked wrestling superhero. In 2003, pro wrestler The Great Sasuke was elected as an Iwate Prefectural Assembly legislator and often donned his mask along with a suit and tie to legislative sessions.
  3. Public displays of devotion. Shinto and ancient Mesoamerican religions revere many gods and devotees are at liberty to practice elements from multiple religions. Each country is brimming with unexpected altars or other small areas of worship on the street or in parks.
  4. Ancient grains. Corn in Mexico and rice in Japan are much more than just a source of calories. These grains have shaped each country’s cultural identity, harboring deep historical significance. 
  5. Work ethic. According to the World Economic Forum, Mexicans work more hours per year than any other country. The Japanese are also known to abide by a “live to work, not work to live” mentality — to the point of fatally overworking themselves. Both Mexicans and Japanese see work as virtue, and staying late is seen as a gesture of loyalty and commitment.
  6. Family as a pillar of society. In both Mexico and Japan, family comes before all else. Japan’s official registry regards the household to be the basic unit of society (koseki), rather than the individual. This is similar to Mexican society, where parents, siblings and elders are seen as contributing greatly to one’s identity, and whose needs are often prioritized before those of the individual.

Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog, or follow her on Instagram.

This article is part of Mexico News Daily’s “Japan in Focus” series. Read the other articles from the series here. 

Peso depreciates against US dollar ahead of Mexico’s elections

By
MND Staff
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Mexican pesos being printed in a mint
Another factor that could affect the value f the peso this week is the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate announcement. (Cuartoscuro)

The Mexican peso was trading at just above 16.5 to the US dollar early last week, but on Wednesday morning, it flirted with going above the 17-to-the-dollar mark for the first time this month — a depreciation of the peso that indicates market caution as Mexico’s presidential election approaches Sunday, some economists said.

Bloomberg data shows that the peso depreciated to a low of 16.98 to the greenback on Wednesday morning before strengthening slightly. The depreciation compared to Tuesday’s closing rate of 16.79 pesos to the dollar was 1.1%.

Mexico presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum taking a selfie with supporters at a rally
Citibanamex attributes the peso’s stability this electoral season to the expectation that Morena candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, center foreground, will win the June 2 election and continue the current government’s agenda. But an upset victory could lead to temporary volatility in the Mexican peso. (Fernando Carranza García/Cuartoscuro)

At 2 p.m. Mexico City time, the USD:MXN exchange rate was 16.93.

The Wednesday morning low represents a 2.5% peso depreciation compared to the currency’s strongest level this month — 16.55 to the dollar on May 20. It was the Mexican peso’s weakest position since April 30, when it closed at 17.14 to the dollar, according to Bloomberg.

Among the factors that contributed to Wednesday’s peso depreciation were a general strengthening of the dollar and caution in the market ahead of Mexico’s elections this Sunday.

Mexican bank Banco Base said it was “probable” that “positions in favor of the peso” would decline ahead of the elections due to the risk of “volatility” after preliminary results are announced Sunday night.

“Even though the exchange rate has shown stability during the electoral period, an increase in volatility at the end of the elections cannot be ruled out,” the bank said, adding that the situation will be influenced by “the first statement from the winner.”

On Wednesday, Gabriela Siller, Banco Base’s director of economic analysis, said on the X social media platform that “the impact of the elections on the exchange rate will depend on” five things.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador standing at a podium during a press conference
Among the factors that will determine the peso’s value immediately after the election is how exiting President Andrés Manuel López Obrador reacts to the outcome. (Lopezobrador.org)
  • The winner of the presidential election and her/his “initial speech.”
  • The makeup of the Congress (a “majority of one party will be conducive to fear about Mexico”).
  • The position of the other [losing] candidates about the election result.
  • The reaction of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
  • “Possible changes in societal stability.”

Siller didn’t offer specific predictions about what will happen to the USD:MXN exchange rate if Claudia Sheinbaum wins — as polls indicate will happen — or if her main rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, scores an upset victory.

Citibanamex recently attributed the stability of the peso to the expectation that Sheinbaum will win and thus continue the current government’s agenda — the so-called “fourth transformation” — after she is sworn in as president on Oct. 1.

The peso has benefited for an extended period from the large gap between the Bank of Mexico’s benchmark interest rate (11%) and that of the U.S. Federal Reserve (5.25% – 5.5%). It has also received a boost from strong incoming flows of remittances and foreign investment.

The board of Mexico’s central bank will hold its next monetary policy meeting on June 27.

Many analysts predict that the Bank of Mexico will cut its key rate by 25 basis points next month, although inflation remains well above its 3% target.

With reports from El Financiero and Expansión 

Authorities confirm 157 monkey deaths in southern Mexico

By
MND Staff
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Volunteers are feeding monkeys to reduce their risk of heat stroke in the Mexican states of Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche and Chiapas.
Mobile monkey care units have so far been deployed in Tabasco and Campeche. (Xevt 104.1 fm/Facebook)

One hundred and fifty-seven howler monkeys have died in the southern states of Chiapas and Tabasco as of May 22, according to Mexico’s Environment Ministry (Semarnat). Of those, 125 were in Tabasco, while 32 deaths were reported in Chiapas. 

Reports of wild howler monkeys falling dead from trees in Mexico’s tropical forests began at the onset of the season’s second heat wave, at the beginning of May. While initial reports came from Tabasco and Chiapas, cases of animals suffering from heat exhaustion are also being reported in Veracruz and Campeche.

A volunteer gives a monkey a sip of Gatorade to help with heat exhaustion
The Natural Protected Areas Commission (Conanp) also activated an emergency fund that will be used for community and academic initiatives in support of the monkeys. (Comunicación Asertiva – Campeche/Facebook)

Semarnat stressed that actions are being taken to prevent more animal deaths. In the municipalities of Hueyapan and Catemaco in the state of Veracruz, the ministry said officials are installing water fountains for monkeys. It also noted that assistance in Tabasco includes mobile care units made up of volunteers from civil society and wildlife experts. The Juárez Autonomous University of Tabasco (UJAT) reported that it would enable an additional mobile unit on its campus in Comalcalco to extend care in the region. 

The Natural Protected Areas Commission (Conanp) also activated an emergency fund that will be used for community and academic initiatives in support of the monkeys.

As for Campeche, authorities established two aid brigades in the towns of Miguel Colorado and Felipe Carrillo Puerto. 

High temperatures are causing monkey deaths

On Sunday, Semarnat reported that it conducted an emergency operation to determine the cause of the monkey deaths occurring in Mexico’s southern jungles.

In addition, the United States-Mexico Commission for the Prevention of Foot and Mouth Disease and Other Exotic Animal Diseases (CPA) conducted a clinical inspection of sick specimens, including some that had recently died. After taking biological samples and sending them to various laboratories for analysis, scientists ruled out emerging diseases or toxicological elements to be the cause.

Semarnat confirmed that the monkeys in Tabasco and Chiapas are dying due to heat stroke caused by the scorching temperatures suffocating Mexico. A lack of rainfall has also led to water shortages in streams and springs, the main sources of water where Mexico’s monkeys live. 

How many monkeys have been rescued?

Specialists and members of various communities in Tabasco, with help from the Federal Attorney General for Environmental Protection (Profepa), assisted seven monkeys in critical condition. They have since been reintroduced to their natural habitat after returning to good health.

With reports from El Financiero

Why you should consider a retirement home in Mexico

By
Ana Paula De la Torre
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Dämadi retirement home
Modern Mexico offers a weath of fantastic retirements options, to cater to almost any taste, budget or medical need. Here are some of the very best the country has to offer. (Dämadi)

If you imagine the perfect place to retire, what comes to mind? For most people, beauty, nature, creativity, nice people, cleanliness, safety, and comfort are all important considerations. Retirement homes in Mexico offer all of these — and more.

Specialized guides like Condé Nast Traveler list Mexico as one of the best places to retire. The country is increasingly filled with dream options that combine its best qualities while offering a heavy dose of luxury living. Options such as cohousing are also becoming an attractive choice for people who want to live with privacy but at the same time enjoy the psychological and emotional benefits of living in a community. As a result of this demand, Mexico is increasingly creating groundbreaking retirement projects focused on collaborative housing specialized for the needs of modern life.

But what is really on offer if you are considering making Mexico your retirement destination? Here are some of the best retirement homes currently available for those looking to move: 

Belmont Village, Mexico City

The Belmont Village is the perfect fusion of luxury living and ideal location. (Belmont Village)

The Belmont is located in Santa Fe, one of the most exclusive areas of Mexico City. This luxury condominium tower offers the possibility of independent living, specialist care and Alzheimer’s specialists. On the first floor, you’ll find shops and restaurants, a signature dining room, an all-day bistro, a full-service salon and a professionally staffed fitness center. Additionally, there is a library and even an on-site chef.

“Basically, it is an all-inclusive hotel concept, with services, facilities, and activities available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., such as painting, yoga and gym,” The Belmont explained to Mexico News Daily.

“We offer two programs tailored to the cognitive state of our residents, with 4 levels of attention, as well as a medical area with 24-hour services. We also provide a free chauffeur service that can take residents within a 5 km radius, whether it be to the beautiful La Mexicana park or the shopping center in Santa Fe, or wherever they prefer.”

Most importantly, there is a pedestrian bridge connecting the tower to the emergency room of the ABC Medical Center, and 24-hour medical and specialized care services are available on-site.

Le Grand Senior Living, Huixquilucan, Estado de México

Le Grand retirement home bedrooms
Find the perfect balance between city and country living in leafy Huixquilucan, on the edge of the capital. (Le Grand)

Le Grand, located on the edge of Mexico City in tranquil Huixquilucan, prioritizes an “Active Living” approach. They promote a meaningful, quality experience based on happiness through neurostimulation, physical and emotional care, motivation, well-being, socialization, life purpose, and legacy. Residents at Le Grand can enjoy a diverse range of activities, including communication and public speaking, acting and comedy, music therapy, reading circles, crafts and concerts. The facility also aims to promote the personal autonomy of older adults. 

Huixquilucan, where the facility is located, is known for being highly exclusive. It is surrounded by popular destinations such as the Interlomas Shopping Centre and Paseo Interlomas, both of which offer a wide range of shops, restaurants, and amenities for residents to enjoy a relaxing stroll.

The Gardens of Mazatlán

Gardens of Mazatlán retirement home in Mexico
The Gardens of Matzatlán offer the chance to retire in comfort on the shores of the Pacific ocean. (Gardens of Mazatlán)

Retire in style with the Gardens of Mazatlán. The retirement complex has an onsite chef who prepares meals according to each resident’s individual preferences. When it comes to healthcare, every floor of the building has its own dedicated nurse to ensure the best care is always available. The Gardens also offer emotional support and lifestyle activities. Pets and plants are also allowed!

The suites come with a delightful ocean view, allowing residents to take in the stunning Pacific sunsets in all their glory. Mazatlán is an ideal choice for senior expats seeking a place to enjoy their retirement due to its proximity to the border, natural beauty and pleasant weather, with an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (78 F). The town also has over 50 miles of beaches. One of the main attractions of The Garden of Mazatlán is the surrounding beauty, including the historic downtown area, the Mazatlán Lighthouse, the picturesque Malecón (considered the largest in Mexico and one of the largest in the world), the impressive Aquarium, opportunities for whale watching, the renowned Witches’ Beach, the Mazatlán Marina, and much more.

Cielito Lindo Senior Living, San Miguel de Allende

Cielito Lindo Assisted Living - A Personal Story

With beautiful facilities, including a pool, this place is known for adapting its activities to the personal needs and preferences of its residents, offering options such as tennis, thermal pools, a gym, and other amenities. They also have specialists in medical and cognitive conditions, including dementias such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Vascular Dementia, Aphasia, and others.

Undoubtedly, one of the best features of this property is its location — in beautiful San Miguel de Allende. The city has been consistently voted as the Best Small City by Condé Nast Traveler for several years. It is a top choice for expats and tourists worldwide due to its climate, rich history, vibrant colors, cleanliness, and safety. 

Edén, Cuernavaca

Edén retirement home in Cuernavaca
In the land of eternal spring, Edén really feels like a little piece of… well, Eden. (Edén Residencia)

This place feels like a vacation, with 56 suites and an on-site chef. Edén aims for the perfect balance of emotional, mental, and physical health. Staff include specialists such as gerontologists, psychologists, therapists and orthopedic surgeons. The home also offers services such as mental gymnastics, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, holistic massage, social integration activities, board games, yoga, Chi-Kung, laughter therapy, singing classes, reading circles and much more.

“Cuernavaca is a great place for the elderly because of several qualities,” explained José Alberto Benítez, Edén’s commercial director. “The city boasts one of the best climates in the world due to its altitude, which is highly beneficial for the cardiovascular system.”

“We emphasize a holistic approach that promotes stimulation for our residents, as we aim for them to enjoy fulfilling lives through various forms of care.” Benítez continued. “We provide holistic care because we believe that the human being requires diverse types of care.” 

Alicia’s Convalescent Nursing Home, Ajijic

Alicia’s Convalescent Nursing Home
The result of a 30-year dream, this retirement home is every bit as caring as Alicia herself. (Alicia’s Convalescent Nursing Home)

The extraordinary story of this project begins with Alicia. After 30 years of service, the experienced geriatric nurse decided to open her own residential home for retirees. Now, Alicia operates 4 homes in La Floresta, Ajijic, a peaceful area that is totally surrounded by nature. All four homes are decorated with immaculate taste, and feel like an authentic Mexican country house. In terms of care, a staff of nurses and maids are available to take care of clients. The houses are designed for ambulatory guests and are fully equipped with a kitchen, laundry, and other facilities for group living.

Ajijic, situated on Lake Chapala, has emerged as one of the most sought-after Pueblos Mágicos in Jalisco. Renowned for its murals, cobbled streets, restaurants, galleries, clothing stores and cafes, it is an ideal destination to savor the pleasant weather, tranquility, and enchanting ambiance of the small town. 

Dämadi, CDMX

Dämadi retirement home in Tlalpan
Mexico City living can be yours, with these modern, stylish group homes on the edge of the capital. (Dämadi)

Dämadi operates several different locations across the capital, including the southern suburbs of Tlalpan and El Pedregal. The activities on offer are varied and include gardening, yoga and therapeutic gymnastics, art, technology, spirituality, spa and aromatherapy. Aspiring cooks can work alongside the chef to create breakfasts, meals, desserts, and snacks. Dämadi also offers 24/7 medical care, physiotherapy and beauty services such as manicures, podiatry, hairstyling, and makeup. Residents will never be bored here.

The Jardines del Pedregal neighborhood is a stunning area filled with work by renowned architects Luis Barragán and Max Cetto. This neighborhood is famed for its collection of beautiful designer houses dating back to the 1950s, set in the picturesque south of Mexico City. 

Tips for choosing the best retirement home  

One important factor to consider when choosing a retirement home is to look for references. The experiences of others are key to getting an idea of the quality of the place. Another aspect to consider is the institution’s vision of care for the elderly. It’s important to remember that people are aging later in life, and places must adapt to this new reality by providing spaces and services that make residents feel free and alive.

Always visit the facilities before making a decision, and remember that green spaces are essential for quality of life. Cleanliness is important, but also consider the overall atmosphere – do people seem happy?

Are there any other places that you would recommend?

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

The best boutique hotels in Mexico City and where to find them

By
Bethany Platanella
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Hotel Nima
These luxurious boutique hotels are begging you to stay next time you come to Mexico City. (Nima Local House)

I am of the unwavering opinion that Mexico City is one of the best urban sprawls in the world. There is something for everyone to do at any time of day – the capital’s museum count sits somewhere around 150, the culinary scene is bursting with flavor thanks to a slew of chic restaurants that regularly make the “World’s Best” list; there is great shopping, quaint cafes, vibrant squares, lively markets. 

The vibe here is colorful, smiles and laughter abound, street corners are a crossroads of aromatic taco stands and flower stalls. Above all, Mexico City’s vast square footage indicates a lifetime of exploration here still wouldn’t be enough.

The buzz of Mexico City is hard to beat anywhere else in the world. (toursenbici/Instagram)

But you’ve got to start somewhere.

A weekend away in Mexico City is, as they say, always a good idea. It’s true that costs are rising, compounded by an ever-strengthening peso. Despite all that, Mexico offers a benefit that most places do not. 

Value.

It’s hard to complain about prices when the value is there. The service here is so attentive that your plate is often removed before you’ve swallowed your final bite. Every hotel staff member seems to remember your name. Baristas know how you take your coffee, even if it’s only your second visit.

Nowhere is this more evident than hotel stays. For some, a hotel is a place to sleep and nothing more. For others, like yours truly, your lodging experience is the key to an unforgettable getaway. A little investment in a high quality hotel can go a long way.

Casa Emilia
The (almost) perfect city demands equally outstanding accommodation, so choose your accomodation wisely. (Casa Emilia)

Don’t let your perfectly crafted itinerary be tainted by a poor lodging choice. Browse this list of hotels that will take your weekend getaway in Mexico City from good to hands-down magical. These spots all have something unique to offer – historical significance, top-notch staff, seductive design, or optimal location – and run the gamut of pricing, from budget to luxury.

Cuauhtémoc

Am I biased in introducing this list with Colonia Cuauhtemoc? 100%. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Mexico City. Sitting adjacent to the graceful Torre del Angel, one would think it has already been washed out by visitors. Yet, it remains quite undiscovered. With Avenida Reforma serving as a protective barrier, Cuauhtémoc has maintained a local lifestyle while still warmly welcoming the daring tourists who cross the impressive multi-laned boulevard.

Its location is ideal – walk to Chapultepec Park in 15 minutes, Roma or Condesa in 30 minutes, Polanco in 50, and Centro in 60. It might not have the jaw-dropping facades of Roma and Condesa, but it’s a lively place where you will get the feeling that you’re actually in Mexico.

Casa Emilia Río Ebro 51 – standard room rate: US$145

Casa Pani Río Po 14 – standard room rate: US$200

Hotel Carlota Río Amazonas 73 –  standard room rate: US$150

Hotel in Mexico City
The central Cuauhtémoc district is home to some fantastic boutiques – if you dare to cross Reforma Avenue. (Hotel Carlota)

Don’t miss: Somma Wine Bar on Calle Lerma for its diverse wine list and excellent people-watching opportunities.

Roma Norte

It’s one of the most frequented sections of Mexico City and that’s because it’s simply beautiful. Roma Norte is separated from Roma Sur by Calle Coahuila and was built in the early 20th Century during the Porfiriato, resulting in its French-style facades and bountiful green parks. The area saw major damage during the 1985 earthquake but quickly regained its footing, flourishing as an aesthetic enclave of trendy restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, and the much-appreciated recreation of a rather shapely David in Parque Rio de Janeiro.

Casa Goliana Guanajuato 199 – standard room rate: US$230

Nima Local House Colima 236 – standard room rate: US$500 

Ignacia Guest House Jalapa 208 – standard room rate: US$350

Roso Guest House Tabasco 79 – standard room rate: US$400

Colima 71 Colima 71 – standard room rate: US$375

Don’t miss: Casa Guillermo Tovar de Teresa, a gem of a museum with a romantic garden courtyard and the standard free entry expected from a Carlos Slim institution.

Hotel in CDMX
Location and chic combine to produce Colima 71, in the heart of the city. (Colima 71)

Centro Histórico

I once described Mexico City as “a chaotic mess of human existence but everyone seems to be having fun” and nowhere is this more apparent than in Centro. No matter the hour, you’ll find within its populous streets a frenzy of activity. It’s the seat of modern-day CDMX as we know it, with life spiraling outwards from two significant sites: the ruins of Templo Mayor, and the Metropolitan Cathedral which was constructed from the bricks of Templo Mayor. 

Flooding the area are sage-burning “shamans”, vendors selling colorful trinkets you’ll buy and never use, dimly-lit cantinas, museums, and optimal backdrops for a hashtag-just-another-Saturday-in-Mexico-City selfie, like La Casa de los Azulejos.

Hotel Casa de la Luz
They don’t call it the Historic Center for nothing. Soak up centuries of heritage in comfort when you choose to stay downtown. (Hotel Casa de la Luz)

Don’t miss: A pop into the Museo Archivo de la Fotografía for a dreamy photography exhibit of life in Mexico.

Polanco

It’s fancy. It’s wealthy. And while many people want to knock it, it cannot be denied that Polanco is really, really lovely. Ornate Spanish-style family homes encase a hub of award-winning restaurants, art galleries, trendy bars, and luxury shops. It’s the perfect place to casually sip on an almond milk cappuccino with a foam flower under a willowing jacaranda while wearing your Sunday’s best…on a Tuesday. 

The modest number of historical attractions in this part of town gives you the chance to see real-life locals in action. Staying here is a splurge, but if the thought of spending a weekend in the Mexican mansion of your dreams makes your heart flutter, it’s a splurge to consider.

Orchid House
As you would expect from a hotel in one of the capital’s most exclusive neighborhoods, Orchid House has a lot to offer the luxury traveler. (Orchid House Mexico City)

La Condesa

Named after Countess (La Condesa) María Magdalena Dávalos y Orosco, born in 1701, what was once an ever-expanding hacienda became the bohemian, tree-lined neighborhood we hear about so often today. Condesa is known for its leafy boulevards, abundant parks, charming cafes, boutique shops, and the famous Avenida Amsterdam that loops along Parque México and was once a horse track. 

Expect a high concentration of expats and an almost shocking abundance of English, ideal for travelers who haven’t yet mastered the Spanish language.

Stayed in all of the above and want something different? Here are a few more options to consider.

San Rafael

Hotel El patio 77
Grab yourself a bargain stay at El Patio 77, in one of Mexico’s best preserved late Victorian neighborhoods. (El Patio 77)

It was considered one of the first “modern” neighborhoods in Mexico City when its gridlike layout was brought to life in 1891. The architecture here is eclectic, with Arabic features intertwined with Mexican colors and a strong Porfiriato influence. It’s truly a step into the past and a practical base for exploring colonias like Santa Maria la Ribera and Juarez.

  • El Patio 77 Joaquin Garcia Icazbalceta 77 – standard room rate: US$90

Don’t miss: The dreamy arched alleyway inside La Privada Roja, a historical building made of red brick that houses galleries, restaurants, and apartments.

Coyoacán

Obviously, Coyoacán is famous for Frida, but it is so much more. The neighborhood is a captivating world of its own. Visit the central market, sit in the bustling squares, check out the fascinating museums, and allow yourself to get lost within its quiet, winding streets.

Don’t miss: Diego Rivera’s collection of pre-hispanic works at the Anahuacalli Museum, a collection which comes second to the design of the space itself.

Finally, Hoteles MX has various locations in CDMX which hover around US$70 per night.

Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog, or follow her on Instagram.

Will there be weekend alcohol bans for Mexico’s elections?

By
MND Staff
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2
Sign that says "no alcohol sales" at a convenience store
Find out if your city or state will enact a dry law this election weekend. (Cuartoscuro)

Mexico’s elections will be held this Sunday, meaning that temporary alcohol sales bans will take effect in many states this weekend.

The aim of the law — known in Mexico as la ley seca — is to keep the peace as millions of Mexicans go to the polls to elect federal, state and municipal representatives.

Mexican voter
In order to keep the peace, many cities and states in Mexico routinely institute temporary alcohol sales bans on Election Day or throughout Election Day weekend. (Rogelio Morales Ponce/Cuartoscuro.com)

According to the General Law of Electoral Institutions and Procedures, Mexico’s 32 federal entities can ban or restrict alcohol sales on Election Day and in the days leading up to it.

State authorities can also mandate a temporary ban on alcohol consumption, although people who have stocked up beforehand are unlikely to be fined or arrested if they are not caught committing another illegal act.

Will la ley seca apply in your part of Mexico?

Check out the details below (states listed in alphabetical order).

NOTE: as of early Wednesday, information about election-related temporary dry laws was not available for all states.
In some states, la ley seca will apply in some municipalities but not others. In some states with dry laws, restaurants will still be permitted to serve alcohol with food.
Woman in a green dress browsing bottles of alcoholic beverages in a liquor store
Some states have already announced where and when alcohol sales will prohibited. (Shutterstock)

Aguascalientes 

A dry law will apply from 12 a.m. on Sunday, June 2, until 11:59 p.m. the same day.

Baja California

Authorities have not yet announced whether la ley seca will apply.

Baja California Sur 

In the municipality of La Paz, alcohol sales will be banned between 6 p.m. on June 1 and 8 a.m. on June 3. Authorities in Los Cabos have not yet announced whether a dry law will apply in their city.

Campeche 

A statewide dry law will commence 12 a.m. Saturday, June 1, and remain in effect until Monday, June 3.

Chiapas 

It is confirmed that an alcohol sales ban will apply this weekend in the municipality of Tonalá. Alcohol sales will likely be banned or restricted in other municipalities in the southern state.

Chihuahua

Alcohol sales will be banned between 5 p.m. June 1 and 11:59 p.m. June 2.

Coahuila 

A dry law will commence at 12 a.m. on June 1 and remain in effect until June 3.

Colima 

Alcohol sales will be banned from 12 a.m. on June 1 and recommence on June 3.

Durango

La ley seca will apply from 12 a.m. on June 1 and remain in effect until June 3.

Guanajuato

A dry law will apply in León, the largest city in Guanajuato, between 10 p.m. on June 1 and 12 a.m. on June 3.

Guerrero

An alcohol sales ban will be in place on both June 1 and June 2.

Hidalgo

A dry law will be in effect on both June 1 and June 2.

Jalisco

Authorities in some municipalities have announced that a dry law will apply. They include Tonalá and El Salto, both in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara.

In Puerto Vallarta, restaurants and bars will be able to serve alcohol until 11 p.m. throughout the weekend, but takeaway sales will be banned.

Mexico City 

Authorities have announced a dry law will be in effect on both June 1 and June 2, but restaurants can serve alcohol with food.

México state

A dry law will be in effect on both June 1 and June 2, but restaurants will be able to serve alcohol with food.

Michoacán

Authorities in most municipalities have not yet announced whether la ley seca will apply. A decision regarding the state capital Morelia is set to be announced on Wednesday.

Stacked rows of Mexican beer cans with a cardboard sign announcing their price and another sign warning of an upcoming temporary alcohol sales ban
Stores often warn customers about an impending alcohol ban for Mexico’s elections with signs advising them to stock up before the prohibition takes effect. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

Morelos

A dry law will commence in Cuernavaca at 12 a.m. on June 1 and remain in effect until June 3. The Morelos government has called on all municipalities in the state to prohibit alcohol sales this weekend.

Nayarit

A dry law will apply June 1–2.

Nuevo León

La ley seca will apply from 12 a.m. on June 1 and end at 12 a.m. on June 3.

Oaxaca

Alcohol sales will be prohibited from 12 a.m. on June 1 until 8 p.m. on June 2.

Puebla

A dry law will apply all day on June 1 and until 8 p.m. on June 2.

Querétaro

A dry law will not apply in the state of Querétaro, according to government secretary Carlos Alcaraz.

Quintana Roo

Alcohol sales will be prohibited in Mexico’s Caribbean coast state on June 1 and June 2. However, restaurants and bars in tourist destinations will likely be permitted to serve alcohol with some restrictions.

San Luis Potosí

A dry law will apply June 1 and June 2.

Sinaloa

Alcohol sales will be banned between 8 p.m. on June 1 and 9 a.m. on June 3.

Sonora

A dry law will apply June 1–2.

Tabasco

Authorities have banned alcohol sales from 12 a.m. on June 1 through 6 a.m. on June 3.

Tamaulipas

A dry law will be in effect June 1–2.

Tlaxcala

La ley seca will apply on June 1 and June 2.

Veracruz

A dry law is in place on June 1 and June 2.

Yucatán

La ley seca will commence at 12 a.m. on June 1 and conclude at 11 a.m. on June 3.

Zacatecas

Authorities have not yet announced whether a dry law will apply.

Mexico News Daily 

Everything you need to know about Mexico’s 2024 elections

By
MND Staff
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4
Members of a youth voting drive in Mexico City
On Sunday, members of a youth "get out the vote" group gathered in Mexico City to encourage citizens to participate in Mexico's 2024 elections. (Cuartoscuro)

Mexico’s 2024 elections will be held this Sunday, giving around 100 million eligible voters the opportunity to elect nearly 20,000 municipal, state and federal representatives.

According to the National Electoral Institute (INE), the elections will be the largest ever in Mexico.

Voter in Mexico at a voting booth
In addition to voting for the next president, voters will choose new governors in nine federal entities, as well as lawmakers and officials for other federal and local positions in Mexico’s 2024 elections. (Cuartoscuro)

In this guide, Mexico News Daily gives you all the essential information about the June 2 elections: What positions are up for grabs? Who are the presidential candidates? When do the polls open and close? And more.

What are Mexicans voting for this Sunday?

According to the INE, more than 19,000 positions are up for grabs in Mexico’s 2024 elections.

Federal elections: 

At the federal level, Mexicans will elect a new president to replace Andrés Manuel López Obrador, as well as 500 deputies to the Chamber of Deputies and 128 senators to the Senate.

State elections: 

Voters in eight states will elect new governors: Chiapas; Guanajuato; Jalisco; Morelos; (click here to see our guide to those contests) Puebla; Tabasco; Veracruz and Yucatán (click here to see our guide to those contests).

Photos of three mayoral candidates for Mexico City in 2024
The three candidates running for mayor of Mexico City are (from left to right): Clara Brugada of Morena, Santiago Taboada of the PAN-PRI-PRD coalition and Salomón Chertorivski of the Citizens Movement party. (Cuartoscuro/X)

In Mexico City, which has state-like status, voters will elect a new mayor (jefe/a de gobierno). Click here to see who is contesting that election.

Voters in the capital will also elect deputies to the Mexico City Congress.

In each of the 31 states, voters will elect deputies to their respective state congresses.

Municipal elections: 

The total number of positions up for grabs is as high as it is largely because citizens will elect thousands upon thousands of municipal representatives on Sunday.

In Puebla alone, for example, voters will elect 1,818 councilors across 217 municipalities.

Municipal elections will be held in every state in the country except Durango and Veracruz.

Voters will elect mayors, councilors and trustees in the majority of Mexico’s almost 2,500 municipalities. Guadalajara and Monterrey are among the major cities holding municipal elections this Sunday.

Photo collage of Mexico's presidential candidates
Three candidates are competing in Mexico’s 2024 presidential elections: from left, Xóchitl Gálvez (PAN-PRI-PRD), Claudia Sheinbaum (Morena-PT-PVEM) and Jorge Álvarez Máynez (MC). (MND)

Who are the presidential candidates? 

Two women and one man are vying to become the next president of Mexico. If either of the women win, Mexico will get a female president for the first time ever. The three candidates are:

  • Bertha Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz, candidate for the Strength and Heart for Mexico (Fuerza y Corazón por México) alliance, made up of the National Action Party (PAN), Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD).
  • Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, candidate for the Let’s Keep Making History (Sigamos Haciendo Historia) coalition, made up of the ruling Morena party, the Labor Party (PT) and the Ecological Green Party of Mexico (PVEM).
  • Jorge Álvarez Máynez, candidate for the Citizens Movement (MC) party.

President López Obrador, who was elected in 2018 with more than 53% of the vote, is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term.

Who’s going to win?

Sheinbaum, mayor of Mexico City between 2018 and 2023, has a clear lead in the polls.

Separate poll results published by the El Universal, El Economista and El País newspapers on Monday and Tuesday showed that the Morena candidate has a lead of 20 points or more over Gálvez. Álvarez Máynez is in a distant third place.

Unless the election is extremely close, the winner will be known sometime on Sunday night.

Did the presidential candidates face off in debates?

Gálvez, Sheinbaum and Álvarez Máynez participated in three debates during the campaign period, each of which was held in Mexico City. They engaged on key issues for voters including the economy, security, education, health, poverty and inequality.

Mexico's presidential candidates at a televised debate
Mexico’s presidential candidates (from left, Xóchitl Gálvez, Claudia Sheinbaum and Jorge Álvarez Máynez) at the second presidential debate on April 28. (Cuartoscuro)

Links to MND’s reviews of the three debates are below.

How does voting work in the federal elections?

In the presidential election, the candidate with the highest number of votes wins even if she or he doesn’t receive majority support. In other words, there is no second round, or runoff.

In the congressional elections, deputies and senators are elected directly and via a proportional representation system.

In the Chamber of Deputies, 200 of the 500 seats are allocated to parties depending on the level of support they receive, while 32 of the Senate positions are allocated in that way.

The representatives elected via the proportional representation system are known as plurinominal deputies and senators.

When does the campaign period end?

The official campaign period – which for the presidential election began March 1 – will conclude this Wednesday, May 29.

Candidates are prohibited from holding events or campaigning in any other way during the final three days before election day.

When do polls open and close?

Polls will open at 8 a.m. local time Sunday in each of Mexico’s 32 federal entities. They will close at 6 p.m.

According to INE, more than 170,000 casillas, or voting booths, will be set up for the elections.

Will international observers monitor the elections?

The INE announced Sunday that it had accredited 1,309 of 1,355 foreigners who requested to observe Mexico’s 2024 elections.

Among the international observers will be representatives from the Organization of American States and the United States, Canadian and British embassies in Mexico.

Can Mexicans vote from outside Mexico?  

According to the INE, Mexican citizens have/have had the opportunity to vote from abroad by mail, online or in person at approved consular offices.

Almost 40,000 citizens were removed from Mexico’s foreign electoral roll earlier this year due to what the INE called “irregularities” or “inconsistencies” in their voter registration applications.

However, the majority of those people – 36,570 – were subsequently reinstated.

How many candidates have been killed?

The New York Times reported last week that an analysis it conducted found that “at least 36 people seeking office have been killed since last June.”

There have been dozens of other killings linked in one way or another to the elections this Sunday.

Armed bodyguards with a political candidate in Chiapas
Chiapas is one of the states that has seen an increase in electoral violence, leading to candidates – like this aspiring senator, Willy Ochoa (center) – relying on armed protection while canvassing. (Cuartoscuro)

Violent attacks perpetrated by organized crime groups against candidates most commonly occur at the municipal level.

“The surge in [electoral] violence plaguing Mexico,” the Times reported, “can largely be traced to local criminal groups, according to security analysts and law enforcement officials.”

When will the new president and federal lawmakers take office? 

The new president will be sworn in for a six-year term on Oct. 1.

The federal deputies and senators elected this Sunday will start their terms one month earlier on Sept. 1.

Mexico News Daily 

INAH accuses Guanajuato museum of mistreating its mummies

By
MND Staff
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0
Mummified corpses in Guanajuato on display in glass cases at the Guanajuato Mummy Museum
The mummies are a historic collection of bodies that were accidentally mummified after they were dug up from their graves during the 19th century. (INAH)

The federal government and the city of Guanajuato are squaring off — over the alleged mistreatment of the city’s famous mummies. 

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), a federal agency, has accused the city of Guanajuato of causing damage to one of the historic 19th-century mummified corpses, which is displayed in the Guanajuato Mummy Museum. 

Three of the mummies on display at the Guanajuato Mummy Museum. Mummies are stood up against a wooden coffin.
INAH also raised concerns about the treatment of the Guanajuato mummies at a Mexican tourism fair last year. INAH questioned whether their glass display cases were airtight, given that one mummy had what INAH said looked like fungal growth on it. (Guanajuato Mummy Museum/X)

Following a complaint, INAH was made aware of damage to one of the Guanajuato mummies while it was being moved during museum renovations. The mummy’s right arm reportedly fell off. 

While some media outlets reported that additional mummies had been damaged, neither INAH nor museum officials confirmed those stories.

Last week, INAH sent experts to the museum to document the damage and investigate what permits were obtained and what procedures were followed during the museum renovations.

On Monday, the institute issued a statement declaring that the museum’s mummy collection was being handled improperly and that “far from applying proper corrective and conservation strategies, the actions carried out caused damages.”

INAH criticized the museum proprietors for their alleged “lack of knowledge about proper protocols and the lack of training of personnel in charge of carrying out these tasks.” It also accused museum officials of ignoring an agreement to consult with the agency’s experts before beginning renovations. 

The Associated Press characterized the dispute as “a turf battle between the INAH, which believes it has jurisdiction over the Guanajuato mummies because it says they are ‘national patrimony,’ and the city of Guanajuato, which considers them a tourist attraction.”

Old black and white photo of man kissing a mummy on display
An undated photo of a visitor to the Guanajuato Mummies Museum before the museum began displaying the bodies behind glass to protect them from deterioration. The museum has existed since 1969. (Guanajuato Mummy Museum/Instagram)

INAH has demanded that it be given oversight of the renovation project while promising to work in conjunction with municipal authorities. The institute warned that ignoring INAH proposals could result in permanent damage, if not complete destruction, of the historic artifacts.

Last year, INAH expressed concerns about an exhibition of six of the Guanajuato mummies at a Mexico City tourism fair, arguing that the 190-year-old corpses might have posed a public health risk because one of them appeared to have fungal growth, raising concerns about whether the glass display cases they were in were airtight.

On that occasion, INAH also said that museum officials had not consulted them about the transfer and handling of the mummies.

With reports from the Associated Press, La Jornada and La-Lista

Microsoft opens new data center region in Querétaro

By
MND Staff
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4
Mexico Finance Minister Rogelio Ramirez de la O standing at a podium beside a large monitor that bears the name and logo of Microsoft
Mexico's Finance Minister Rogelio Ramírez de la O said at the data center's inauguration last week that the new Microsoft facility demonstrates that Mexico can host high-tech industries. (Hacienda/Twitter) 

Microsoft’s new Hyperscale Cloud Data Center Region in the state of Querétaro, the first data center of its kind in Spanish-speaking Latin America, is now operational.

The data center region, known as Mexico Central, was inaugurated last week by Governor Mauricio Kuri, federal Finance Minister Rogelio Ramírez de la O and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar.

Three images of parts of the new Microsoft data center in Queretaro, Mexico
Microsoft’s new hyperscale data region in Querétaro will give companies in Mexico access to higher speeds, lower latency and more secure connectivity, especially aiding businesses with data-heavy activities like process automation and data analytics. (Microsoft)

Kuri celebrated the launch of what he called one of the largest cloud infrastructures in the world with a message on social media.

“Thanks to the culture of entrepreneurship, talent and innovation, the Microsoft corporation begins operations in Querétaro,” Kuri said. “With the start-up of the Hyperscale Cloud Centers, all small and medium-sized companies and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to modernize their databases.”

In prepared remarks at the inauguration, Ramírez de la O said the new Microsoft data center in Querétaro demonstrates that Mexico can host high-tech industries. 

“Companies looking to relocate to Mexico can count on secure, state-of-the-art infrastructure that will improve efficiency and add value to their operations,” he said. 

Ramírez de la O added that not only has Microsoft strengthened Mexico’s position as a center of innovation and investment but also has catalyzed the development of a digital ecosystem that will promote economic growth and job creation.

Hyperscale data regions like the one Microsoft just opened in Querétaro are massive business-critical facilities designed to efficiently support robust, scalable applications and typically exceed 5,000 servers and 10,000 square feet. Querétaro will also be the site of an investment of over $5 billion by Amazon Web Services in a cluster of data centers, which was announced in February.

Querétaro Governor Mauricio Kuri, US Ambassador Ken Salazar, Microsoft Latin America President Tito Arciniega, Finance Secretary Rogelio Ramirez de la O and other officials at Microsoft inaugration event.
Among the attendees at the Microsoft data center’s inauguration last week was U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, second from right, highlighting Mexico’s northern neighbor’s interest in expanding capacity here to host business data needs. (X/@USAmbMex)

The new facility is the result of a plan announced by Microsoft in February 2020, when the company revealed its intention to invest US $1.1 billion to drive digital transformation in Mexico. 

Ambassador Salazar also praised the new project on social media. 

“The $1.1 billion investment will help advance Mexico’s digital transition and boost North America’s competitiveness,” Salazar said.

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that its new Querétaro data center will “provide local access to scalable, highly available and resilient cloud services while confirming its commitment to promoting digital transformation and sustainable innovation in Mexico.”

The multinational further said that Mexico Central will “help drive economic growth and contribute to the creation of job opportunities to sustain digital innovation, generating more than 110,000 opportunities for professional services, including jobs directly in their own organizations and jobs generated indirectly in other organizations.”

The business magazine “Mexico Now reported that the center offers small and medium-sized companies, as well as entrepreneurs, the opportunity to modernize in key technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, payments and streaming.”

Mexico Central “will provide security, privacy, and performance and will contribute to the acceleration of the digital transition of organizations and public entities in Latin America,” Microsoft said.

It further establishes Mexico as one of Latin America’s emerging primary technology hubs.

With reports from Mexico Now and Forbes México

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