Tulum Security Minister José Roberto Rodríguez Bautista was shot on March 21 and died the next day. (Cuartoscuro)
The security minister in the Caribbean coast resort town of Tulum died in the hospital on Saturday after he was shot on Friday night, state authorities said.
José Roberto Rodríguez Bautista, a navy captain turned police chief, was shot in the La Veleta neighborhood of Tulum and transferred to a hospital in serious condition, the Quintana Roo Attorney General’s Office (FGE) said in a statement on Saturday morning.
The crime occurred in the neighborhood of La Veleta, Tulum at around 8:30 p.m. on Friday. (Cuartoscuro)
“Despite the efforts to save him, he lost his life hours later,” the FGE said.
An alleged member of a criminal group “dedicated to the sale of drugs” was killed at the location where the police chief and his bodyguard came under attack, authorities said.
According to the Quintana Roo Security Ministry (SSC), Rodríguez and his bodyguard were attacked at around 8:30 p.m. Friday by two men on a motorbike. The security minister and his bodyguard — who were reportedly in an official vehicle — returned fire and killed one of the assailants, the SSC said.
The bodyguard, who was not identified, was wounded and taken to hospital.
The FGE said it had opened an investigation into the events that led to the “regrettable death” of Rodríguez, who had been the security minister in Tulum for around six months. The second assailant fled the scene, evading arrest.
Citing preliminary information from federal sources, the newspaper Reforma reported that the crime group that carried out the attack on Rodríguez has links to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG.
The resort town is also known as a party destination and high-end hippy hub where illicit drugs are widely available. Violence in Tulum has become increasingly common in recent years, and foreign tourists have been among those killed in the town.
Despite its popularity as a tourism destination, Tulum has a high homicide rate of 107.3 homicides per 100,000 residents. (Flickr)
The town is located about 130 kilometers south of Cancún. The Tulum airport opened in late 2023, giving air passengers direct access to the tourism destination.
Governor pledges to hold culprits to account
In written remarks above a video message posted to social media, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama pledged to “apply the full weight of the law against those responsible for the cowardly attack” on Rodríguez.
“There will be no impunity,” she wrote.
In the video message, Lezama recognized “the work carried out by the minister” as well as his “commitment” and “dedication.”
“His results are clear. I vigorously and categorically reject this and any act of violence. None should go unpunished,” she said.
“My commitment as governor is unshakeable. They will not divert us from our resolve to guarantee the security and tranquility that all Quintana Roo residents deserve,” Lezama said.
“… Not one backward step in the fight for the tranquility and well-being of our people. I reaffirm that we won’t rest until the culprits of these acts are taken before justice and the full weight of the law is applied. The peace and security of the people of Quintana Roo is and will continue being our priority,” she said.
Before the penalty call in minute 90, the Mexico-Panama match-up on Sunday night seemed headed for overtime. (Selección Nacional Mexicana/Facebook)
Raúl Jiménez scored from the penalty spot in minute 90 to give Mexico a 2-1 victory over Panama, earning El Tri its first Concacaf Nations League (CNL) title at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday night.
The victory sealed a sweet 16-match streak for Mexico, which had previously made it to the Concacaf final in 2020 and 2024 before losing to the United States.
Mexico was awarded the penalty when Panama defender José Córdoba inexplicably stuck out his arm to block a long centering pass by Luis Chávez near the end line. What made Córdoba’s misdeed even more egregious is that the ball appeared to be headed out of bounds.
With the game on the line, Jiménez stutter-stepped toward the ball and coolly deposited it into the back of the net as goalie Orlando Mosquera guessed wrong, diving in the opposite direction.
The goal — his second of the game — was the 39th in Jiménez’s El Tri career, moving him into third place on Mexico’s all-time scoring list.
Before the penalty call, the game seemed headed for overtime.
Panama controlled the first half, dominating possession and testing El Tri netminder Luis Malagón who made three sparkling saves to protect the lead Jiménez had provided in minute 8.
Los Canaleros remained poised and focused, as Mexico ceded the initiative, allowing Panama to keep the pressure on.
In minute 41, Malagón bobbled a Panama corner kick and, in the ensuing scramble, Mexico defender Johan Vásquez fouled Cecilio Waterman. Video officials alerted referee Mario Escobar about the potential penalty and after viewing the replays Escobar concurred.
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) March 24, 2025
Adalberto Carrasquilla converted the spot kick and the first half ended 1-1. Panama had enjoyed 68% possession while Mexico’s performance during the first 45 minutes of the match can politely be described as uninspired.
El Tri was the more assertive team in the second half, keeping Panama pinned deep in its own territory for long stretches. However, a lack of creativity in the middle of the pitch and an over-reliance on centering passes proved ineffective.
In minute 83, the referee briefly paused the match after a large portion of the raucous crowd of 68,212 repeatedly shouted a homophobic Spanish chant that is commonly heard at Mexican national team matches, even in the United States. Anti-slur messages appeared on the scoreboard and over the public address system.
The game seemed destined for overtime until Córdoba’s untimely mistake.
Post-match data
In addition to his two goals on Sunday night, Raúl Jiménez scored twice on Thursday night, becoming the first player to score in both the semifinal and the final in a single edition of the CNL.
With his second goal, Jiménez passed Cuauhtémoc Blanco to become Mexico’s third all-time leading scorer. He is now seven goals behind Jared Borgetti who is second on the list.
Mexico defender César Montes who missed the semifinal against Canada due to an accumulation of yellow cards had 16 clearances against Panama. That was the second-most in a CNL match and the most for an El Tri player in 10 years.
“I’m happy for the players, I’m very happy about their performance,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said after the match. “It’s not easy to beat any team. Panama showed great resistance. I hope they qualify for the World Cup.”
The CNL trophy is the second piece of Concacaf hardware Aguirre has earned for Mexico. “El Vasco” guided El Tri to the 2009 Concacaf Gold Cup title with a 5-0 win over the U.S. in the final.
El Tri is 23-6-2 (59 goals to 17) vs. Panama, including 14-2-0 in the last 16, their longest streak without defeat in this rivalry. Panama’s only two wins came in the 2013 Gold Cup (including a 2-1 victory in the semifinal). The Canaleros’ 2-1 win in the group stage ended a 13-game winless streak vs. Mexico (0-4-9).
The men of the Saint Patrick's Battalion, known as Los Patricios, defected from the United States' army to find freedom and acceptance in Mexico. (Bosque de Chapultepec/Facebook)
The men of the Saint Patrick’s Batallion, also known as Los Patricios, were a group of soldiers who defected from the U.S. Army to fight for Mexico during the Mexican-American War. Known for their bravery and valor, the men — most, but not all, Irish — fought with distinction and are honored today in both Mexico and Ireland.
John Riley, Irishman, Catholic and rifleman par excellence
Rural County Galway in western Ireland, where John Riley was born. (Discover Ireland)
John Riley was born in County Galway, in western Ireland, sometime between 1805 and 1818. At the time, Ireland was part of the United Kingdom and deeply poor, even before the great famine of 1845. As with many Irishmen of the era, Riley made his way to Canada and eventually to Michigan in the United States. He was an excellent artilleryman and joined the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at Fort Mackinac to train West Point cadets.
Riley became disillusioned with the United States. There was a lot of anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiment, talk of western expansionism and war with Mexico. Immigrants in the army were treated very harshly. He was eventually sent to Texas where he promptly deserted the U.S. Army on April 12, 1846, slipping across the border to Mexico and offering his services to the Mexican army.
James K. Polk and Manifest Destiny
President James K. Polk believed in Manifest Destiny, an ideology that embraced the idea that white Americans were divinely ordained to settle the entire continent of North America from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. Not all Americans, especially Northerners and Irish immigrants, agreed with Manifest Destiny, and they did not want a war with Mexico. Many felt that his plans were merely an attempt to expand U.S. territory to increase the number of slave states.
President James K. Polk, who oversaw the expansion of the United States in the mid-19th century. (White House Historical Association)
When Polk sent troops to the disputed territory in Texas, his critics became more outspoken believing this would lead to war with Mexico. Then-Congressman Abraham Lincoln argued that “President James Polk sent American military forces into the disputed territory to intentionally provoke a military response from Mexico, who was just defending their homeland from an invasion.”
Why did Irish Immigrants defect to Mexico?
Riley was welcomed by the Mexican army. When war broke out, he was promoted to Lieutenant and given permission to organize a unit comprised of Irishmen who would desert the U.S. Army and join the Mexican Army. Riley quickly persuaded 48 other Irish immigrants to desert and join his unit in the Mexican Army. Most of them were also traumatized by the Irish Potato Famine and sectarian British policies that devalued Irish life and privileged Protestants over Catholics back at home. Many also experienced anti-Catholic bigotry in the U.S. Army. They were seen as lazy, ignorant and foolish, so they were given the most dangerous jobs.
Mexico sees an opportunity
The battle flag of the Patricios. (Wikimedia)
Seeing an opportunity, Mexico began actively recruiting immigrants in the U.S. Army — offering promotions, land ownership, pay increases, and religious freedom. Riley’s unit of Irishmen grew to 200. They were joined by immigrants from Germany, Poland, and France who were also disenchanted by the widespread bigotry against Catholics in the United States and felt a fierce loyalty to Catholicism. The promise of land and money also attracted escaped slaves and free Blacks who saw Mexico — which had outlawed slavery — as a freer country than the United States.
Riley named their unit the St. Patrick’s Battalion — known in Mexico as the San Patricios — in honor of Ireland’s patron saint. The men recruited were all skilled artillerymen and were assigned to Riley’s battalion. They marched under a green banner with an image of St. Patrick on one side and a harp and emblem of Mexico on the other. Their ranks swelled from 200 to 700 and they were considered some of the most fearless and skilled soldiers in the Mexican Army.
The San Patricios become heroes
The San Patricios demonstrated their bravery in Northern Mexico and played a major role in the Battle of Buena Vista in Coahuila in February 1847. When defeat was imminent in the battle, the St. Patrick’s Battalion provided cover for the Mexican forces’ safe retreat. Several were awarded the Cross of Honor medal for their heroism, including Riley who was promoted to captain.
When the Americans opened another front further south, the San Patricios accompanied General Antonio López de Santa Anna to Mexico City where they made a name for themselves at the Battle of Churubusco, as Mexican forces tried in vain to defend the castle from encroaching U.S. forces.
Most of the defenders were killed or captured in the defeat. John Riley was among the 85 San Patricios captured during the battle. They were court-martialed, most were found guilty of desertion and 50 were condemned to be executed by hanging.
Riley was the highest profile San Patricio but was spared hanging because it was established that he had deserted before the war began — a less serious offense — but was punished harshly. His head was shaved, he was given more than 50 lashes and was branded on both cheeks with a “D” for deserter. He was then thrown into a dungeon for the remainder of the war.
The execution of the San Patricios was the largest ever ordered by the U.S. military. Col. William Selby Harney — a man known for his cruelty and brutality — was ordered to carry out the hanging. He brutally hung all 50 men at the same time facing Chapultepec Castle so they could watch the flag of the United States being raised over Chapultepec before being executed. The flag was raised at 9:30 am on September 13, 1847, and the men were executed. Harney, answering to criticism, said, “I was ordered to have them hanged and I had no orders to unhang them.”
Despite fighting bravely against U.S. forces, Los Patricios were eventually defeated a the battle of Churubusco. (Irish Central)
No one knows what happened to John Riley, but he is presumed to have died in 1850.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848, officially ending the war. The United States paid Mexico US $18 million and received almost half of the Mexican territory including California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Wyoming, and most of Arizona and Colorado.
In his memoirs, shortly before his death, Ulysses S. Grant would describe the Mexican-American War as “the most unjust war ever waged by a stronger nation against a weaker nation. It was an instance of a republic following the bad example of European monarchies in not considering justice in their desire to acquire additional territories.”
The San Patricios are heroes in both Ireland and Mexico
John Riley is considered a great hero in both Ireland and Mexico. The San Patricios themselves have earned a place of honor in Mexican history. Statues of Riley have been erected and plaques honoring the San Patricios placed in both countries. Streets have been named for them and there are annual tributes to honor them.
On the 150th anniversary of the Battalion’s creation Ireland and Mexico jointly issued identical postage stamps with flags of both countries honoring their heroism and legacy. At the same time, Mexico inscribed gold-lettered words honoring the Battalion on the Wall of Honor located in the Chamber of Deputies of the Mexican Congress.
The Irish band The Chieftains recorded a song to honor the San Patricios, “March to Battle,” narrated by Liam Neeson.
The U.S. military denied the existence of the St. Patrick’s Battalion for 60 years until a 1915 congressional inquiry revealed a coverup of their history.
This iconic Mexican dessert is simplicity itself, made with just a few delicious ingredients — a perfect candidate for the deconstructed dessert craze. (Kiwilimón)
“Deconstructed” desserts are taking the baking world by storm! The term entered the lexicon of cuisine in the 1990s, when Spanish chef Ferran Adrià, had the idea to break down traditional dishes into their core components, only to reassemble them with a focus on the visual and the sensory.
Imagine applying this technique to desserts like the Carlota de limón.
Spanish chef Ferran Adrià. (Ferran Adrià/X)
A Carlota de limón is a traditional Mexican dessert, an easy-to-make concoction assembled in layers and composed of evaporated and condensed milk, freshly squeezed lime juice, cream cheese, and those oh-so-good Galletas Marias.
The idea is to make a layered icebox cake by blending the milks and cream cheese and lime juice into a gooey, sweet base. A layer of this mixture is placed in the bottom of a baking dish and topped with Galletas Marias. The next layer adds more goo, and the process continues until you have a few layers.
Now use your imagination! Let’s say you’re having a dinner party, but instead of making the Carlota de Limón in a baking dish, cutting it, and serving it on dessert dishes, you break it into parts — you deconstruct it.
You make the cream cheese mixture and place it in a delightful bowl. You break the cookies into crumbs, placing them in another serving dish, but then you go a step further: You whip up bowls of toasted coconut, candied lime peel, chopped pistachios, and fresh berries, plus some small, fresh-cut mint leaves. The idea is that each bite combines creamy, crunchy, tangy and sweet — a traditional dessert, but one based on your guests’ own preferences.
All these decorative, happy dishes are then placed on the table, enabling your guests to come up with their own, delightful dessert. Some may prefer more pistachios or coconut. Some may not like Galletas Marias, but their personal choices are seemingly endless and you’re now a culinary genius, the talk of the town.
Carlota de limón, deconstructed
Galletas Marias, or Maria cookies, are the foundation of this dessert. Made by the ubiquitous Mexican company Gamesa, they’re Mexico’s version of the British Marie biscuit, introduced by way of Spain. If you live outside Mexico, Goya also makes a Maria cookie you may be able to find more easily. (Gamesa)
Ingredients
For the Carlota de limón
1.5 cans evaporated milk
1.5 cans sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 ½ packages 8 oz. cream cheese
In the U.S., Philadelphia cream cheese is sold in 8 oz. packages (225 g). In Mexico, Philly cream cheese is typically found in 180 g (6.4 oz.) or 200 g (7 oz.) packages, so adjust accordingly. Also, Philadelphia cream cheese is not the same in Mexico as in the U.S. because it has less fat and moisture content. If using Mexican Philadelphia cream cheese, add 19 g (0.7 oz) heavy cream to the mixture.
Galletas Marias (crumbled and toasted, if you prefer)
Candied lime peel
Toasted sweetened coconut
Chopped pistachios
Fresh fruit and berries
Small, fresh-cut mint leaves.
Instructions
In a blender, or in a bowl with a hand-held mixer, place the evaporated milk, condensed milk and lime juice. Blend or mix lightly to ensure it is fully incorporated.
With a spatula, stir the mixture and incorporate cream cheese in pieces. Process in the blender. If using a mixer, beat for a few seconds until the mixture is smooth and coats the back of a spoon. If making with Mexican Philly cream cheese, add 19 grams heavy cream to the mixture.
Place in fridge until ready to serve.
Place cream cheese-lime mixture in a serving bowl. Accent with some chopped mint or pistachios. Place all garnishes in separate bowls. Set all on your table and let guests dig in, providing them with their own decorative dessert dishes.
Deborah McCoy is the one-time author of mainstream, bridal-reference books who has turned her attention to food, particularly sweets, desserts and fruits. She is the founder of CakeChatter and the author of four baking books for “Dough Punchers” via CakeChatter. She is also the president ofThe American Academy of Wedding Professionals.
Take the trip of a lifetime through Baja California and let these tips guide you along the way. (Jeremy Bishop/Unsplash)
I’ve taken a lot of road trips in Mexico. But the one that continues to replay in my mind is the month-long trip I spent driving the entire Baja peninsula, from Cabo up to Ensenada and back again. Let me tell you — it was one of the most incredible road trips of my life. The rugged landscapes, untouched beaches and roadside taco stands made it an adventure I’ll never forget. But I’ll be honest: I went in completely blind. I had no idea what to expect or what to plan for.
If you’re planning to drive the Baja peninsula, here are a few things I wish I had known before setting out.
You don’t need a 4×4, but you’ll want one
A proper off-roader makes things so much easier. (Peek)
You can absolutely drive Baja without a 4×4. The main highways are paved and in decent condition, and you’ll still see some jaw-dropping scenery. But if you want to get off the beaten path — and trust me, part of the magic of Baja is in the remote, wild places — you’re going to need a 4×4. Some of the best spots, like hidden beaches or remote villages, require tackling washboard dirt roads, sandy paths, or rocky trails. If your dream is to land on a secluded beach with no one else in sight, you’ll want a vehicle that can handle the journey.
Sometimes the drive is a whole lot of nothing
I hope you like looking at this, because it’s what lies in wait a lot of the time. (Wikimedia)
Baja’s landscape is raw, rugged and strikingly beautiful. But there are stretches of highway that feel endless. Specifically, the drives between San Ignacio and Guerrero Negro, and then Guerrero Negro up to Ensenada, are long, desolate and have little to no cell reception. The scenery is stunning — vast desert, cacti forests and wide-open sky — but after several hours of it, you’ll be grateful for a solid playlist. Download your music, because radio stations are nonexistent in these remote areas. Download the map, too — just in case you did rent that 4×4 and want to venture down a dirt road.
Always fill up with gas when you can
Never pass a gas station unless your tank is full. (Shutterstock)
I never actually ran out of gas, but I had a few panic-inducing moments where I wondered if I would make it to the next station. Gas stations are few and far between in Baja, so whenever you see one, just fill up. Even if you’re at half a tank. Better safe than sorry.
Real-time road conditions are hard to get
Facebook is your friend when it comes to finding out about unexpected surprises on the highway.(Cuartoscuro)
One of the biggest challenges I encountered was getting real-time information about road conditions. Baja is prone to hurricanes, flash floods and unexpected road closures, and finding up-to-date info isn’t easy. About halfway through my trip, I discovered the Baja Overlanding Facebook group, and it was a game-changer. The community shares posts about road conditions, gas availability and any hiccups along the way.
A perfect example: Hurricane Kay had sliced through the peninsula during my trip, destroying parts of the main highway. I ended up stuck in Ensenada for five days, waiting for updates on when the roads would be passable again. If I had known about the Facebook group earlier, I could have planned better and avoided some of that stress.
Take your time
The view is incredible, so take your time to enjoy it! (La Paz)
If you’re thinking of doing Baja in a week, you’ll be missing out on so much. This is a road trip where the journey is just as important as the destination. Rushing through means skipping hidden beaches, local restaurants and spontaneous detours. I spent a month exploring Baja, and even that didn’t feel like enough time. If you can, plan for at least a couple of weeks.
Be prepared for military checkpoints
National Guard checkpoints on highways near the border are one tool the federal government uses to check incoming vehicles. (National Guard/X)
Throughout Baja, you’ll encounter military checkpoints, especially as you move between states. These are completely routine and nothing to worry about. Sometimes, they’ll wave you through. Other times, they might ask you to step out while they check your vehicle. Just stay calm, be polite and have your paperwork — license, car rental agreement and passport — readily available. It can feel a little unnerving the first time, but after a few, you’ll get used to it.
Bonus tip: Rent a car in San José del Cabo
Rent your car in San Jose del Cabo, it’s a very straightforward process. (Jason Leung/Unsplash)
I rented my car in San Jose del Cabo from Cactus Car, and I’d highly recommend them. They include all the necessary insurance you need to drive in Mexico in the price, which means no hidden fees or surprises when you pick up your car. Rental car insurance in Mexico can be tricky, so it was nice to have everything covered upfront.
Driving the Baja peninsula was one of the most freeing and rewarding adventures I’ve ever taken. Sure, I went in blind and learned a few lessons the hard way, but that was part of the fun. If you’re thinking about making the trip, I can’t recommend it enough— just go in prepared. Fill up your tank, download your playlists, join a Baja road conditions group, and most importantly, take your time. The magic of Baja is in the journey, and trust me, it’s one you won’t forget.
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
There can only be one contender for the taste of Michoacán: Carnitas. (Shutterstock)
According to legend, after the fall of Tenochtitlán in 1521, Hernán Cortés and his conquistadors held a banquet to celebrate their victory in Coyoacán. Wine flowed freely, but the highlight of the feast was the cooking of pigs imported from Cuba.
Was the pork cooked in its fat? Possibly, but this origin story is just that… a story. It’s unlikely that Cortés and his men ate that on that 16th-century night was what we now think of as carnitas, literally “little meats.” However, what’s undoubtedly true is that the Spanish introduced pigs to Mexico and Cortés was a connoisseur, having established his pigs in the Toluca valley by 1525, where they birthed the national chorizo industry.
Pigs were introduced to Mexico by the Spanish and have quickly become a staple in the national diet. (Amber Kipp/Unsplash)
Today, most credit Quiroga in Michoacán as the true birthplace of carnitas. Michoacán isn’t the only state where carnitas are made — for example, in Jalisco regionally made carnitas are a signature ingredient in the torta ahogada — but Michoacán has become synonymous with this pork style and the tender, delicious tacos that result from it. Michoacán is also synonymous with the copper pots, or cazos, in which carnitas are made, sourced from copper artisans in Santa Clara del Cobre.
How carnitas are made
When were carnitas first made in Quiroga? There is no year one can point to. It has been a local specialty for as long as anyone can remember, with methods passed down from generation to generation. In Quiroga, the pigs chosen are invariably young and tender, less than five months old, and fed solely on corn.
Virtually every part of the pig is included, and the cooking process takes three to four hours. Natural fat or lard ensures the meat retains its moisture. Some cooks or restaurants add seasoning ingredients beyond traditional salt during preparation, like orange juice or Coca-Cola, which accounts for slight variations in flavor and color.
Quiroga, Michoacán, is the spiritual (and probably literal) home of carnitas in Mexico. (Popurrí de Viajes)
There are two steps when cooking carnitas Quiroga style. First, the pork is seared to seal in the juices. Then, it’s slowly simmered, with the temperature sweet spot between 194 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The finished carnitas should exhibit a tongue-melting contrast between tender meat and crunchy skin and are optimally served in taco form, with a corn tortilla and toppings such as onion, cilantro, salsa, and the inevitable squeeze of lime.
The importance of the copper pots
Of course, as every true aficionado of carnitas knows, this delicacy is only Michoacano-approved if cooked in a copper pot. The state has a long history of copper working that goes back to the ancient Purépecha, rivals of the Mexica (Aztecs) who were never conquered. From the 14th century to the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th, the Purépecha were the finest metallurgists in Mexico and perhaps the world, experts at making jewelry, tools and weaponry from copper and other metals.
These traditions continue into the present day, notably at Santa Clara del Cobre, whose very name speaks to its expertise. Santa Clara del Cobre is one of 10 Pueblos Mágicos in Michoacán, “Magical Towns” given this designation due to their rich history and traditional culture. Visitors to the town can explore its copper-making history at the Museo Nacional del Cobre, or go to individual workshops and watch coppersmiths hammer out their cazos by hand, a technique that looks as difficult as it probably is.
Copper pots from Santa Clara del Cobre enhance the flavor of carnitas. (Blissfulmaan/ Wikimedia)
Why is copper considered so essential for making carnitas? That’s simple: copper is an excellent heat conductor, and using it helps to give the pork its trademark crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. It’s also thought to imbue the pork with a more intense flavor.
The parts of the pig
Those who’ve grown up eating carnitas are not shy about asking for their favorite parts when they pick up servings by the kilo for Sunday, a traditional day to enjoy the specialty—even if those parts may seem a little unusual to those who weren’t born in Mexico.
For example, the stomach and skin, called buche and cuerito, are favorites of many connoisseurs. But even portions like oreja, trompa and viril (ear, snout and penis) have their adherents, as do sesos, lengua and manitas (brains, tongue and feet).
True connoisseurs of carnitas love all the parts of the pig. (Tomas Castelazo/Wikimedia Commons)
Costillas and pancita (ribs and belly) are also popular, particularly with chefs, and yes, the uterus and testicles (nana and criadillas) are likewise eaten, as is virtually any other organ you can think of. What’s the appeal? Testicles in particular are considered to be an aphrodisiac. As for the rest, it just comes down to flavor and individual preference.
When and where to eat carnitas in Michoacán
The biggest annual event celebrating carnitas in Michoacán is the Feria Michoacana de las Carnitas, which takes place annually in Tacámbaro, another of the state’s Pueblos Mágicos and a carnitas stronghold. Regional residents circle November on the calendar, as that’s the month it is traditionally held. The 2024 edition drew 60,000 attendees, a by no means unusual occurrence.
In Quiroga, the self-declared World Capital of Carnitas, every day is an occasion to eat them so no special events are necessary. The Feria Nacional del Cobre, held each August in Santa Clara del Cobre, is mainly focused on copper, albeit with some gastronomic elements.
Quiroga, Michoacán is acknowledged as the “Carnitas Capital of the World.” (El Rey de las Carnitas)
Charanda and the spirits of Michoacán
If you’re looking for a good pairing option for carnitas, beer is always a good choice; especially if it’s one of the brands brewed in the state, like La Brü from Morelia. However, the state’s ancestral spirit is charanda, an aguardiente de caña with Purépecha roots that’s now the only rum in Mexico with an appellation of origin.
Charanda can legally be made in 16 municipalities in the state and is double-distilled from molasses or fresh-pressed sugarcane juice. The canes are often grown at high altitudes and benefit from a distinctive red soil known locally as charanda, hence the name. Charanda Uruapan, which gets its name from the municipality where it’s made, is the most popular distiller, thanks to the quality displayed during its 118 years on the market.
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.
Lizeth Cuara, a Mexican-American entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, is the force behind Misty Phases, a multimillion-dollar e-commerce brand specializing in postpartum shapewear. Her products draw inspiration from la cuarentena, the traditional 40-day Mexican postpartum period focused on maternal healing and recovery. But Cuara’s path to success was anything but conventional.
From hustle to healing
Raised in Compton, California, by a single mother, Cuara grew up facing financial hardship. She never finished high school, and a decade ago, she was stuck in an entry-level job, struggling to make ends meet. Looking for a way to change her circumstances, she took a leap into e-commerce, experimenting with flipping Amazon return pallets. With US $10,000 in savings, she invested in two $5,000 pallets, then turned to YouTube to teach herself how to list and sell the items on eBay.
(Lizeth Cuara)
Mastering shipping and pricing was her next challenge, but she quickly realized a simple formula: the more she listed, the more she sold. Within a month, she had made back her initial investment. Encouraged by her early success, she quit her job to focus on the business full-time.
While the pallet resale business was profitable, it was unpredictable— some shipments turned a strong profit, while others barely broke even. After eight months, Cuara started looking for a more sustainable and scalable venture. Drawing on her experience, she identified a growing market for products like lotions, teas, waist trainers and sauna belts. Confident in the demand, she hired a marketing agency, leveraged Facebook ads and tapped into influencer promotions. Soon, her products gained traction, landing features on Univision and CBS.
The experience gave her critical insights into pricing, consumer behavior and branding—lessons that laid the foundation for Misty Phases, which she launched in 2022. Named for the “fog” that often follows childbirth, the brand offers a carefully curated collection of postpartum essentials, including girdles, underwear, bras, leggings, shorts, herbal baths, oils and creams. The demand is so high that the brand operates primarily on a pre-order basis, frequently selling out.
A business born from trauma
“Misty Phases was born out of a deeply personal and traumatic experience,” Cuara recalls. “I nearly died giving birth to my daughter due to an incorrectly administered epidural, which led to an incredibly difficult recovery.”
Women of color and their children are at increased risk of obstetric violence in the United States. (DepositPhotos)
Cuara was sent home with a new baby, stitches and severe pain from the mismanaged epidural— but little to no guidance on how to care for herself. As her health deteriorated, she became so weak that she could barely walk or hold her baby. Desperate for answers, she returned to the hospital, only to be dismissed. The doctor’s advice? That she was simply “stressed” and should avoid carrying her baby.
That moment was a turning point. Cuara realized how little postpartum care was available in the United States, especially for women of color, who face significantly higher risks of complications and maternal mortality in the country. Studies show that college-educated Black women are still more likely to experience severe pregnancy and childbirth complications than white women who never graduated high school.
Determined to change that, Cuara created Misty Phases not just to provide postpartum support but to advocate for maternal health equity. “Misty Phases was really about creating products to support women through postpartum recovery, drawing from our Mexican heritage and the tradition of the cuarentena. I modernized ancestral practices to make them accessible and easy to use, bringing awareness to what our grandmothers and great-grandmothers did after childbirth.”
Years in the making
Unlike many e-commerce entrepreneurs focused on quick-turnaround products, Cuara dedicated four years to researching and developing her postpartum line before launching Misty Phases. She consulted with midwives, gynecologists and doulas to ensure her products honored traditional postpartum practices while meeting modern medical standards.
(Misty Phases)
Her journey wasn’t easy: many suppliers refused to work with Cuara, dismissing her small initial orders and the complex technical specifications required for her designs. But her persistence paid off. She secured both U.S. and international patents, ensuring that Misty Phases stood out in an industry often dominated by generic mass-market products.
In its first year, Misty Phases generated over US $1 million in sales, tripling that figure in its second year. TikTok has played a huge role in the brand’s expansion, not only driving global sales but also fostering a supportive online community where mothers share birth stories and postpartum advice.
But beyond business success, Cuara’s remains committed to uplifting underserved mothers. Through Misty Phases, she donates postpartum kits — including belly binders, nursing bras and postpartum underwear — to homeless and refugee mothers in need. What started as a personal struggle has become a movement, proving that postpartum care isn’t a luxury but a necessity.
Bringing Misty Phases to Mexico
“My goal was to serve Latinas and women of color in the U.S., but to my surprise, I found customers in Mexico as well,” Cuara recalls. Soon, she realized that Mexican mothers were willing to pay over $65 in shipping fees just to access her postpartum products. Seeing the growing demand, she knew it was time to expand. In 2023, she officially launched Misty Phases in Mexico.
Expanding internationally was both humbling and challenging. Cuara quickly learned that doing business in Mexico was nothing like in the United States. Her business bank account was closed three times, and she discovered that her Spanglish wasn’t cutting it in high-level business discussions. Determined to succeed, she hired an interpreter and began working on improving her business Spanish.
Reflecting on the differences of doing business in Mexico and the U.S., Cuara says that conducting business in the U.S. has a casual and transactional approach while in Mexico, it’s relationship and trust-driven. Even if you show up to a business meeting in Mexico, you are expected to spend the first 10 minutes chatting and getting to know your counterparts versus diving right into business like is the norm between Americans.
Mexican customers also engage with Misty Phases in a deeply personal way. Unlike in the U.S., where customers primarily follow brand recommendations, Cuara found that Mexican mothers actively share their own postpartum knowledge— offering tips, stories and feedback that have helped her refine and improve her products. “Doing business in Mexico has taught me to lead with more humanity rather than treat everything as a transaction,” she reflects. Now, she makes sure to start every meeting by genuinely asking how the other person is doing, a small but meaningful shift in her approach.
More than a brand
Today, Misty Phases has a growing presence across the U.S., Mexico and Latin America. In 2024, the company surpassed US $5 million in sales, and projections for the Mexican market alone exceed $1 million for 2025. Beyond the numbers, Cuara’s journey is proof that postpartum care isn’t just a niche— it’s a necessity.
What started as a personal struggle, then a side hustle, has grown into a global movement empowering mothers through tradition, innovation and community. By blending the wisdom of past generations with modern postpartum care, Misty Phases is changing the way women recover after childbirth, one mother at a time.
Rocio is based in Mexico City and is the creator of CDMX iykyk, a newsletter designed to keep expats, digital nomads and the Mexican diaspora in the loop. The monthly dispatches feature top news, cultural highlights, upcoming CDMX events and local recommendations. For your dose of must-know news about Mexico,subscribe here.
Chia is an herbaceous plant native to southern Mexico and northern Guatemala, belonging to the same family as mint and lavender. We know that its domestication began approximately 6,000 years ago. Unlike today, for pre-Columbian cultures, chia wasn’t just a dietary supplement — it was one of the most important foods.
From Mesoamerica to the world
According to dictionaries, the word “chía” comes from Nahuatl and means “seed from which oil is extracted.” It is believed to derive from the Mayan word “chiháan,” meaning “strong” or “strengthener,” due to its powerful properties.
Chia is thought to have ranked third in importance among crops, surpassed only by maize and beans. In Tenochtitlán, the pre-Columbian version of Mexico City, between 5,000 and 15,000 tons of chia were received as tribute from conquered peoples. Chia was even used as currency in tributes and commercial transactions.
Beyond being a staple food, chia was used in various ways. It was ground into flour to prepare different dishes and was also used to make a drink called cinapinolli, which mixed chia powder with water. The seeds were also offered to the gods — replanted as a sacred act to bless future harvests — and chia oil was extracted for use in body paint and pottery decorations.
Chia flour had an incredibly long shelf life, making it an ideal food source during droughts and long expeditions. It was said that a person sustained by a small pouch of ground chia could run from the Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean — or chase down prey until it collapsed from exhaustion. I find that hard to believe, but perhaps some of our marathoner friends can try it out and tell us if they feel more energized!
A rediscovered treasure
During the colonial era, chia nearly disappeared because its cultivation was associated with indigenous “pagan” rituals, and the Spanish replaced it with other cereals. However, some remote communities continued growing it, allowing it to survive to this day — though without the same significance it once held in pre-Columbian cultures.
Chía was often used by Indigenous Mexicans as part of their rituals. (Mexicolore)
Today, the world’s largest consumer of chia is the United States. Interest in chia grew in the 1990s when health food brands began marketing it for its supposed weight-loss benefits. But as someone who has been drinking lemon water with chia since childhood, I can confidently say — without any proof, but also without any doubts — that I haven’t lost a single gram because of chia.
That said, it is one of the most nutritionally complete foods you can eat. Per 100 grams, chia seeds contain:
• 21 grams of high-quality protein
• 24 grams of unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3s)
• 34 grams of fiber (121% of the recommended daily intake!)
• High levels of calcium (606 mg) and magnesium (306 mg)
• Five times more potassium than a banana — perhaps explaining why it was popular among Mesoamerican runners.
Benefits
Recent studies confirm that chia is an excellent ally for cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. It promotes good digestion and contributes to an unparalleled gut health experience. Due to its high fiber content, it helps maintain a feeling of fullness longer and improves hydration efficiency.
(Joanna Kosinska/Unsplash)
And most importantly, indigenous knowledge was right — chia is one of the best foods for athletes, as it aids in muscle repair and growth.
You can eat it raw by sprinkling it over salads or fruit, but be careful not to overdo it—remember, it absorbs liquid! Speaking from experience, it can be quite uncomfortable when those little seeds expand inside you.
You can also make chia flour. Just blend or process it into a fine powder and use it as a substitute for breading or baking breads and cakes.
The possibilities with chia are endless — just don’t go overboard, like some young women I’ve seen on social media who have ended up in a hospital bed with a “chia baby” in their stomachs.
If you’re a high-performance athlete, have you incorporated chia into your diet? How has it benefited you? Let us know!
María Meléndez is a Mexico City food blogger and influencer.
Government efficiency is a hot topic on both sides of the border. Mexico is (maybe) less extreme abut managing it, explains Sarah DeVries. (Wavetec)
If you’ve been paying any attention at all to the news in the United States, you know that the civil service is going through some major changes. Personified by Elon Musk acting like a madman with a chainsaw, all kinds of federal employees are getting tossed aside and their departments shredded.
The justification is getting rid of government waste and corruption. If you ask me, that’s rich coming from two of the richest men on earth, especially given how many billions of dollars one of them has received from the U.S. government in subsidies. Of course, nobody did ask me.
(Elon Musk/Twitter)
But I’m going to talk about it anyway, because I’m a writer and it’s what I do. Besides, this isn’t an issue that only concerns the United States. There’s plenty to be said for Mexican civil servants, too.
So I’ve got quite a lot of sympathy, especially toward people who thought they’d found steady, well-paying jobs. Because the quantity of those types of posts, government or not, is constantly decreasing in a sea of gig “opportunities” that offer no stability and even fewer benefits. I’d imagine the cinching of one takes about an 800-pound load off.
And it’s not just about the loss of government jobs. Once we get to Artificial General Intelligence in a few short years, I suspect more workers than not will be in my exact predicament. Are we prepared for an economy where we’re all getting paid piecemeal to “check AI” and receiving zero benefits? I think not.
(Jose Losada/Unsplash)
Government jobs anywhere are a contentious topic. Who among us hasn’t been confronted with a grouchy government worker it seems impossible to get past? Whether a literal sloth at the Texas DMV or a scary barker at the local Mexican immigration office, we’ve all had frustrating and stressful encounters with bureaucracy. “Why do these people get to keep their jobs?”, we might wonder.
On both sides of the border, a government job is widely considered to be a good, stable job. But the U.S. and Mexico do things fairly differently when it comes to these jobs. Here’s a breakdown.
Familiar faces in bureaucratic places
In Mexico, some jobs — especially government jobs — are “plazas.” This basically means that the position is tenured. It’s especially common within the Mexican public school system. The fact that so many teachers had tenure has been stated asa major reason for educational reform. While many teachers were dedicated to helping their students, others were happy to simply not show up for class and collect a paycheck. Plazas could be sold or inherited, which I think we can all agree is hands-down, 100 percent bonkers.
Under the previous system, some teachers exploited the fact they have tenure. (Carolina Jiménez/Cuartoscuro)
But there are other government jobs that are also plazas. I’ve been dealing with the same two immigration agents in Xalapa for the past 15 years, for example. Luckily they’re pretty nice, because I don’t think I’ll ever not deal with them if I need to go to the INM.
Out with the old, in with the new
Other job posts can change with the change of administration, even if the change is within the same party. This is because the new administration might have its own team that it wants to work with. It could also mean they owe favors to certain people who’ve helped them, and the new jobs serve as rewards.
When that happens, of course, it’s out with the old. Thankfully, this typically doesn’t happen as often with highly skilled workers, those who know all of the operational ins and outs of their posts. One friend here, for example, has a high-ranking post within the governing party. Her work is important and she does it well. She thought, however, that she’d lose that job when our state’s current governor, Rocío Nahle, took office. “Honestly, I’m tired and looking forward to the break,” she told me.
But it turns out she was just too good at it. I am not surprised by this, as my friend is awesome, noble and smart as a whip. The break did not come, as she was re-hired, so to speak, by the new administration.
Another friend didn’t fare so well. She worked as a clerical worker in a government office and had only recently been hired. Unfortunately, her job was on the chopping block; as soon as the new administration took power, she was dismissed.
Personal teams: Good or bad?
Honestly, the fact that some people get rewarded by friends or allies with jobs gets some major side-eye from me. Are they absolutely sure that the new person can do the job well? What about the continuity of work during transition?
It also strikes me as a major flaw in a system that names corruption as one of its biggest problems. If a person has a job that they know for a fact will be lost in a few years and lives in a place where impunity rules, it’s hard to imagine that they wouldn’t be at least tempted to skim off the top while they have a chance.
This is why, honestly, I’m a bit prejudiced when it comes to a career civil servant policy. I want them to be able to get fired for doing an objectively bad job, of course, as plazas also don’t seem to be the best idea. But getting tossed out because the new administration wants to stock the posts with their friends? One thing’s for sure: it truly is all about personal relationships in Mexico.
Unfortunately, this seems to be increasingly true in the U.S. as well, as Trump has long seen the value in rewarding loyalty over skills. I guess, in this sense, we’re on our way to becoming more alike.
Comfortable, accessible expat living can be yours where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean in Baja California Sur. (Fiesta Americana Travelty)
Cabo San Lucas has long been the most popular tourist destination in Los Cabos. However, several other destinations of note are also found in Los Cabos or the neighboring La Paz municipality, including the other cape city, San José del Cabo, the East Cape, Todos Santos and La Paz. Thus, many planning a vacation to the area will stay somewhere other than CSL.
Still, no one should pass up a chance to visit Cabo San Lucas, even if it’s only for a single day. That’s particularly true for those who have yet to see and experience the charms of the Land’s End city. While it doesn’t have the vibrant art scene of San José del Cabo or the rich cultural life of La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, home to mile marker zero of the peninsular highway, is ground zero for outdoor adventures, particularly of the water-based variety, and offers the best beach scene and nightlife in the region.
With that in mind, here are some itinerary suggestions for a one-day trip to CSL.
Breakfast: Solomon’s Landing
(Solomon’s Landing Los Cabos)
Start with a good breakfast. You’ll need the energy for your morning adventures. Solomon’s Landing commands a prime spot overlooking the Cabo San Lucas Marina. It also offers reliable fare, from seafood specialties to morning fare like eggs Benedict and waffles loaded with delicious toppings.
Morning: El Arco, Lover’s Beach, Cabo San Lucas Marina
(Salvador Navarro/Unsplash)
Cabo San Lucas was built on big-game fishing and still hosts the world’s richest tournament, Bisbee’s Black and Blue. So, full- or half-day fishing trips are certainly one of the best activity options for first-time or return visitors. However, the most important geographic feature is the half-mile Land’s End headland, which features Lover’s Beach and granite monuments such as the naturally formed arch known locally as El Arco.
One of my favorite ways to experience Land’s End is via High Tide Los Cabos’ kayak paddling tour to The Arch, not only because paddling offers plenty of time to appreciate all the unique features of Land’s End, from small beaches to evocatively shaped rocks. But also because it provides an equally gorgeous view of Cabo San Lucas Bay and its shoreline. It’s thus a memorable introduction to the local land and seascape.
After paddling to the arch, there’ll be time for snorkeling near Pelican Rock or exploring Lover’s Beach and the adjacent Divorce Beach, which faces the Pacific Ocean. If this sounds like a lot of swimming and paddling, don’t worry: the rest of the day is much more relaxing.
Once the tour is finished, you’ll have about an hour before lunch, giving you time to walk along the boardwalk that rims the marina. This stretch includes plenty of shops and two actual shopping centers — the Puerto Paraíso and Luxury Avenue malls — so if you’re interested in souvenir shopping, this is a good time to do it. Walking the length of the marina boardwalk takes nearly 30 minutes, so if you get tired, just hail a water taxi to take you over to Médano Beach.
Afternoon: Playa El Médano
(Gobierno de Baja California Sur)
The two-mile stretch of golden sand that is Playa El Medano is the center of the social scene in the city. It’s an activity locus for everything from parasailing to jet skis, and like the marina, it’s also home to some of Cabo San Lucas’ most iconic restaurants and bars. Mango Deck and The Office on the Beach are the two most famous. I recommend The Office for lunch. Don’t forget to try dishes featuring local seafood; it’s a specialty hereabouts.
So, too, are pampering spa treatments. Walk down the beach from The Office to The Sand Bar and enjoy a one-hour, four-hand massage. It’s guaranteed to cure any lingering soreness from your kayak paddle. Afterward, you can work on your tan, go beach walking or order a cubeta of ice-cold beer. Actually, hold up on the last one: you’ll want to wait for the cocktail hour.
Cocktail Hour: Rooftop 360 at Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa
(Corazón Cabo)
One of the best new resorts on the beach, Corazón Cabo, is best known to locals for its rooftop bar, Rooftop 360, which features spectacular wraparound views of the city and bay. It’s the perfect place, in other words, to watch the sunset over Land’s End and enjoy a pre-prandial cocktail before your dinner reservation.
If you decide to stay in CSL for the night, Corazón is also an excellent accommodation option— right on the beach and an easy walk to the marina or downtown shopping and dining. It’s dog-friendly, but don’t show up with a Great Dane: there’s a 25-pound weight limit for furry friends.
Los Tres Gallos is a local institution and has been seemingly from the moment it opened in 2010. Named for three movie idols from Mexico’s golden age of cinema — Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete and Javier Solís were collectively known as Los Tres Gallos, or Three Roosters — it and nearby Maria Corona are the go-to spots for traditional Mexican cuisine.
Owner Michel Zermeño, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife Fabiola Sánchez, used to bring his mother into the kitchen periodically to ensure the dishes were made with the requisite love. Everything here, including the furnishings, is handmade, and the food and atmosphere are superb. When I used to make “best of” lists for the USA Today travel site 10 Best, I invariably rated Los Tres Gallos as the best restaurant in Los Cabos.
You may be tired by this point, but catch a second wind. The one thing Cabo San Lucas has that no other regional destination does is a vibrant nightlife scene. The two landmark spots are El Squid Roe and Cabo Wabo Cantina, which opened within a year of each other in 1989 and 1990, respectively. Both are worth a visit, but if you’re a first-timer, go to Cabo Wabo. Founded by Sammy Hagar and his then Van Halen bandmates, it’s got plenty to recommend, from live music to one of the best local margaritas.
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.
