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What’s on in Puerto Vallarta in January?

By
Meagan Drillinger
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1
A beach in Puerto Vallarta
As always, Puerto Vallarta sees in the new year with a smorgasbord of diverse events and parties. (David Ríos/Pexels)

New Year’s Eve is the ultimate party in Puerto Vallarta. But even after the calendar shifts and the confetti clears, PV is still buzzing with plenty to do throughout the month of January.

For those in the know, the real star of the month is Bear Week, an annual celebration of inclusivity, parties and fun that roars into town at the end of the month. But before the bears descend, the lively city offers a smorgasbord of events that keep locals and visitors entertained all month. From chocolate workshops to Broadway-style cabarets, here’s your insider’s guide to everything happening this January in PV.

January 4

In the Bean to Bar Workshop, you will do all the handcraft cacao process, you will experience what the Maya offered to the gods.
(Chocomuseo)

Kick off the year with some hands-on indulgence at the Bean to Bar Workshop at the ChocoMuseo. This isn’t your average chocolate factory tour: this interactive class lets you dive into the alchemy of cacao, creating your own chocolate bar and sipping on Mexican chocolate drinks.

For those looking to spice things up with a little sass, head to Hedda Lettuce’s World Famous Bingo at La Catrina Cantina. This Saturday afternoon extravaganza combines campy humor, unlimited bingo games for just 300 pesos and a generous dash of philanthropy, as part of the proceeds go to RISE Puerto Vallarta. Expect laughs, a lively crowd and double entendres.

If you’re feeling artsy, swing by the Museo de Arte VallARTa for First Saturdays at the Museo. Free entry, local wine and beer for sale and a chance to soak in Puerto Vallarta’s creative scene — it’s a fun evening all around.

January 5

Sunday Funday with Karma La Perra at La Catrina Cantina
(La Catrina Cantina)

Sunday in PV means one thing: Sunday Funday with Karma La Perra at La Catrina Cantina. Think drag performances, sultry strippers and a live saxophone show. Pair the entertainment with their infamous Taco Burger, and you’ve got a party that buzzes into Monday.

For those with a flair for Broadway, Evita Loca’s Broadway Bender at The Palm Cabaret is the must-see show of the evening. This queen’s powerhouse vocals and pitch-perfect impersonations of Broadway’s leading ladies will have you belting along and wishing for an encore.

January 7

tarot cards
(Jen Theodore/Unsplash)

Tuesdays take on a mystical twist at Tarot and Tea in the Living Room Bookstore. Whether you’re searching for clarity, curious about your future or just need a cozy spot to sip tea while chatting about fate, this is the perfect midweek escape.

January 10-11

Jardín Botánico at Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
In the Festival of Cacao and Vanilla at the Botanical Gardens, visitors can sample artisanal chocolates and vanilla-infused treats. (Tripadvisor)

To Adele: The Tribute at Teatro Vallarta promises an evening of goosebumps and sing-alongs. Gloria Fiona channels the British queen of ballads with breathtaking vocals and an 11-piece band. From the intimate vibe of “Someone Like You” to the powerhouse anthem “Rolling in the Deep,” it’s a night Adele fans won’t want to miss.

The next day, immerse yourself in the Festival of Cacao and Vanilla at the Botanical Gardens. Sample artisanal chocolates and vanilla-infused treats, watch cooking demonstrations and enjoy live music amid lush greenery.

Also on Jan. 11, dance your way into the evening with Free Salsa Lessons at La Catrina Cantina. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, this lively class is the perfect way to add some Latin flair to your night.

January 14-15

View of Puerto Vallarta's Centro and Zona Romantica neighborhoods from the beaches just north.
If you’re looking to enhance your Spanish skills, do not hesitate to join the basic classes in Zona Romántica. (Zeroslashed/Wikimedia Commons – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Comedic dynamo Gouda Gabor takes center stage at Nacho Daddy for Come Blow Your Horn, an open mic night brimming with laughter and surprises. Whether you’re a performer or just in it for the fun, it’s a Vallarta spectacle not to be missed.

On the 15, settle in for a deep dive into Puerto Vallarta life at the Orientation to Vallarta Life hosted by the International Friendship Club. Led by Madeline Milne and special guests, this interactive session covers everything from real estate and visas to dining and, yes,  Botox. It’s a crash course in becoming a local insider.

Looking to brush up on your Spanish? Join the Basic Spanish Classes at the American English Tree in Zona Romántica. With sessions focused on conversation, pronunciation and cultural tips, these classes are perfect for anyone wanting to connect with locals and explore PV on a deeper level. Bonus points: the air-conditioned classroom is a refreshing escape from the afternoon heat. Meet new people, learn useful phrases and gain insider knowledge about Vallarta’s culture.

January 22

 

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One of Versalles’ favorite watering holes, The Office, hosts Complimentary Wine Tasting on January 22. Come sample the best house wines while indulging in 2-for-1 deals and discounted bottles. Pair your vino with a charcuterie board. 

January 28-February 3

Bear Week, Puerto Vallarta
(Beef Dip)

The grand finale of January is, of course, Bear Week. This weeklong extravaganza attracts visitors from around the globe for a series of events, parties and celebrations that embrace inclusivity and joy. From beachside gatherings to late-night dance parties, the city transforms into a buzzy, burly hub of camaraderie and costumes. If you’re in PV at the end of the month, Bear Week is a can’t-miss, mostly because you literally can’t miss it. The celebrations will be everywhere in Zona Romantica. 

Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com

How nuns in Puebla invented rompope and other iconic culinary favorites

By
Chris Sands
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2
An AI image of a nun making rompope. The history of rompope began in Puebla
An order of nuns created several of Mexico's most famous food and drinks during the 17th century. (Canva)

The history of rompope begins with Jesus. Nuns and sisters of the religious orders of the Catholic Church commit their lives to the service of God. Good works are a consequence of this commitment, and through the centuries, nuns have made incalculable contributions in the areas of education, health and self-improvement. The largest private school system in the United States was founded by nuns, for instance, as were many hospitals around the world. 

These women have also made indelible contributions to culture. That’s particularly true in Mexico, where no less than three of the country’s iconic culinary options were created by nuns. Remarkably, all three were invented in one city: Puebla. 

A bottle of regional rompope made in Mexico. (Rubalca1990/Wikimedia Commons)

Eduviges & the birth of rompope

Rompope, the rum-based Mexican eggnog, was created sometime during the 17th century — no one knows exactly when — by sisters of the Orden de las Hermanas Pobre de Santa Clara, better known in English as the Poor Clares. This historic Franciscan order dates to the year 1212, when it was founded in Italy by St. Clare and St. Francis of Assisi.

The Franciscans arrived in Mexico in 1524 and helped foster a culture of preparing food and drink, since they often hosted dinners for important personages. Thus, despite the austerity of the Poor Clares, select nuns were assigned by their bishops to taste the alcoholic beverages that were prepared. At the convent of Santa Clara, this task was allowed only to the mestiza Eduviges, the nun credited the birth not just of a drink that has remained a holiday favorite for centuries afterward but has entered Mexican culture as a flavor for ice cream, raspados and other treats.

The history of rompope 

Eduviges’ collection of artfully prepared ingredients proved so delicious that she eventually convinced the bishop to relax standards so that everyone at the convent could enjoy an occasional glass. After all, she argued, “a glass a day does not harm anyone.” 

The Parroquia de Santa Clara, near the convent in Puebla where rompope was first made. (Diego Delso/Wikimedia Commons)

Rompope would eventually be sold too, adding money to church coffers and helping to spread its fame far and wide, beyond even the borders of Mexico. Eduviges’ recipe was not the first for an eggnog-style drink. 

For instance, it was almost certainly influenced by the Spanish ponche de huevo. This drink evolved from an earlier one called posset, made in Europe since the 13th century pairing wine or ale with milk. By the 15th century, the beverage was growing decidedly sweeter and more textured thanks to the addition of cream, sugar and egg yolks. It had become a nog.

The ingredients of rompope

Eduviges built on this existing knowledge base but added rum, corn starch, vanilla and a secret ingredient that, according to legend, she never revealed. The rum that gives the drink its potency was distilled in abundance in Mexico during the 17th century, so much so that King Felipe V had banned its production circa 1700, citing drunkenness and debauchery. However, its thriving popularity in Spain, where it was taking market share from disgruntled Spanish wine and brandy merchants, was likely the real reason. 

Mexican rum of the era was either of the aguardiente de caña or chiringuito variety, with the latter shipped in barrels that formerly held raisin wine bound for Mexico. Vanilla was also homegrown and had been since the 12th century by the Totonacs, an Indigenous people whose roots are in the modern-day states of Veracruz, Hidalgo and yes, Puebla. 

The ever-growing influence of rompope

Even after the age of Eduviges, nuns from Puebla continued to spread the gospel of rompope. For instance, a congregation sent to Morelos in 1890 taught the making of the drink to help optimize sales of local dairy products. The Morelos version replaced vanilla with cinnamon, one of many regional substitutions that arose as the drink spread beyond Puebla to other Mexican states and Latin American countries, notably throughout Central America. 

Of course, by then, nuns from Puebla’s nuns had become famous for creating amazing food in addition to the iconic holiday sipper that has since been widely commercialized, including the Santa Clara brand named after the convent where it all began and which still exists in Puebla.

Mole Poblano is today considered a Mexican classic. (Bombera Oakland/Facebook)

Andrea de la Asunción and the birth of mole poblano

Mole, Mexico’s magical salsa, dates back to the pre-Columbian era when it was known as molli and made from tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, chilis and other ingredients. However, perhaps the most iconic regional variation, mole poblano, owes its creation to a nun: Andrea de la Asunción, a member of the Dominican order at the Convento de Santa Rosa. 

Her original recipe was said to have contained over 100 ingredients, including chili varieties such as ancho, chipotle, mulato and pasilla, all contributing to the sauce’s dark color, and spices like fried cinnamon, clove, coriander, pepper and sesame seeds, which helped create its sophisticated flavor profile. However, it was the inspired inclusion of chocolate that elevated this variation above all others that had come before and ensured her name would live forever in Mexican culinary circles.

As with the Franciscans and Eduviges, it’s possible this exquisite sauce was first served to an important visitor at the convent: in this case, Viceroy Tomás Antonio de la Cerda y Aragón during a dinner in his honor in 1680. 

Chile en Nogada
Chile en nogada, which like rompope and mole poblano, was invented by nuns in Puebla. (Aceites de Oliva de España)

Patriotism, religion and the invention of chile en nogada

The invention of chile en nogada is also attributable to nuns and occurred contemporaneously with Mexico achieving independence from Spain during the early decades of the 19th century. A popular origin story for the dish has Agustín de Itubide en route to Córdoba, Veracruz to sign the treaty for independence when he stops at Puebla for a meal made by nuns of the Order of Agustinian Recollects at Convento de Santa Mónica in August 1821.

The special occasion dish was said to feature poblano chilis stuffed with picadillo — including beef and pork — and fresh fruits. Like today’s version, it was topped with creamy walnut sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and oregano. 

Chile en nogada is one of several patriotic dishes whose colors mimic those of the Mexican flag. It’s now traditionally served on Sept. 15, on the eve of Independence Day. Like rompope, it has entered into the history books as a uniquely Mexican creation.

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

Baldío: Mexico City’s first zero-waste restaurant

By
Lydia Carey
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5
Chef Laura Cabrera and Baldío
Chef Laura Cabrera and Mexico City's Baldío offer a zero-waste, fine dining experience for the environmentally concious gourmand. (Baldío)

I want to be honest about my bias in my review of this new restaurant: from the very beginning, I’ve wanted to support Baldío’s project. A restaurant that attempts to be zero waste? That uses only local meat, fish and produce, much of it grown right here in Mexico City through an organic CSA? A space full of recycled materials? Nothing could be better for someone who wants to dine well but agonizes over the environmental impact of tourism and eating out.

Arca Tierra, the organization that started this restaurant, is one that I respect. They’ve done incredible work helping many chinampa island farms and farmers in Mexico City transition to regenerative, sustainable agriculture. Their producers now supply some of the best restaurants of Mexico City including Pujol, Maximo and Contramar.

 

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But there was a problem: friends told me they were underwhelmed with their experiences at Baldío when it opened four months ago. So I arrived conflicted to my first dining experience, a pop-up collaboration with the Bogota, Colombia-based Mesa Franca. If I had only had that first meal, I might have come to the same conclusion my friends did.

Located in Condesa, the restaurant, with its dim lighting and natural materials gracing the tables, chairs and walls is at once cozy and upscale. The kind of place you want to dress up for but that still feels like a great neighborhood spot. Waiters on both of my visits were friendly, quick and informed about the dishes and the overall concept of the restaurant. They seemed to actually like their jobs. When I met the chef on my second visit, she was equally charming.

Baldío has indoor and outdoor tables, all made with recycled wood, and a long open kitchen that dominates the dining room with high-backed chairs set up in front of it for a kind of chefs’ table experience. That’s where I sat that first night, watching the staff painstakingly slice the roast beets into delicate slivers and plate them with precision alongside various lettuce leaves straight from the farm.

But over half of the dishes I tasted lacked salt, acid and umami. A very mild ceviche, a just-okay grilled fennel with a lactofermented sauce, a beet with gochujang spice that wasn’t spicy. After two disappointing cocktails, I finally ordered the guanabana champagne; it had some good effervescence and an unexpected sharpness to it, but I still wasn’t blown away. There was a pork belly that I liked, with yucca foam that was sweet and crunchy, its muted purslane garnish somewhat plain but a balance to the richness of the pork. Overall, it wasn’t amazing.

Baldío
Baldío produces no waste at all, as it serves local food with minimal fuss and (mostly) delicious results. (Baldío)

I decided that I would have to return to taste Baldío’s regular menu on a different day, and when that lunch came around I was pleasantly surprised by the contrast. The esquites with buffalo machaca had a sprinkling of lime zest that gave each bite a floral citrusiness. The beefsteak tomato set atop sweet corn gruel with a hibiscus reduction drizzled on top was exactly what a fresh-from-the garden tomato should taste like. My favorite dish hands down, the grilled green beans, came together with the roasted garlic puree and peppery hoja santa mole in the perfect marriage of sweet, salty and smoky char. 

And the trout had the same divine umami-sweet crunch as the trout featured in Baldío’s pop-up, but instead of the under-salted potatoes of the previous meal, this came with a gorgeous heirloom tomato, whose acidity was offset by sweet caramelized onions and a dusting of fresh oregano on top. Even the Italian squash with serrano chile power, was still floral and well-rounded, with a burst of umami from the milk sauce that accompanied it. 

By the time Chef Cabrera came out to talk to me I was feeling positive once again about Baldío and speaking with her only made that feeling grow. Young and obviously passionate about her work, you might think she’d be a little pretentious after spending 10 years in Copenhagen working with the famous Noma group — considered some of the best fine dining restaurants in the world — as well as spending her formative years at Nectar, one of Mérida’s most lauded fine dining restaurants. Instead she was grounded, open and excited about her new project, expressing an important and vital skill for a head chef: she seemed to care about her staff and their development.

“The thing I wanted to bring from Denmark is a way of working,” Chef Cabrera said, “When I came back to Mexico I found so many people in restaurants just working to work, but not for the love of cooking.” To facilitate gusto for the job, she’s encouraging her staff to speak up with ideas, inspirations and experiments they want to try. She’s cross-training them between the production kitchen and the service kitchen, hoping to give them a greater appreciation of all the moving parts that have to function together to make a restaurant great. 

 

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Working towards a zero waste kitchen has not been a breeze, and Cabrera has been counseled by British chef Douglas McMaster, co-founder of Baldío and owner, of London’s Silo, the first zero waste restaurant in the world. Still, she says, it’s important that customers understand that behind every spoonful of glaze or reduction is a mountain of work that goes unrecognized. 

According to Baldío’s co-founder Lucio Usobiaga, there are several steps to reaching the restaurant’s zero waste goals. The first includes suppliers. In order to cut down on packaging waste, they needed to find ways to work with suppliers using reusable and recyclable delivery containers. The team they worked on reducing their kitchen waste by using processes like koji — which using fungi to inoculate rice that can then be used to make other fermented food — and garum, an ancient Mediterranean process that uses fish scraps to create a flavorful fermented fish sauce that can be used in all kinds of dishes. 

They are also pickling, curing, utilizing lactofermentation and doing whatever they can to extend the life of their products, since it would be impossible to use everything in its fresh state. The final step is dining room waste, since we the diners also have a part to play in the zero waste sum. They are working with a team of biologists to compost all the leftovers from plates that may have oils, bones and other things that you can’t just throw in a compost pile. The final compost is then returned to the chinampas and reincorporated into the soil. It’s an extensive process that will take years to perfect. 

I have a lot of hope for Baldío. There is room for growth and evolution, yes, but the menu is already on its way to becoming excellent, and their excited team seems ready to push this project forward. They can take pride in being the first zero waste restaurant in Mexico— it’s a lot of hard work but worth it for the future of the planet and dining out. I can’t wait to eat there six months from now.

Perfect For: Environmentalists who want to honor their convictions and still be well fed.
Recommended: The charred green beans with the garlic pure and hoja santa pipian and a glass of white from Valle de Guadalupe.

Lydia Carey is a freelance writer and translator based out of Mexico City. She has been published widely both online and in print, writing about Mexico for over a decade. She lives a double life as a local tour guide and is the author of Mexico City Streets: La Roma. Follow her urban adventures on Instagram and see more of her work at www.mexicocitystreets.com.

Taste of Mexico: Rosca de Reyes

By
María Meléndez
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2
Is it a cake? Is it a sweet bread? All we know is, this taste of Mexico is full of tradition (and small statues of Jesus). (El Globo)

Friends, did you think that all the Christmas celebrations were over? No, sir. In Mexico, we still have a couple more festivities and meals to enjoy: Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) and Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day). Both celebrations are tied to the Catholic calendar, which has influenced life in Mexico for centuries. Although modernity has somewhat diminished the religious aspect, the festivities and food remain an important part of our culture.

Every January 5th, Mexican children write letters to the Reyes Magos — the same Wise Men who visited the Baby Jesus at his birth. If we’ve behaved well, we receive presents on the morning of January 6th. That’s right: Mexican children get gifts twice, once on Christmas Day and again on Three Kings’ Day.

A family enjoying Rosca de Reyes together
Biting into the Rosca de Reyes in search of a small statue of Jesus is the most important way to start the year. (Lolo Mercadito)

After the excitement of receiving and opening our presents starts to fade, we need a little sugar to keep our energy up, so we enjoy a slice of Rosca de Reyes and a cup of hot chocolate. Once we’re recharged, we’re sent off to play with our new toys in a place where we won’t disturb the adults.

What is the Rosca de Reyes?

It’s a circular-shaped bread, similar to a giant doughnut. This giant doughnut is topped with frutas cristalizadas (traditional sweets preserved using pre-Hispanic techniques), like figs, ate (fruit paste made from various fruits), and acitrón. The bread also features sections of the same sugar glaze used for conchas. In recent decades, some people have begun filling the rosca with creams and frostings. I’m not a huge fan of this trend, but give it a go.

What makes this huge doughnut special?

 

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Small figurines of the Baby Jesus are hidden throughout the Rosca, allowing people who eat it to find them.

Traditions around the Rosca

This tradition is not exclusive to Mexico; many countries with a strong Catholic influence have their own variations of this bread. In Spain, it is known as Roscón de Reyes; in Portugal, it is called Bolo Rei; in France, it’s referred to as Galette des Rois; and in northern Italy, it’s named Focaccia della Befana. While these breads differ in style and ingredients, they share two common characteristics: they are traditionally served on January 6th, and each contains a figurine that someone is meant to find.

The Origin

The sweet bread has become associated with the arrival of the “Magic Kings” — also known as the Three Wise Men. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)

Some historians believe that the tradition of the Rosca de Reyes is an adaptation of an ancient Roman festival honoring Saturn, celebrated at the end of December. During this festival, people ate a type of sweet bread that contained a hidden small object, turning it into a game.

With the spread of Christianity, bread became associated with the crown of the Magi, and January 6th was established as the official date to share it with loved ones.

Back to Mexico

This tradition is undoubtedly one we inherited from the Spaniards, but as Mexicans, we experience a particular sadness when there’s no upcoming celebration to look forward to, as if life loses its significance. To address this, we have created our own tradition. First and foremost, it’s important for everyone to gather around the rosca and pay close attention to what unfolds.

1. We cut the Rosca de Reyes. It used to be mostly a family event; now it’s an excuse to get together at work, school, or anywhere else.
2. It’s almost like playing Russian roulette. Friends, few moments are as tense as deciding where to cut the rosca. Keep in mind that small Baby Jesus figurines are hidden throughout. When you receive your slice, you feel the weight of responsibility. If you’re sitting with a group of Mexicans, you’ll definitely hear an enthusiastic chorus of “ahhhhhhhh” when someone finds a Baby Jesus.
3. You found a Baby Jesus figurine. Amigos, you now have a significant responsibility — almost a patriotic duty — to take charge of the “tamaliza” on Candlemas Day (Día de la Candelaria). Don’t worry; we’ll discuss this celebration as the date approaches. You have nearly a month to prepare tamales and atoles for everyone who participated in the Rosca de Reyes.

Where to Buy Good Rosca de Reyes?

In Mexico City, I have three favorite places to get rosca:

1. Panadería Rosetta: This bakery is always busy, and you need to order in advance, but it’s definitely worth it for their delicious rosca.
2. Panmex: Located in the southern part of Mexico City, Panmex is one of the best bakeries in the city. Their rosca tastes as good now as it did 35 years ago — it’s unbeatable for me.
3. City Market: It may seem unusual to recommend a rosca from a supermarket, but I’ve recently found that City Market’s bakery is surprisingly good. It’s a classic option for taking to the office or large gatherings, especially when you’re on a budget.
Enjoy your rosca with hot chocolate, write your letter to the Reyes Magos — they’ll surely bring you gifts! — and don’t forget to note who got the Baby Jesus figurines in the Rosca. They owe you tamales.

María Meléndez is a Mexico City food blogger and influencer.

Los Cabos rides the crest with the first-of-its-kind endless surf basin

By
Chris Sands
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Surf basin in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
An Endless Surf wave basin and Cabo Real Golf Course, both visible here, are signature attractions at Cabo Real Surf Club in Los Cabos. (Cabo Real Surf Club)

Surfers have been coming to Los Cabos since the 1950s, meaning they were among the first to take advantage of the region’s charms as a tourist destination. In recent decades, golf has surpassed surfing in popularity locally, not only because of how many great courses there are — 18 and counting — but because of how effective these layouts are in helping to attract resort guests and sell real estate. 

However, a certain innovation may address this imbalance, making surfing easier than ever for those who’ve never tried it and proving the worth of surf technology to complement golf in marketing the Los Cabos lifestyle for those considering primary or secondary homes in the area. 

A woman ready to take on the crests with her surfboard
Surfing is easier than ever at Los Cabos in its newest surf basin. (Bradley Hook/Pexels)

The Endless Surf wave basin premieres at Cabo Real Surf Club

Work began in December 2024 on the Cabo Real Surf Club, the first development in North America to feature a private Endless Surf wave basin. Endless Surf has led the charge for this technology, using pneumatics in recent years to achieve customizable waves for surf parks. But what it’s doing in Los Cabos is really special. 

Boardwalk home sites at Cabo Real Surf Club.
Boardwalk home sites at Cabo Real Surf Club. (Cabo Real Surf Club).

Cabo Real Surf Club will feature a four-acre wave basin able to accommodate 40 surfers and provide 480 customizable ocean-quality waves per hour. This is only possible thanks to a pneumatic air system powered by 250-horsepower motors that can generate 25-second rides on waves up to seven feet high. 

“Given the large number of waves per hour and the ability to create an infinite number of wave shapes, surfers are able to catch a month’s worth of ocean waves in a single day and all of them are captured on video,” notes David Likins, formerly president and CEO of the Kelly Slater Wave Company and now a partner in Meriwether Companies, which along with the Sánchez Navarro family, are behind the development at Cabo Real Surf Club.

“This huge amount of repetition and access to analysis creates an extremely steep learning curve allowing even beginners to become advanced surfers and for advanced surfers to learn expert skills they will never master in the ocean.”

Real estate and lifestyle amenities at Cabo Real Surf Club

Surf casita at Cabo Real Surf Club.
Surf casita at Cabo Real Surf Club. (Cabo Real Surf Club)

The Endless Surf basin is a centerpiece of Cabo Real Surf Club, part of a larger 3,000-acre master-planned Cabo Real development in the Los Cabos Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Over 200 homes are planned at Cabo Real Surf Club, from estate lots and boardwalk homesites to surf casitas and ocean-view villas, with over US $50 million in sales already logged. 

However, Endless Surf isn’t the only attraction for home buyers. There’s also golf, of course, not to mention the swimmable beach nearby with an oceanfront beach club for members; a racquet club with facilities for tennis, Padel and pickleball; two swimming pools; state-of-the-art fitness facilities; and networks of hiking and biking trails that show off the development’s gorgeous natural setting.

“We are thrilled to partner with Meriwether Companies in bringing Cabo Real Surf Club to life,” Diego Sánchez Navarro said via a press release: “My father acquired the land at Cabo Real in 1983 because of its beautiful beaches and ideal location between vibrant Cabo San Lucas and charming San José del Cabo. With existing properties such as El Dorado Golf & Beach Club and Las Ventanas al Paraíso, it is fitting that Cabo Real will be home to the most exciting, next-generation private club in Mexico.”

The history of the Sánchez Navarro family in Los Cabos

Beach club at Cabo Real Surf Club.
Beach club at Cabo Real Surf Club. (Cabo Real Surf Club)

Eduardo Sánchez Navarro, Diego’s father, was one of the second wave of developers in Los Cabos, coming after pioneers like Rod Rodríguez, Bud Parr, Luis Cóppola and Luis Bulnes. But in terms of legacy, he’s already in a class of his own. 

Since breaking ground on Cabo Real in 1989, the elder Sánchez Navarro has helped to transform Los Cabos via high-profile resort and real estate investments, including the 2000-acre development at Puerto Los Cabos just outside San José del Cabo, which includes a marina, 27-hole golf course from Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman and some of the finest art in Los Cabos, including sculptures from famed British-Mexican surrealist Leonora Carrington and Guadalajaran Gabriel Macotela. 

Grupo Questro, where Sánchez Navarro serves as president, has also opened two other golf courses and owns or manages several local resorts, including Casa Dorada, Casa del Mar, Dreams, El Ganzo, ME Cabo and Secrets Puerto Los Cabos. Eduardo Sánchez Navarro was likewise the guiding force behind the Los Cabos International Film Festival — formerly the Baja International Film Festival — which launched in 2012.

Eduardo is also, it should be noted, brother to Mercedes Sánchez Navarro, girlfriend of Carlos Slim, the richest man in Mexico. Eduardo’s family members have become key contributors to the success of Grupo Questro, with several serving in executive positions. 

The future of Endless Surf wave basins in Los Cabos

Eduardo Sánchez Navarro, among his many other accomplishments, was behind one of the first golf courses in Los Cabos, the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Cabo Real, which opened in 1993, the same year Jack Nicklaus opened Palmilla Golf Club. The course is currently undergoing renovation before reopening in 2025 and like the Endless Surf wave basin, it will serve as a signature amenity for the Cabo Real Surf Club. It will likely become private for members— big news for destination golfers since Questro Golf offerings like Cabo Real, Club Campestre and Puerto Los Cabos have all traditionally been open to the public, and the latter two still will.

As surfing in Los Cabos is world-class thanks to breaks along the Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Ocean, the expertise provided by reps in the Endless Surf basin in effect opens up countless other regional amenities, from East Coast surf breaks at Shipwrecks and Nine Palms to Pacific Coast favorites such as Cerritos, San Pedrito and La Pastora, as well as  points in between, like Zippers — site of the one-time World Surf League sponsored Los Cabos Open of Surf — and Monuments, a legendary lefty point break with views of Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas. 

Will surf basins now start popping up at other Los Cabos real estate developments as golf courses began doing starting in the 1990s? It’s still too early to tell. But simulators and video, which have helped to revolutionize the golf experience, will certainly help. However, there is only one for now, and Cabo Real Surf Club has it. 

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

My 2025 predictions for Mexico: A perspective from our CEO

By
Travis Bembenek
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Fireworks in Toluca, México state
As Mexico and the world turn a new page, what's in store for 2025? (Cuartoscuro)

As we start 2025, much of the world is facing significant uncertainty regarding the months and years ahead. North America is no exception, with President Sheinbaum just starting her six-year term, U.S. President-elect Trump about to start a second four-year term, and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau perhaps nearing the end of almost 10 years in office. Mexico, as MND covers each and every day, has a lot on its plate this new year. With that introduction, and knowing that it will likely be a year that will not look kindly on forecasters, I will share 12 of my predictions for Mexico in 2025.

1. President Sheinbaum will remain extremely popular with the Mexican population. Recent polling showed her having an exceptionally high 76% favorability rating in Mexico. I think that in 2025, despite a lot of uncertainty and turmoil, she will retain a favorability rating above 70%.

2. President Sheinbaum and President Trump will get along better than expected. Despite Trump’s highly confrontational style, President Sheinbaum will successfully manage the relationship and they will have a productive and positive working relationship that will surprise many people.

3. The Mexican peso will weaken to above 21 to the US dollar, and I would not be surprised to see it go above 22 by the end of the year. There will be a lot of uncertainty throughout the year, and uncertainty tends to strengthen the US dollar and weaken the Mexican peso. USMCA negotiations, foreign direct investment delays, slowing GDP growth in Mexico, and a difference in interest rate reductions between the U.S. and Mexico will likely all contribute to peso weakness.

4. There will be many delays of new foreign direct investment (FDI) into Mexico in 2025, resulting in disappointing FDI numbers for the year. But then I think that there will be an acceleration of FDI in 2026 and beyond. Until there is more clarity around tariff policies and USMCA renewal terms, many companies will hold off on making significant FDI moves in Mexico this year.

5. Mexican GDP growth will surprise to the upside, but still be disappointingly low. Many experts are predicting 2025 GDP growth in the 1.1%-1.2% range, which would be below the U.S. rate and far below what Mexico should expect given the nearshoring opportunity. I think a number closer to 2% might be the reality for the year: better than expected but still way too low.

BYD nearshoring
GDP growth could remain sluggish in 2025, as Mexico struggles to make the most of the nearshoring opportunity. (BYD)

6. Mexico will need to bring its interest rates down more quickly than the United States. The U.S. will likely have the luxury of being able to pause its interest rate reductions for now and cut less in 2025. Mexico likely will not have that ability due to a sluggish economy, declining FDI rates and slowing inflation. The result could be an even faster depreciation of the Mexican peso than predicted above.

7. Mexico will surprise the world by taking some substantive actions against the drug cartels. A reduction in violence unfortunately would be difficult to predict, but I think that 2025 will be a year in which the Mexican government visibly goes on the offensive again against the cartels after six years of a “hugs not bullets” strategy (that arguably failed) by former President López Obrador.

8. Mexico will take an increasingly strong stand against Chinese investments in the country. Look for more tariffs (in coordination with the U.S. and Canada), more actions on Chinese counterfeit goods in the country, and more actions against Chinese nationals. The tidal wave of Chinese cars and car dealerships will slow down significantly, at least for now. It’s in Mexico’s best interest to do this, and would also lead to a more productive USMCA discussion.

9. Pemex will likely go mostly untouched in 2025, but some high profile green energy investment projects will be announced. With so many other pressing issues to attend to this year, I doubt President Sheinbaum will have the bandwidth to try to tackle Pemex, but I do expect much more momentum around green energy projects and investments.

Iberdrola wind farm
Investment in renewable energy could be in the cards for 2025, MND chief Travis Bembenek writes. (Iberdrola)

10. Less cynicism and more optimism will take hold on Mexico’s all-in focus on trains. Both the Maya Train and Interoceanic Train will demonstrate their value, and excitement will build around the newly planned and soon-to-be-constructed routes in the center of the country heading north.

11. Mexico City will continue to get the recognition and visibility it deserves for being one of the great cities of the world. The city, which had very few tourists in the past, is now booming with tourism. Expect to hear more people than ever saying “I had no idea CDMX was such a great city … who would have ever thought?” (Cue the eye rolling.)

12. Tourist numbers will continue to hit new records throughout the country. A weakening peso, a strong U.S. economy, the booming cruise industry and lots of new flights will keep tourists coming in record numbers again in 2025. More people are increasingly discovering great new places to vacation in Mexico.

2025 most certainly will be a fascinating year with a constant flow of news. Mexico News Daily will be there to cover it all for you. Stay tuned and buckle up!

Which of my predictions do you agree with? What do you think I missed or got wrong? Please share your thoughts and predictions in the comments.

Travis Bembenek is the CEO of Mexico News Daily and has been living, working or playing in Mexico for nearly 30 years.

The coolest businesses to make everyday life in Mexico easier — A guide for foreigners

By
Sarah DeVries
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5
A man getting a haircut in a local salon
From local beauty salons to copy and print shops, Mexico is thriving with local businesses, that have been open for generations.(Bhavesh Jain/Pexels)

A couple of weeks ago I presented a list of businesses I wished people would start in Mexico. A few people took it more seriously than it was meant, but I had a good laugh, and that’s the important thing, right? Writing to entertain myself?

Anyway, while I wait for someone to re-invent or franchise the apparently toxic Yankee Candle Company, I thought I’d take some time to talk about cool businesses that are already here. Most of these are places that you might not hear about until you’re actually here. They don’t have websites, though some might have Facebook or Instagram if they’re fancy.

A woman working remotely at a local coffee shop
Internet cafes and beauty salons are among Mexico’s dearest entrepreneurship projects, and can be found practically anywhere in the country. (Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels)

But when it comes to serving the masses, you don’t need to be fancy; you just need to be good, accessible and reliable. Hit that trifecta, and you’ll always have work!

Without further ado, here are a few of the businesses that I really appreciate in Mexico:

The best businesses in Mexico

Copy shops-cum-internet cafes

Two women working together at a local coffee shop
From buying your last minute ‘cartulina’ for school, to printing important documents, the Mexican internet cafe format is there to save the day! (Marcus Aurelius/Pexels)

When I first came to Mexico in 2002, it was rare for people to have internet access in their homes, and home computers weren’t all that common. But instant messaging and e-mail were also all the rage, so if you wanted to use it, the internet café was the place. Per hour rates were cheap, and you could have cheap copies made and things printed, too! Nowadays the computer-use side of these businesses is no longer booming.

Thankfully for them, the copious amount of copies and printed-out documents one needs to get things done around here are keeping them in business. There’s a copy shop around the corner from where I live, and I use them at least once a month! Related to this business are places that make lonas, or those vinyl plastic signs. They can help with designs or you can take your own, and they’re relatively cheap.

Beauty services

If you like manicures, pedicures, hair and facial treatments and “reductive massages,” then you’re in luck in Mexico! Prices for these services are in accordance with the local economy, so they’ll vary from place to place. Depending on where you are, there’s quite a lot to do — or have done! In my city of Xalapa, you can practically throw a rock and hit a nail salon. There are plenty of places too to get mink lashes and even botox and similar services. Having a lot to choose from is certainly nice for customers, but the market isn’t as oversaturated as you’d think. Every places seems to have a pretty good, stable business!

Really fresh food

The polleras and workshop leaders Mayeli and Mrs. Tere accompanied by the children Tadeo, Bárbara and Matías during the summer course at the Tere Chicken Shop in Mi Mercado Agricola Oriental
People in Mexico are used to buying their chicken from local pollerías, to get a fresh meal every day. (Cuartoscuro)

If you’ve lived in a Mexican town or city, you’ve no doubt noticed all the chicken. When I first arrived, it struck me as odd and unsanitary, but now it seems unnatural to buy it refrigerated at the store.

Do not ask me about the logistics here; I really don’t know how they do it, but I’m impressed. All I know is that for the first several hours of daylight, you can find people selling chicken on the sidewalk. In my own city, they typically just have a little table, a chair and an umbrella. People arrive and buy their chicken parts for lunch, nice and fresh!

Grocery store chicken, at least around here, is considered far inferior in quality and taste.
Another thing you can get fresh? Well, just about anything: Fresh cut fruit, freshly baked bread, homemade ice cream. While freshness is considered a premium where I’m from, here it’s par for the course.

Meal delivery systems with dieticians 

Now, this is a premium service, but it deserves to be. It is not uncommon in Mexico for people to visit nutritionists to get specialized meal plans. In bigger cities, you can also find meal delivery systems attached! I’ve used these services before, and while they’re not cheap, they’re also not a great deal more than one might spend on groceries to prepare food for yourself. Since I personally hate cooking and food preparation, these have been a godsend to me. Whether you want to adjust your weight or simply hate to cook, they’re great!

Private trash and recycling pickup 

Lucero Hernández has been working as a garbage collector for 9 years and surprises the neighbors when they see her on the truck, from which she gets down quickly to collect the bags with a strong physique that has been formed by her hard work. She is a single mother and says she is proud of the work she does, regardless of having to get used to the smells, she says she enjoys working in it.
In Mexico, the garbage truck usually comes once a week to collect trash and goods that can be recycled. (Yerania Rolón/Cuartoscuro)

Trash is one of those things that you don’t really think about until you have to think about it. The most organized municipalities handle it seamlessly and predictably: It becomes as certain as the rising sun.

For the rest of us, private trash collectors fill in the blanks. For a few pesos — well, depending on how much trash you have — they’ll cart it away. What do they do with it? The answer varies from place to place. They do recycle what they can, though, so if you’re able, separate the recyclables into different bags.

Construction, gardening, painting, electricity and plumbing 

These essential services mostly fall under the “I know a guy” category. Unfortunately, they’re not always that easy to find if they’ve got no online presence. In any case, most Mexicans aren’t comfortable inviting someone into their homes without a reference. If you need any type of service done, the place to start is with your friend group. Who do they recommend? Who does good work and what were their experiences? Once you’ve got some good personal recommendations, shoot off a WhatsApp message. So fast, so simple.

These are all obviously only a fraction of some of the great businesses out there. What else would you add? Let us know in the comments!

Sarah DeVries is a writer and translator based in Xalapa, Veracruz. She can be reached through her website, sarahedevries.substack.com.

Where to go in Mexico in 2025: 7 must-see destinations

By
MND Staff
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7
A beautiful sunset in Holbox island's wooden pier.
Don't miss out on Holbox Island and these other iconic destinations in your 2025 travels through Mexico. (Corentin Largeron/Unsplash)

2025 looks like it will be a big year for Mexico. With huge investments in tourism and infrastructure, traveling the country has never been easier. With new roads and airports across the country, this could be the year that you get out and really explore what Mexico has to offer.

Here’s a range of destinations, from mountain peaks to glorious coastlines, that deserve a visit from you in 2025.

A man walking around in Coatepec's historic center in Veracruz, Mexico.
The  city of Coatepec, Veracruz, is known for its high-quality coffee. (Shutterstock)

Mountains

Xalapa, Veracruz

Xalapa is the coastal state of Veracruz’s hidden gem. The city blends history, nature, and culture into an unforgettable experience. Dubbed the “Athens of Veracruz,” this mountainous college town enchants visitors with cobblestone streets, cloud forests and the tantalizing aroma of locally grown coffee. Begin with a lechero at La Parroquia before exploring the Anthropology Museum, home to awe-inspiring Olmec artifacts like colossal stone heads.

Xalapa’s culinary delights reflect its rich heritage. Savor mole xiqueño from the nearby town of Xico, local speciality fish dish huachinango a la Veracruzana or enjoy wood-fired enchiladas at Cerro Gordo. Botanists can take a stroll through the misty Clavijero Botanical Garden or visit Coatepec, Mexico’s coffee capital.

Beyond its attractions, Xalapa’s charm lies in its people, known for their warmth and hospitality. Engage in lively conversations at Parque Juárez or the bustling Mercado Jáuregui. Xalapa invites you to savor, explore and connect, offering discovery at every turn.

The city also boasts the highest number of Mexico News Daily contributors per capita in the world, so make of that what you will.

Why it’s easy to love Xalapa like Ulysses S. Grant

Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

OK, so this one is a road trip that takes you through several destinations, ending in what might be Mexico’s most authentic city. Weave through vibrant landscapes and rich culture in a journey inspired by the annual Guelaguetza festival, a week-long adventure through Mexico’s heartland that blends history, cuisine, and breathtaking sights.

Starting in Puebla, travelers can savor mole-making in a talavera-tiled kitchen before moving to Papantla’s ruins of El Tajín (chile not included) and its lively mercado. A stop in Veracruz’s historic port reveals Caribbean charm, fresh seafood and lively danzón performances. From there, the route winds through the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere, showcasing vast cactus forests and salt flats.

There is too much to mention about Oaxaca here, of course. Highlights include the vast and historically important Monte Albán ruins, the Textile Museum, and rooftop dining overlooking the illuminated Templo de Santo Domingo.

Of all the areas in Mexico, Oaxaca is the most unapologetically itself, which has rightfully earned it a reputation as a must-visit destination. Eager road trippers might also fancy a drive down the mountain to the Pacific coastal towns of Mazunte, Zipolite and Puerto Escondido, thanks to the new highway that has dramatically cut transit times.

From Mexico City to Oaxaca: a road trip to remember

Beaches

San Carlos, Sonora

Is San Carlos Mexico’s best secret beach destination?

Tucked away on the Gulf of California, San Carlos is a hidden gem, offering serene beaches, dramatic desert landscapes and a wealth of outdoor adventures. The town is far from the bustle of La Paz or Los Cabos and charms visitors with boutique hotels, cliffside villas and unspoiled beauty. Accessible via a 90-minute drive from Hermosillo, the journey is as picturesque as the destination.

Adventure seekers can dive into “the world’s aquarium,” as Jacques Cousteau called the Gulf of California, with activities like kayaking, diving and sailing. For land lovers, hiking and biking in the region’s lunar-like terrain are equally enthralling. Don’t miss the Mirador Escénico for breathtaking views of rugged canyons and the iconic Tetakawi peak.

San Carlos’ culinary scene is a seafood lover’s paradise. From fresh aguachile at Mesa Cortez to casual delights at Tortuga’s, every meal is memorable. Whether it’s vibrant sunsets or unparalleled tranquility you come in search of, San Carlos promises an unforgettable escape.

The northern location of San Carlos means it doesn’t suffer from the overtourism of other major beachside destinations in the area, like Mazatlán and the Riviera Nayarit — so you can have a taste of what Mexican oceanside life is really all about.

Bucerías, Nayarit

If San Carlos seems a bit too isolated, consider Bucerías, Nayarit, instead. A tranquil village on the Bay of Banderas, it offers a serene alternative to the bustle of Puerto Vallarta. Cobblestone streets, vibrant bougainvillea-draped houses, and a seemingly endless beach define this charming getaway. With boutique hotels, fresh seafood, and an emerging art scene, Bucerías embodies the magic of a classic Mexican retreat without the crowds.

A perfect weekend begins at Hotel Ysuri, known for its ocean-view rooms and relaxed elegance. Visitors can dine at La Negra, a lively eatery serving seafood tacos and killer margaritas, before catching a fiery sunset on Playa Bucerías. Saturday highlights include exploring the Bucerías Art District and savoring beachfront meals at Karen’s Place, followed by paddleboarding adventures. Dinner at Mar y Sol offers unforgettable seafood with ocean views.

Bucerías, Nayarit: A perfect weekend guide

Sunday invites treasure hunting at the bustling local tianguis market, before making your way conveniently back to Puerto Vallarta’s excellently connected international airport.

Holbox, Quintana Roo

Holbox is a slice of island paradise off the Yucatán Peninsula. The car-free island boasts stunning natural beauty, eco-conscious accommodations and a vibe reminiscent of Mexico decades ago. Arriving via ferry (or even by private plane), the journey feels like a passage into a simpler, more serene world — which it most certainly is.

Stay at funky hostels like Tribu, boutique gems like Casa Cat Ba with its zero-waste ethos and sunset views or the tranquil Las Hamacas Club de Playa for luxurious privacy. Dining is equally memorable — savor innovative fusion at Parador 33 or fresh avocado toast with Caribbean sunrises.

Why Holbox is Mexico’s perfect island paradise

Holbox isn’t just for lounging though — but it is perfect for that if that’s your jam — and activities like kiteboarding, swimming with whale sharks, and long beach swims keep active travelers happy. As you ferry back to the mainland, you’ll carry the island’s peaceful charm with you, already plotting your return.

Magic Towns

The Convent Route

Yucatán’s Convent Route is a history lover’s dream, blending Maya ingenuity with colonial charm in a day trip south of Mérida. Skip the crowds at Chichén Itzá and instead explore hidden gems like Acancéh, where ancient stucco masks of the sun god Kinich Ahau and a vibrant colonial church coexist. From there, Tecoh beckons with its pyramid-perched church and nearby Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, a glimpse into the historic henequen industry that made the Yucatán what it is today.

Further south, Mayapán, the ancient Maya capital, offers quiet ruins that are ideal for (responsible) climbing and reflection. Towns like Mama, Tekit, and Chumayel provide fascinating churches, including Mama’s bell-shaped dome and Chumayel’s ties to the legendary Maya Chilam Balam texts. Finally, the Pueblo Mágico of Maní enchants with its vibrant market, honey-based goods, and the haunting history of burned Maya codices. Don’t miss Poc Chuc at El Príncipe Tutul Xiu for a delicious finale!

Take a trip down the Convent Route to see the best of Yucatán

The route, which can take place in a single day or be spread out into a vacation in its own right, provides a window into the regions Maya history that other, more developed sites have now overlooked as they are consumed with mass tourism. Littered with Magic Towns, the route also offers visitors the chance to understand how the Maya community lives in the region today and what life is like for the descendants of those who constructed such magnificent monuments.

Cuetzalan, Puebla

Nestled in the misty hills of Puebla’s Sierra Norte mountain range, the sleepy town of Cuetzalan is a mass of vibrant culture and authentic charm. Cuetzalan is home to much of the region’s outstanding artisan industry, providing the town with a wonderful character all of its own. This character is made even cozier by the cobblestone streets, cascading waterfalls and a culture as rich as its landscapes.

If exploring the many workshops, colonial architecture and alleyways of the town isn’t for you, there are hiking trails, rappelling and the chance to get up close and personal with nature, before retiring for mouth-watering local dishes and delicious cocktails made with traditional regional herbs.

How a ‘girls trip’ to Cuetzalan showed me the real Mexico

Cuetzalan’s Sunday market showcases local coffee, textiles, and ceramics, epitomizing its artistic soul. Authentic, gritty and unforgettable, Cuetzalan promises a feast for the senses and a touch of magic that the major cities of the country struggle to offer.

Chris Havler-Barrett is the features editor at Mexico News Daily.

Musical crime comedy ‘Emilia Pérez’ nominated for 10 Golden Globes

By
MND Staff
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0
The main characters of the movie "Emilia Pérez," which has been nominated for 10 Golden Globe awards
With 10 nominations, "Emilia Pérez" is the most-nominated movie in contention for the Golden Globes this year. (Emilia Pérez Film/X)

The Netflix film “Emilia Pérez” — a musical crime comedy about a Mexican drug trafficker who transitions to womanhood and starts a new life — is the most-nominated film heading into Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California.

“Emilia Pérez” received 10 nominations, including for best musical/comedy film, best non-English film and best screenplay. Audacious French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, who based the 132-minute movie on an opera libretto that he wrote, is nominated for best director.

Karla Sofia Gascón in a scene from Golden Globe-nominated Netflix film "Emilia Pérez."
Spanish actress Karla Sofia Gascón in a scene from “Emilia Pérez.” (Shanna Besson/Netflix)

The film’s other nominations are Spaniard Karla Sofia Gascón for best actress in a musical/comedy film; Americans Zoë Saldaña and Selena Gomez, each for best supporting actress; best original score; and two entries in the best original song category.

“The Brutalist,” in which an architect grapples with his past, including Holocaust trauma, received the second most nominations with seven.

“Emilia Pérez” premiered last year at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won a Jury Prize and its four lead female actresses (the three above plus Mexican Adriana Paz) received a combined best actress award. The Times of London has declared it “one of the year’s best films.”

It also served as the opening night film in the Morelia International Film Festival in October and has already accumulated 55 awards and 149 nominations from various festivals and cinematic entities around the world.

Emilia Pérez Trailer #1 (2024)

Netflix acquired its distribution rights in North America and the United Kingdom, and since Nov. 13 has been streaming the film in those regions but not in Mexico.
According to reports, the film will open Jan. 23 in theaters in Mexico, where it has received the “Cinépolis Guarantee,” assuring moviegoers of the film’s quality. This, however, has led to debate in Mexico, with some social media users criticizing both the film (see below) and Cinépolis’ decision to support it.

“Emilia Pérez” follows the journey of four women in Mexico, each in search of their own happiness. The film is primarily in Spanish, although as this trailer reveals, several scenes feature English, notably those involving Gomez and Saldaña.

Gomez, born in Grand Prairie, Texas in 1992, is an American singer and former Disney Channel star whose father’s family is from Monterrey, Nuevo León. She has spoken often about her pride in her heritage, and she regularly celebrates her Mexican roots through her work and music (and by having learned to speak Spanish).

In “Emilia Pérez,” Gomez plays Lola, an influential friend to the lead character, the former cartel leader Emilia, after she transitions to a woman. Emilia, portrayed by Gascón, faces a rocky road as she navigates her identity and challenges as a woman.

Saldaña plays a lawyer that Emilia hires to help carry out her longtime plan to fake her death and undergo gender-affirming procedures.

The film is a musical odyssey set primarily in a vibrant, pulsating Mexico City. The soundtrack has been nominated for a Golden Globe, as have the songs “Mi Camino” and “El Mal.”

Because the film mixes the musical genre with gender identity and forced disappearances in Mexico, it has been criticized by some for its lack of sensitivity in addressing such delicate issues.

A woman looks pensive, seen through a car windshield, which reflects city lights
With Spaniard Karla Sofia Gascón playing the lead role, the movie has received some criticism for not casting Mexican actors to play main characters. (Netflix)

There also has been backlash because the main characters are not portrayed by Mexicans. Casting director Carla Hool has stated that although Mexican actresses were scouted, the best options proved to be European and American — a comment that generated social media accusations of racism and lack of representation.

Gascón fueled the criticism by calling the detractors “gatos,” which translates to “cats” but in this context is an insult, probably implying that the critics lack independent thought and are acting ignorantly.

In the category for best motion picture that’s a musical or comedy, “Emilia Pérez” will be competing against the box office smash “Wicked,” the sometimes funny drama “A Real Pain,” the dark romantic comedy “Anora,” the tennis-love triangle “Challengers” and the Demi Moore movie “The Substance.”

Winners will be chosen by 334 entertainment journalists from 85 countries.

The 82nd Golden Globes will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser for the first time. Paramount+ will livestream the ceremony, which will be televised in the United States by CBS starting at 7 p.m. Mexico City time.

With reports from Infobae, El Sol de México, Russh and Reuters

U.S. teen transferred to Texas hospital after armed attack in Durango

By
MND Staff
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0
Jason Peña and his brother on vacation
U.S. teen Jason Peña, at left, is fighting for his life after being shot in the head while visiting family in Mexico. (Spotfund)

A Chicago teenager who was shot in the head while visiting family in Mexico has been transferred to a hospital in Texas, according to the U.S. State Department and family members.

Jason Peña, 14, has been in a medically induced coma since he and three other members of his family were attacked on a highway on Dec. 27 in the northwestern state of Durango. Jason is the lone survivor of the attack.

On Thursday, Jason was flown on a private plane to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston where he will receive treatment. “He is in critical condition in ICU and on life support,” his mother, Ana Cabral, said in a post on the fundraising site Spotfund.

Local authorities are investigating the attack, which has generated indignation in the Duranguense community in the Chicago area, according to the newspaper El Siglo de Durango.

A birthday celebration becomes a tragedy

Jason, his father Vicente Peña Jr. and his younger brother drove 3,000 miles from Chicago to the municipality of Santiago Papasquiaro in Durango, where they planned to celebrate Jason’s 14th birthday with family, according to Telemundo Chicago.

Family spokesperson and lawyer Julie Contreras said that two days before the birthday, Jason jumped into his father’s car as his dad, his uncle and a cousin left to buy food and drinks in Santiago Papasquiaro.

When the group had not returned after two hours, Vicente Peña Sr. — Jason’s grandfather — alerted the authorities.

Shortly thereafter, police located the vehicle, an SUV with Illinois license plates, along the Francisco Zarco Highway. All four occupants had been shot; the three adults — Vicente Jr., 38, Antonio Fernández, 44 (Vicente’s brother who flew from Chicago to join the festivities), and Jorge Eduardo Vargas, 22 — were pronounced dead at the scene.

Vicente Jr., Jason and Fernández were all U.S. citizens, Contreras said, and Jason was a student at Prairie Hills Junior High School in Markham, Illinois.

Jason was taken to a public hospital in Durango city, the state capital, but the hospital was not equipped to treat the severe brain injury. Cabral flew to Durango to be with Jason and her other son and began working to fly Jason to Houston for better care and to ensure his safety, Contreras said, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The U.S. State Department told USA Today that they had been in touch with the victims’ families and confirmed that Mexican authorities are conducting an investigation.

Contreras, through her NGO United Giving Hope, worked with the family to arrange for the private plane to carry Jason back to the U.S., while also alerting the public to a fake GoFundMe page that had been opened in Jason’s name.

The boy’s grandfather, Vicente Sr., spoke to Chicago television station WMAQ-TV in Spanish and said the shooting had wrecked their family.

“I feel very devastated because they wiped out my entire family,” he told the outlet. “It was a massacre … because my son was shot four times in the head and once in the shoulder.”

In the statement to USA Today, the U.S. State Department said “Durango, Mexico, has a Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution Travel advisory due to crime.”

The State Department lists Durango among the Mexican states with travel cautions, warning of violent crime and drug activity. Regions in western Durango, where the shooting occurred, are considered so dangerous that U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there.

With reports from El Siglo de Durango, Latinus, Chicago Tribune, Telemundo Chicago, USA Today and Fox News

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