Friday, July 4, 2025

Welcome to Mexico’s largest ecosystem

By
John Pint
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8
(John Pint)

This ecosystem is what you find if you enter Mexico through Mexicali or Ciudad Juarez. It’s the Mexico of film, song and cartoon: the hot, dry habitat of the Gila monster and the jumping cholla cactus. It’s arid — and semi-arid! — scrubland.

How is it possible that this same ecosystem is today the chosen home of thousands of Canadian and U.S. expatriates?

Baja California desert
(Tomás Castellano/CC BY-SA 2.5)

It’s not so surprising. The northern extreme of Mexico’s arid and semi-arid scrubland includes the Sonoran Desert, where a temperature of 52 C (126 F) was recorded last June. But at the southern end of the system we find Mexico’s largest lake, Chapala, on whose shores the average temperature is about 21 C (70 F), which aligns with the standard comfortable room temperature in most parts of the world.

Living in the scrubland

Few of the 20,000 expats living on the shores of Lake Chapala would describe their neighborhood as ”semi-arid scrubland,” despite what the geography books say. On the contrary, realtors in the area have long and loudly stated that Chapala has the second best climate in the world according to National Geographic.

Investigation by geographer Tony Burton, backed up by an AI search conducted by Copilot, gives the lie to this claim. If it’s any consolation, International Living lists Mexico’s climate as third-best in the world… but neglects even a mention of Lake Chapala. Let us turn instead to local resident and historian Jim Cook for a description of the climate. 

“Lake Chapala has three seasons,” Cook writes. “June through October is the rainy season, with average daily temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s F. Although we get some dramatic thunderstorms during the rainy season, nearly all the rain occurs at night.” 

“Winter begins in November and runs through March. Temperatures are a little lower, but the days are glorious, crystal clear and sunny with cool breezes, free of humidity. In late March, the ‘hot season’ begins, running from then through mid-June. The hot season is quite dry, sometimes dusty, and temperatures can rise into the low 90s. Still, it is nothing like the baking-hot summers of Texas or the thickly damp and humid heat of Louisiana.”

“Every morning,”  says Chapala resident Susan Street, “I join a friend for a stroll along the Malecón (waterfront promenade). The view of the lake is always magnificent and there are waterbirds everywhere: herons, ducks, seagulls and, of course, the magnificently beautiful American white pelicans that come all the way from Canada to spend the winter with us.”

When it comes to entertainment and cultural attractions, residents of La Ribera enjoy never-ending musical, theatrical, gastronomic, artistic and artisanal events.

Folks with an itch for travel and adventure have a range of attractions that few places in the world could surpass.

Easy access to several ecosystems

As far as natural sites are concerned, you can access several other ecosystems within a few hours, an opportunity available to very few communities around the world.

In a matter of minutes, you can head into the hills above the lake, enter the temperate forest ecosystem, and wander through silent woods of stately pine and oak trees that look suspiciously Canadian. Or they can travel 50 kilometers north into the grasslands ecosystem and spend the day picking magic mushrooms. If they feel a yen for ocean and beach, they have only to drive a few hours south to the Pacific coast and two tropical ecosystems, where they can liberate baby sea turtles, and photograph crocodiles up close and personal.

See it all from a hang-glider

Trike over salt flat

For an eye-opening look at the thorny, semi-arid terrain around Chapala, hop over to the hills at the west end of the lake to San José de los Pozos, only 17 kilometers from the water. Here you’ll find a sheer, 595-meter-high cliff, and beyond it the desert-like salt flats of Sayula.

This clifftop is one of the world’s best launch points for hang-gliding. 

“We jump,” says enthusiast Pedro Kordich, “and we soar off into the distance exactly like a hawk or a seagull, wings extended, hovering, then gently floating to a new position where a thermal lifts us higher and higher. This is our game, floating and floating, rising and descending and rising again. This is surely the very maximum for a bird; the quintessence of flying and it is effortless, it is pure freedom and it is pure joy.”

You can experience this joy by signing up at Kordich Air Sports for a tandem flight, where you and an expert are strapped to a hang glider and towed into the air by a motorized glider known as a trike. Once the cord is detached, you and your instructor are on your own.

This is the best way to see the salt flats and the semi-arid ecosystem and at the same time to experience “pura libertad,” unbounded freedom.

If you don’t feel like flying, though, there are plenty of other, less risky attractions  in the Lake Chapala area.

What to see around Lake Chapala

Lake Chapala vineyards

Rows of grapevines
Viñedos El Tejón grows a wide variety of grapes on 26 hectares of land near San Luís Soyatlán, Jalisco. (John Pint)

Viñedos El Tejón is just one of several wineries and vineyards on the south shore of Lake Chapala. Here you can taste a locally grown syrah, chardonnay or pinot noir offered to you in a ranch house by Lupita, wife of Don Serapio Ruiz, said to be known throughout Napa Valley as one of the great experts in grafting grapevines.

La Bella Cristina Mansion

(John Pint)

Also known as La Maltaraña, this old casona — with 365 doors and windows — stands at the east end of Lake Chapala, just waiting for visitors to admire its beauty and dive into its history.

The artisans around Lake Cajititlán

(John Pint)

Basalt molcajetes and sculptures, burnished pottery, horsehair and cane creations, and the finest hand-made ropes in Mexico: you can see artisans working on all of these only 13 kilometers north of Chapala.

The “flying white sheep” of Petatán

(John Pint)

Late every workday afternoon, thousands of American pelicans gather at this town at the southeast end of Lake Chapala to enjoy huge quantities of fish scraps. The sights and sounds make for a unique and unforgettable experience. Just don’t go there on Sunday, because the pelicans won’t show up! 

As you stand there taking in the sight of ten thousand lovely pelicans hovering above a gorgeous lake, please bear in mind that you really are in semi-arid scrubland— but Mexican style!

John Pint has lived near Guadalajara, Jalisco, for more than 30 years and is the author of “A Guide to West Mexico’s Guachimontones and Surrounding Area” and co-author of “Outdoors in Western Mexico.” More of his writing can be found on his website.

Korea meets Mexico in the kimchi quesadilla

By
Stephen Randall
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2
Plate of kimchi for kimchi quesadillas
Korea meets Mexico in this recipe for kimchi quesadillas. (Charles Haynes, Nate Beaty / CC SA 2.0)

Mexico has never been afraid of taking something foreign and making it better. Ask the pig. Ask shawarma. So why not kimchi? Why not throw fermented cabbage, born in Korean winters, into a hot pan with melted cheese and a tortilla, the Mexican comfort blanket? And while we’re at it, why not drop in a little anchovy to tie it all together with that quiet, briny punch for delicious kimchi quesadillas?

Let’s back up. Fish has always been part of Mexico’s cooking story. Long before missionaries and European spices arrived, coastal peoples grilled and smoked fish over open fires, folded it into masa or dried it to travel. When the Spanish arrived, they brought olive oil, garlic and wheat— and suddenly fish was being fried, stewed and served with sauces that smelled suspiciously like a monk’s dinner party.

Close up of kimchi on a plate
Korea’s kimchi offers a sharp flavor profile that stands out when paired with Mexican cuisine. (Jeremy Keith/CC 2.0)

And that’s the thing: Mexican food has always been fusion food. It’s never been static. Veracruz built entire culinary traditions around Mediterranean flavors. Baja took battered fish, a concept likely inspired by English and Asian techniques and turned it into the Baja fish taco, that glorious mess of crunch, cream, acid and spice. Mexico takes the world’s flavors and teaches them how to make new friends.

So what happens when pungent, spicy, unapologetic kimchi meets the warm, gooey embrace of a quesadilla? Magic. Fermentation has long been part of Mexico’s culinary DNA: pulque, tepache, even the tangy sourdough notes in ancient corn masa. Kimchi doesn’t clash: it thrives with Mexican ingredients. It brings a sharpness that cuts through the richness of cheese, much like pickled jalapeños have done for generations. But bolder. Louder. Kimchi is the mariachi song in the room.

Then we add anchovies. Not to make things more complicated, but to tie the story together. Mexican cooking has long used fish sauce equivalents — dried shrimp, salted fish, that fifth flavor hiding in a mole or caldo that you can’t quite name but crave endlessly. The anchovy disappears into the pan but leaves behind a savory echo. It’s the ocean’s signature on the recipe.

A kimchi quesadilla with anchovy is not fusion for fusion’s sake. It’s a reminder that borders are drawn on maps, not on dinner plates. It’s comfort food for a world that’s constantly colliding, changing, and remixing itself. It’s salty, spicy, cheesy, tangy — a bite that feels both ancient and brand-new.

The only way a tortilla could be more Mexican is if it was filled with grilled cheese…wait a minute. (Unsplash)

And if anyone asks, “Is that authentic?” just smile. Authenticity is a story we tell ourselves to feel safe. Deliciousness, on the other hand, is real. It’s hot, messy, dripping down your fingers, and making you reach for another bite.

In the end, Mexico’s culinary genius has always been this: take what the world gives you, love it, change it, make it better. Kimchi and cheese, meet tortilla and anchovy. Now sit down, eat and let me know what you think in the comments.

Kimchi quesadillas with anchovy 

Ingredients

  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • ½ cup mozzarella, grated
  • 1 cup well-fermented kimchi, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp gochujang (optional but recommended)
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced
  • Butter or neutral oil for frying
  • Optional garnish: sesame seeds, extra scallions, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Make the flavor base: Heat a small pan over medium heat, add a splash of oil, the minced garlic, and the chopped anchovies. Stir until the anchovies dissolve into the garlic, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped kimchi, sesame oil and gochujang. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until it smells so good you consider eating it straight from the pan. Turn off the heat and set aside.
  2. Assemble: Lay out one tortilla. Sprinkle half the cheese, spread the warm kimchi-anchovy mixture evenly on top, then scatter the scallions. Add the rest of the cheese and top with the second tortilla.
  3. Cook: Heat a pan over medium heat, add a little butter or oil. Slide in the quesadilla and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp and the cheese is melting out the sides.
  4. Slice and serve: Transfer to a cutting board, slice into wedges, sprinkle with sesame seeds, maybe a squeeze of lime, and more scallions if you’re feeling fancy.

Stephen Randall has lived in Mexico since 2018 by way of Kentucky, and before that, Germany. He’s an enthusiastic amateur chef who takes inspiration from many different cuisines, with favorites including Mexican and Mediterranean.

Retaliatory tariffs are still on the table, says Sheinbaum: Tuesday’s mañanera recapped

By
MND Staff
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9
Sheinbaum mañanera March 25
The April 2 U.S. tariffs and the federal government's response to the "extermination camp" in Jalisco were the main topics of the president's Tuesday morning press conference. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)

Many Mexicans are currently in a state of collective suspense.

Will the United States impose additional tariffs on imports from Mexico next week? How will Mexico respond if it does?

How many people were killed at the property in Jalisco that has been described as a cartel “extermination camp”? Who were the victims? What really happened at the now infamous ranch?

These questions are at the center of Mexico’s current national conversation.

Sheinbaum March 25, 2025
Time is once again ticking on President Trump’s tariff clock. Will Mexico avoid the threatened 25% tax a third time? (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)

At President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Tuesday morning press conference, they were once again a central focus of the dialogue between officials and reporters. But the questions remain.

Mexico could announce retaliatory tariffs on April 3 

Sheinbaum told reporters that her government will wait until April 2 before deciding whether it will retaliate against U.S. protectionism.

The Trump administration is planning to impose at least some reciprocal tariffs on imports from United States’ trading partners on April 2. The U.S. government has already imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports and 25% duties on goods from Mexico and Canada not covered by the USMCA free trade pact. It remains to be seen whether the United States will intensify the assault on its largest trade partner.

Sheinbaum said that in meetings with the United States government, Mexican officials are “providing all the information” about the impact that additional tariffs on Mexican goods would have on both the U.S. and Mexico.

“There is a lot of communication between [Economy] Minister [Marcelo] Ebrard and [Commerce] Secretary [Howard] Lutnick. They are in permanent communication,” she said.

Ebrard has previously asserted that blanket tariffs on Mexican goods would cause significant job losses in the United States and increase prices for American consumers. The Mexican economy would go into recession if blanket tariffs on Mexican exports to the U.S. were maintained for an extended period of time, according to some economists.

Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that she will announce measures against United States imports on April 3 if need be.

“According to what they present on April 2, we would announce measures, if that’s the case, on April 3,” she said.

Sheinbaum has repeatedly stated that her government has a plan B in the case that the U.S. enacts 25% tariffs on Mexico’s exports. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)

On numerous occasions, Sheinbaum has expressed confidence that Mexico will avoid retaliatory tariffs on its exports to the United States as Mexico doesn’t impose duties on the majority of imports from the U.S. That may well be the case, but President Donald Trump is not known for being predictable, and has already shown he is willing to use tariffs to pressure Mexico to do more to stem the flow of drugs and migrants to the United States.

For her part, Sheinbaum has repeatedly stressed that Mexico, the United States and Canada should respect the free trade rules established by the USMCA in order to maintain North America’s capacity to effectively compete with other regions of the world.

Cartel ranch in Jalisco now under federal control 

Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero told reporters that “federal authorities” are now in control of the ranch in Teuchitlán, Jalisco, where the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) trained recruits and possibly killed and/or cremated a large number of people.

Sheinbaum confirmed 11 days ago that the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) would take over the Teuchitlán case, but she said on Monday that the property was still in the “custody” of the Jalisco Attorney General’s Office.

Gertz said Tuesday that FGR forensic experts are now entering the property “to determine the reality about what is there.”

On Monday, federal Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said that authorities had confirmed that the CJNG trained recruits at the Izaguirre Ranch, but asserted that the presence of human remains on the property has not been definitively established.

He noted that the FGR has been tasked with carrying out an investigation into the property and the illicit activities that allegedly took place there, but stressed that the government itself currently has no evidence that the ranch was an “extermination camp,” as it has been described in numerous media reports.

On Tuesday, a reporter asked Gertz whether the FGR would allow journalists to visit the property, as the Jalisco Attorney General’s Office did last week.

Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero
Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero said on Tuesday that federal forensic experts are at the site of the mass grave in Jalisco “to determine the reality about what is there.” (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)

“First let us take possession [of the ranch], we’re doing that at the moment. Our federal forces are going in at the moment, our experts are going in, they’re taking possession of the property,” the attorney general said.

“And we’re going to be reporting everything that is necessary every day,” Gertz said before indicating that journalists could be allowed to visit the site again as long as their presence “doesn’t hinder our work.”

Asked whether he was planning to visit the ranch himself, the attorney general responded:

“Those who have to be there are the [forensic] experts. I can’t replace the role of experts. I have the responsibility of an institution. And the experts have to give me an account of everything they find and I have the obligation to make it known to everyone. That’s my work.”

By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies ([email protected])

Rekindled Fyre Festival now says it will be held in Playa del Carmen

By
MND Staff
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2
Playa del Carmen
Tickets to the event start at US $1,400 for general access and go all the way up to 1.1 million. (Sergio Sala/Unsplash)

A March 21 post on Fyre Festival’s official social media account says that the second edition of the musical festival is moving to Playa del Carmen following a February announcement that it would take place in Isla Mujeres.

Fyre Festival, a fraudulent, disastrous music festival held in 2017, saw its creator Billy MacFarland face criminal charges in the United States after pleading guilty to charges of wire fraud, bank fraud and making false statements to federal officials. After spending four years in prison, he’s now attempting a second edition of the festival dubbed Fyre Festival 2.

The latest announcement changing the venue’s location was met with skeptical comments from social media users like: “How is this dude even legally allowed to try this again? Lol,” and “Does this guy not know how to plan? Situate location first. Then plan from there.” 

Responding to the negative reaction to the event, MacFarland, 33, said in a video on Twitter early in March that “Fyre 2 is real,” claiming that he has contracts with partners that include a production company in Mexico, yachts, hotels and more. 

According to its official Instagram page, Fyre Festival 2 is set to happen from May 30 to June 2. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, in Playa del Carmen, to share further details of the event. 

“This press conference marks a major milestone in bringing Fyre 2 Festival 2 to life as an intimate, curated event, bringing together the best of music, arts, community, and adventure in the heart of the Riviera Maya,” the statement says. Despite the announcement, details about the musical lineup remain scarce, leaving fans and skeptics wondering who might perform at the festival. 

Tickets to the event start at US $1,400 for general access. VIP access can be purchased for $5,000, which in addition to the general access package, includes a shuttle service from a selection of local hotels. 

For $25,000, fans can get backstage access to the “Water Stage, Pitside access to the Fight Pit, a curated itinerary of FYRE experiences, transportation throughout the weekend, accommodation for two nights amongst the artists and performers, concierge, and more,” according to the organizers. 

As if those packages weren’t enticing enough, the festival’s site advertises a ticket priced at $1.1 million dubbed the “Prometheus God of Fyre” ticket, which includes the aforementioned “Artists” package plus access to the Prometheus Marina and accommodation in any of the following alternatives: the Marina four-stateroom yacht, a four-bedroom villa provided by the Nemesis Group or a three-bedroom Presidential Suite at the Chablé Maroma, for three nights.

Neither Chablé Maroma nor Nemesis Group have confirmed this collaboration. 

Tourists stroll near beach at Playa del Carmen
The Playa del Carmen municipal government has not yet released a statement regarding Fyre Festival 2. (Dennis Sylvester Hurd/wikicommons)

The original Fyre Festival, which sold day passes ranging from $500 to $1,500, and VIP packages including airfare and accommodation for $12,000, was scheduled to take place in April 2017 in the Bahamas. When attendees arrived at the venue, they found flimsy camping tents instead of luxury villas and cheap food including a now-infamous cheese sandwich that was served along with some lettuce in a styrofoam container.

It remains to be seen how Fyre Festival 2 unfolds, and if MacFarland has regained the public’s trust.

Mexico News Daily

Security minister: Crime cell arrests reduced Guanajuato homicides by 45%

By
MND Staff
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0
Guanajuato, known to have the highest homicide rate in Mexico, had its least violent week of 2025 last week
Guanajuato, known to have the highest homicide rate in Mexico, had its least violent week of 2025 last week, according to government data shared on Tuesday. (Diego Costa/Cuartoscuro)

The Bajío region state of Guanajuato has been Mexico’s most violent state in recent years in terms of total homicides.

But the state’s daily murder rate declined sharply last week, according to preliminary government statistics, allowing Guanajuato to shake off that unenviable title, at least for a brief period of time.

Security Minister Omar García Harfuch
Security Minister Omar García Harfuch told reporters on Tuesday that the drastic reduction in homicides was “an immediate result” of high-impact arrests made last week. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)

Federal Security Minister Omar García Harfuch attributed the almost 45% week-over-week decline in homicides to the arrest last Tuesday of nine people he said were “members of a crime cell linked to a group dedicated to kidnapping, fuel theft, drug sales, armed attacks and principally homicides in the state of Guanajuato.”

At President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference on Tuesday, García presented data that showed there was an average of seven homicides per day in Guanajuato between March 17 and 23, a 44.9% reduction compared to the 12.7 murders per day recorded in the state between March 10 and 16.

Guanajuato thus had its least violent week of 2025 last week, according to the data displayed by the security minister. The most violent week of the year to date in Guanajuato was between March 3 and 9, when there was an average of 15.6 homicides per day.

García told reporters that “as an immediate result” of the arrests last Tuesday “Guanajuato has not been in first place in homicide numbers for six days.”

However, data presented earlier in the press conference showed that Guanajuato has been the most violent state so far this month with almost 300 homicides between March 1 and 24.

Crime cell leader ‘Alfa 1’ among the 9 suspects detained

García reported that federal security forces including the army and the navy carried out “six simultaneous” operations on March 18 that resulted in the arrest of nine people in Querétaro, Guanajuato and Yucatán.

As noted above, the security minister said that the nine suspects were members of a crime cell linked to a larger organized crime group that operates in Guanajuato.

The larger group he was referring to is reportedly an alliance between the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel and the Gulf Cartel, which are believed to have joined forces in a fight against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Guanajuato. The Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel has been fighting the CJNG in Guanajuato for years.

García highlighted that José Francisco Contreras Gómez — who allegedly headed up the Los Escorpiones cell of the Gulf Cartel — was among those detained last Tuesday.

He said that Contreras, known as “Alfa 1,” is “responsible” for the attack on the Cantaritos Bar in Querétaro that claimed the lives of 10 people last November.

“In addition, he was in charge of ordering attacks on rival groups and also against authorities,” García said.

Contreras was arrested in Querétaro along with his partner, Sandra León Moreno, nicknamed “La Patrona” (The Boss).

García said that the arrest of Contreras was of “great importance because he was one of the main generators of violence in the region.”

“As we’ve said on other occasions, we’re convinced that in order to reduce the crime rate we have to detain those who commit crimes and this is proof of that,” he said.

García also highlighted that a man identified only as José Remedios “N” was among the nine people detained in last week’s simultaneous operations.

He described José Remedios as a “homicide leader of a criminal cell” and said he has been “identified by the National Intelligence Center as one of the main generators of violence in the region of Guanajuato and Querétaro.”

A graph of March 2025 homicide figures in Mexico
Though Guanajuato saw fewer homicides last week, the state is still the most violent in the country, registering 278 homicides from March 1-24. Following Guanajuato are México state, Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Sonora. (SSNSP/X)

The suspect, also reportedly a member of Los Escorpiones, was detained in the state of Yucatán.

García said that on the instructions of Sheinbaum, he and Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo would travel to Guanajuato later in the day to meet with the state governor and her team in order to “monitor the actions that are continuing to reduce high-impact crimes in the entity.”

Almost 1 in 5 homicides this month occurred in Guanajuato 

Data presented earlier in Sheinbaum’s press conference by the head of the National Public Security System (SNSP) showed that there were 278 homicides in Guanajuato between March 1 and 24 for an average of 11.6 per day. That figure is more than double the number of homicides in México state, which ranks as Mexico’s second most violent state so far this month.

SNSP chief Marcela Figueroa highlighted that more than 17% of all homicides in Mexico so far this month occurred in Guanajuato. There were 1,619 homicides across the country in the first 24 days of March, according to the data she presented. An average of 67.46 murders were reported per day in the first 24 days of the month, a 22.4% decline compared to the daily average in September, the last month of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s six-year term.

In Guanajuato, most of the violence is concentrated in a relatively small number of municipalities including Salvatierra, Celaya and Salamanca. The aforesaid turf war between the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel and the CJNG is the main driver of the violence.

Mexico’s most violent states this month 

According to the preliminary data presented by Figueroa, the 10 most violent states in Mexico in terms of total homicides so far this month are as follows:

  • Guanajuato: 278 homicides accounting for 17.2% of all homicides in Mexico this month.
  • México state: 126 homicides (7.8% of total)
  • Chihuahua: 109 homicides (6.7% of total)
  • Baja California: 99 homicides (6.1% of total)
  • Sinaloa: 95 homicides (5.9% of total)
  • Sonora: 90 homicides (5.6% of total)
  • Michoacán: 78 homicides (4.8% of total)
  • Nuevo León: 71 homicides (4.4% of total)
  • Jalisco: 70 homicides (4.3% of total)
  • Mexico City: 65 homicides (4% of total)

With reports from Reforma, EFE and Milenio

Mr. Worldwide? Farmacias Similares launches Dr. Simi brand in the US

By
MND Staff
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8
Dr. Simi US opened in Austin, Texas on March 24
Initial expansion plans for Dr. Simi US will focus on California and Texas, but the company expects to eventually open offices in the states of New York, Illinois, Arizona and Florida. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)

The drug store chain Farmacias Similares and its iconic mascot Dr. Simi are closer to gaining a foothold in the United States after nearly two decades of trying to expand the pharmacy north of the border.

On Monday, the company inaugurated its new office in downtown Austin, the Texas state capital, only 500 meters south of the state capitol building. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dr. Simi USA (@drsimiusa)

Director Víctor González Herrera presided over the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony, describing the event as “the perfect moment” to enter the U.S. market. The site features two offices, a board room and a meditation room.

“The first attempt was over 20 years ago with my father; years later, we made another attempt, but fate didn’t allow it to flourish. Today is the perfect moment for Dr. Simi to arrive not only as a commercial enterprise but also to extend its mission of support and assistance to this great nation,” González said.

The Austin operations center — to be known as Dr. Simi US — will provide non-prescription generic drugs and health supplements, and, via an alliance with CVS Pharmacy, will also supply products via e-commerce using platforms such as Amazon.

Initial expansion plans for Dr. Simi US will focus on California and Texas, but the company expects to eventually open offices in the states of New York, Illinois, Arizona and Florida. 

“Our strategic plan is based on reaching cities where 70% of Latinos live,” said Ramón Soler, the director of Dr. Simi US.

Beyond its basic commercial goals, González said the company’s mission “will emphasize the social commitment that characterizes the Farmacias Similares brand” within a long-term vision that includes participation in cultural and sporting events such as the 2026 World Cup which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Salwa Yordi Echtay (@farandulatexas)

Farmacias Similares officials say they are confident Dr. Simi US will find its niche despite the ongoing controversy over tariffs.

On April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce his latest round of tariffs although Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is hopeful that Mexico will be excluded.

The company was encouraged by the inroads it made into California via its non-profit, charitable organization Fundación del Dr. Simi during January’s tragic fires in Los Angeles. The foundation provides help for those in need in areas such as health, nutrition, education and sports.

With reports from Milenio and Merca 2.0

CFE restores power after blackouts hit Riviera Maya

By
MND Staff
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0
Power outage
Power outages affected seven of Quintana Roo's 11 municipalities on Monday evening. (Enrique Bancalari/Unsplash)

The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) restored power in the southeastern Yucatán Peninsula on Tuesday morning after several power outages were reported across the state of Quintana Roo.  

The blackouts, which began at 6 p.m. on Monday, affected seven of the 11 municipalities in Quintana Roo, including the tourist destinations Tulum, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Bacalar and Puerto Morelos.

In Cancún, the power outage primarily affected the northwest corner of the city. Residents in the neighboring states of Campeche and Tabasco also reported several hours of power outages on social media.  

CFE reported that the blackouts were due to the poor quality of natural gas caused by high humidity levels in the Mayakán gas pipeline that runs from southern Tabasco to Valladolid, Yucatán.

The commission said in a statement that because of the poor gas quality, generating plants were forced to switch to alternative fuels.  

“To mitigate the impacts during this period of irregular supply, the Generation Subdirectorate, in coordination with the subsidiary CFEnergía and the National Energy Control Center (Cenace), made the decision to implement scheduled power outages for periods of time (rotating outages) to minimize the impact on users,” the bulletin stated. 

CFE reported that power was restored to 47% of those affected in Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and Yucatán by 9 p.m. on Monday. 

Following major power disruptions during the summer months of 2024, the CFE recently announced it would invest approximately US $12 million in the installation of new capacitor banks across Quintana Roo and a three-phase transformer in Playa del Carmen.

The investments are expected to improve the state electrical system’s efficiency when hot weather creates excessive demand.

With reports from Milenio, Animal Politico and Infobae

Residents of Chiapas approve controversial highway linking San Cristóbal with Palenque

By
MND Staff
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2
People walking along a highway in Chiapas, Mexico
The highway project — dubbed The Route of the Maya Cultures — was originally presented by the federal government in 2001. (Damián Sánchez/Cuartoscuro)

A controversial highway in Chiapas whose construction has been delayed for nearly 20 years has received the go-ahead after residents of five municipalities approved the project via a nonbinding referendum, the state governor announced.

On Monday morning, Governor Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar announced the results in a social media post, saying “The highway is ours! The Route of the Maya Cultures has been approved by the people!” 

A public consultation held in Chiapas about a new highway project from San Cristóbal to Palenque
Nearly 40,000 residents of the municipalities of Palenque, Ocosingo, Chilón, Salto de Agua and Tumbalá voted in favor of the highway between San Cristóbal and Palenque, Chiapas. (@ramirezlalo_/X)

Ramírez thanked the public for their participation during “an exemplary day of voting” on Sunday, adding that the highway was approved with 39,321 votes in favor and only 919 against.

The highway will connect the former state capital, San Cristóbal de las Casas, with the town of Palenque, known as the gateway to ancient Mayan ruins. Palenque, founded in 1567 and populated primarily by Indigenous Maya communities, is also the home of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024).

Residents of the municipalities of Palenque, Ocosingo, Chilón, Salto de Agua and Tumbalá took part in a public consultation organized by the state government. Approval was sought only for the section of the highway between Palenque and Ocosingo. 

State officials said that ballots were provided in Spanish, as well as in the Indigenous languages of tzeltal and chol so as to “promote the full participation of all those who wish to make their voices heard.”

As stipulated by Mexico’s constitution, public consultations are required any time the government plans to take legislative or administrative measures affecting the country’s Indigenous groups and their land. 

The new highway would replace Highway 199 which originates in the central highlands and traverses the jungle in the northeast part of the state. Ocosingo is only 68 kilometers south of Palenque, but Highway 199 winds its way through the jungle for 119 kilometers to reach Palenque.

The old highway also connects Ocosingo to San Cristóbal de las Casas to the southwest, but it takes roughly two and a half hours to drive the 95 kilometers.

Opponents of Chiapas highway project decry destruction of land, culture

Since the project was first presented nearly two decades ago, successive state and federal governments have defended the highway by saying it would provide economic benefits to the poorest parts of the state.

Protestors against Chiapas Highway project hold sign
The highway project has faced opposition for nearly two decades. (Isabel Mateos/Cuartoscuro)

“We are fully committed to the people of Chiapas,” Governor Ramírez said in February. “We want to improve connectivity and, at the same time, help those who most need help, especially those who are most vulnerable.”

Ahead of Sunday’s public consultation, Ramírez added that the highway would remain in public hands and that there would be no private concessions granted.

Critics of the long-delayed highway proposal argue that construction will destroy the environment and strip local residents of their land and its resources. They also claim that residents have not been fully informed about the proposal and its consequences.

Last month, the regional organization Movement in Defense of Life and Land (Modevite), which has been campaigning against the project for 12 years, published a letter it had submitted to the state government in which it described the project as another example of “colonialism and racism that favors transnational interests, extractivism, drug cartels and the government.”

Modevite said that while it was not opposed to the concept of progress, “we are against the violation of our rights; [we are] against imposition and authoritarianism that benefits the few in and harms the land that has been the source of life for our peoples.”

In contrast, the Ocosingo-based bus company Grupo Único Cotaco, voiced support for the highway project, calling it “an important step toward modernization and regional development” that would boost tourism and benefit the local economy.

With reports from La Jornada, Quadratín Chiapas, Proceso and Diario de Chiapas

Everything you need to know about Mexican signals and hand gestures

By
Sarah DeVries
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14
Black and white photo of a man waving
Wave, wag, write and more with our guide to Mexican gestures and when (or when not) to use them. (Usman Yousaf/Unsplash)

Ever had someone in Mexico give you the stink eye and you didn’t know why? 

Were you pointing in a really obvious way?

A hand with green fingernails pointing right
Don’t point! (Artem Beliakin/Unsplash)

Hand signals and gestures are one of those things that take a while to learn. I’d throw graphic symbols into this category, too. My first year here, for example, I just did not understand the political billboards. They seemed to be saying “Vote Green Party,” but then they’d have a giant “X” over the Green Party candidate’s name.

“So… do you want us to vote for them or not?” Crossing their names out felt like defacing their pictures. “Support them, but don’t vote for them?”

It turns out that an “X” is how you make a selection on ballots. “Oooooh, okay! Well that makes more sense then, I guess.”

But back to the pointing. Did you know it’s rude here? “What am I supposed to do besides point?” you may ask. My friend, I do not know. Describe it, I guess. Or describe them, especially if it’s a “them.” Pointing at a person is especially rude.

What are some other common hand gestures you’ll want to know? This is a perennial topic if you ask me, something that should always be stacked near the top of recent articles. This is not the first one that Mexico News Daily has published, but that’s okay — this is exactly the kind of thing it’s good to hear from perspectives on.

So let’s dive in! But first, a kind of sad caveat: like cursing and whistling, lots of these gestures are things that primarily men do. There’s no official prohibition against women doing them, of course, but it’s considered, well, unladylike.

This is not something that concerns me greatly on a personal level. Also, it’s very useful in a loud place like Mexico — not everyone can hear every word perfectly! Anyway, if the “ladylike” thing is for you, I wanted to give you a heads up!

Here are the hand gestures that I personally use the most in Mexico:

A wagging finger

Really, it’s just sticking out your arm and wagging your index finger back and forth. I feel like a grouchy señora admitting that this is one of my most-used gestures here. I may be a little bitchy sometimes, but hey — at least I’m honest! This is especially useful when you need to vehemently refuse a service, like when dudes want to clean your windshield at an intersection. They’ll start but just keep at it; they’ll give up eventually and move on.

And careful with making this gesture a habit. Once I used it on my mom to say no when I was chewing and swallowing food, and she was not happy. “Don’t you wag your finger at me!” Whoops! Needless to say, it’s not as rude here as it might be in other places.

The “redrum” gesture from The Shining

This is the best way I can think of to describe this gesture, and oh, how it confused me when I first saw it! The Mexican exchange students at my college would do it, and I’d just think, “What the hell are they doing?”

I finally asked one day and realized it’s just a little symbol to say “yes,” as if your finger were nodding. “Ooooooh!” This is also very handy if you’re chewing and/or swallowing: not moving your neck all over the place as your food chooses between the oesophagus and the nearby airways is important!

A hand held up, palm facing you, with a slight bow of the head

(Sarah DeVries)

If you’re not expecting this one, it can be easy to interpret as downright offensive. But it’s not, I promise! This is the Mexican symbol for “thank you,” and it’s perfect for communicating your gratefulness at a distance. I use it quite a bit, for example, when cars stop to let me to cross the street. If you ask me, it’s always a good idea to let even strangers know that you appreciate them!

Shaking your hand as if you’re trying to fling water from it, but a little slower

This is often accompanied by a hissing sound, as in, “ooooh, you’re in troubleeeee!” You might see children do it, for example, if a student talks back to a teacher. “Things just got real, y’all.” It’s very useful, too, when someone is telling you a scandalous story, and they get to the part of heightened confrontation. “I can’t believe that just happened!” could be another good interpretation.

Finally, you use this gesture when you yourself have made a mistake. It’s a way of acknowledging a moment that says, “Whoops! Sorry, I didn’t realize!” or “That was an accident, I am so sorry!” Since I’m kind of clumsy, I use it more than you might think.

Slapping hands together vertically, with one sliding up and the other down 

This means “let’s go!” I use it a lot for emphasis, especially with children, who just always seem to take forever at anything. I am convinced, in fact, that if zombies were sprinting toward my house and our salvation depended on my kid getting her shoes on quickly, we’d be zombies very, very quickly.

Pretending to write a note in the air

Remember that at restaurants, you will pretty much never have a bill spontaneously brought to the table. Why? Because it’s bad manners: the waiter is not trying to rush you out! This means that when you’re ready to go, you need to ask for the check. Many restaurants have thin margins and not a lot of staff, which means you’ll often need to flag someone down — especially if you’ve basically finished your meal. To do this, just catch someone’s eye and make that scribbling gesture. They’ll get the message right away and get the bill to you!

We’ll stop here. It’s not a complete list, of course, but it is a list of the ones I actually use. If you’re new, I’d recommend watching others use them first, because, well — you don’t know what you don’t know, and I might have missed an important detail, which is always possible.

But soon, you’ll have mastered “Mexican sign language” along with the best of them!

Good luck!

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

These Mexican food influencers will improve your Spanish — and your cooking!

By
MND Staff
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0
Roberto Morales and Rosalía prepare tortilla together
Hablar some español while you cocinas some Mexican comida alongside these influencer pros. (Roberto Morales/Instagram)

When learning a second language, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the vocabulary related to one of life’s basic activities — cooking. 

To assist you in your journey to improve your Spanish — and perhaps discover new recipes along the way — we’ve compiled a list of our current favorite Mexican food influencers. Following these folks’ accounts will help you practice listening to everyday Spanish in the context of cooking while solving one of life’s biggest questions: What am I cooking today? 

Here are seven Mexican food influencers you should follow:

A La Cocina con Jacobina (To the Kitchen with Jacobina)

CÓMO HACER LENTEJAS CON TORTAS DE CAMARÓN

If you don’t have a Mexican abuelita, Jacobina will make you feel like you do. 

Addressing her audience as “mis hijos” (my children) and sharing everything from traditional Mexican recipes to housekeeping tips, Jacobina has amassed an audience of over 4.5 million followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. With no fancy utensils or modern appliances, Jacobina’s kitchen resembles that of an average Mexican household. 

Some of her most popular videos include “How to Make the Perfect Rice?” “How To Make Entomatadas,” and “Chicken a la Coca Cola.” 

Mandoka

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Mandoka | Recetas (@mandoka__)

With an aesthetic inspired by a Renaissance style, Mandoka shares more than just recipes; her account aims to inspire others to indulge in culinary pleasures. 

The account, which has amassed over 4 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, takes her followers on an auditory and visual journey through food. Each recipe is accompanied by a video in which María Paola narrates a creative story in Spanish, featuring a dish or an ingredient as the protagonist.

From exquisite fruit desserts to pastas and Mexican delicacies, Mandoka invites her followers to approach cooking with a dash of romance.

Robe Grill

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Roberto Morales (@robegrill)

At just 21 years old, the founder of Robe Grill, Roberto Morales, has featured on his social media accounts international celebrities like actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, ex-Formula 1 racer Sergio “Checo” Pérez and singers Olivia Rodrigo and Rosalía, to name a few. 

Robe Grill stands out in social media for his delicious recipes a la parrilla (on the grill), amassing over 19 million followers across TikTok and Instagram.

His recipes feature a variety of dishes, mainly involving meat and seafood. The lively phrase “¡Que chille!” (Make it cry!) — which he exclaims after he has placed a piece of meat on the grill — has become his signature expression. He has also popularized giving a “nalgadita” (spanking) to the meat before cooking it, a distinctive gesture that originates from his hometown of Hermosillo, Sonora.

Mesa Sana 

Mesa Sana - Chorizo de Soya

Mesa Sana, which translates as Healthy Table, features recipes for everyday life but with an original twist. Using everything from soups to salads to desserts, founders and sisters Andrea and Pamela Berrondo have amassed an audience of close to 1 million followers.   

With their slogan “Stop thinking what you’ll cook for lunch – we’ll tell you!” some of their most popular recipes include salpicón de pollo, salpicón de pescado and beef aguachile.

The Berrondo sisters have also launched a cookbook and a weekly calendar of meals available at their website.

Homemade Always

Belinda González, a Mexican American woman and founder of the account Homemade Always, will conquer your heart with the home style Mexican dishes she cooks from her terrace in Los Angeles. Unlike the other accounts, she doesn’t talk during the video. Instead, you’ll listen to the cooking noises with Mexican music in the background.  

Her most popular recipes have reached over 15 million views, including her chilaquiles rellenos, flautas and caldo de camarón (shrimp broth). In addition to Mexican dishes, Belinda has combined her Mexican roots with U.S. food culture to develop original recipes such as pumpkin atole and horchata-flavored iced coffe. 

Cocinero en proceso (A Cook in Progress)

¿SIN IDEAS PARA LA COMIDA? ¡Estas 3 Recetas serán tu SALVACIÓN! | El cocinero en Proceso #RECETAS

Erik Domínguez’s account has amassed over 5 million followers across Instagram and TikTok. His videos show him cooking from a traditional Mexican kitchen, using big clay pots over a wood fire.

He always explains the procedures and ingredients he uses step by step, making him the perfect teacher to improve your Spanish. 

His dishes and authentic Mexican recipes have taken him to the Max channel as part of a segment called “Chismecito Literario” (Literary Gossip), promoting HBO’s new series Como Agua Para Chocolate, based on the bestselling 1989 Mexican novel of the same name.

Cola de Gallo (Rooster Tail)

Moving on from food into drinks, this influencer Cola de Gallo will show you how to prepare original drinks with Mexican spirits and beyond. Using unusual ingredients like candy canes, marshmallows and corn milk, his cocktail recipes vary according to the season. 

Some of his most popular cocktails include watermelon mojitos, mezcal shots with strawberries and chamoy and a coffee-based cocktail, the carajillo, done with pumpkin spice flavoring. As part of his cocktails content, Cola de Gallo’s channel also features appetizer recipes.

The man behind Cola de Gallo, whose name remains unknown to date, also offers mixology workshops online.

Gabriela Solis is a Mexican lawyer turned full-time writer. She was born and raised in Guadalajara and covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her lifestyle blog Dunas y Palmeras.

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