The Mexicanist Newsletter: Paradise Under Guard (and Other Weekly Contradictions)

For the discerning Mexicanist newsletter reader, this week's news confirms Mexico is still expertly blending five-star tourism dreams with the gritty reality of cartels, potholes, and melting glaciers.

Mexico Declares War on 'Narco-Ballads' as States Ban Thug-Glorifying Tunes

Mexican states are increasingly banning or restricting the performance of narcocorridos, popular ballads glorifying drug traffickers and violence, in an effort to combat the promotion of criminal culture.

How Cartels Turned TikTok Into a Trap for Youth

Mexican drug cartels are leveraging TikTok's popularity and visual nature to recruit young people and sell weapons, using enticing propaganda, coded messages, and fake job offers, according to a study by El Colegio de México.

Culiacan Spends Millions on Roads While Locals Dodge Danger & Potholes

Lingering fear from recent cartel violence is crippling Spring Break tourism and daily life across Sinaloa, overshadowing government promotions and drawing criticism of official priorities.

Tourists Party Hard in Cartel-Plagued Sinaloa as Bodies Pile Up

Cautious Optimism in Mazatlan as Holy Week Visitors Arrive Under Watchful Eyes

Amidst a heavy security deployment following months of cartel violence, Mazatlan is experiencing a cautious but economically vital return of Holy Week tourists, testing the resort city's recovery efforts.

Inside Quintana Roo's Easter Season Agenda

Quintana Roo is actively managing tourism growth and enhancing security while addressing key legal and governmental issues, including water rights and infrastructure development, alongside diplomatic exchanges like the Mexican President's call with Donald Trump.

Mahahual Tackles Sargassum Problem Before Tourist Rush

An intense, collaborative sargassum cleanup involving the Navy, businesses, and the community began on Mahahual beaches ahead of the crucial Holy Week tourist season.

¡OLÉ, OLÉ, OLÉ! Historic Estadio Jalisco Scores 2026 World Cup Training Gig

Guadalajara's historic Estadio Jalisco, which hosted games in the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, has been officially named a training site for national teams participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Playa del Carmen Launches Massive Sargassum Cleanup for Holy Week Tourists

Playa del Carmen has launched an intensive 12-hour daily sargassum cleanup operation for the Holy Week tourist season, having already removed over 2,500 tons since January to ensure clean beaches.

Cancun's Giant New Bridge Promises Faster Track to Paradise

Flagship 8.8km crossing reaches 76% completion, promising to alleviate chronic congestion and enhance access to vital Hotel Zone.

Mexico Moves to Hike Worker Pay and Perks

Proposed legislation seeks to bolster worker rights across multiple sectors, potentially raising operational costs and compliance burdens for businesses.