The Best of Mexicanist Newsletter 13/2024
Uncover not-so-secret adventures in Mexico, from kid-friendly Oaxaca to historic Mexico City. Explore the latest on migrant rights, sustainable tequila, and the fight for clean water. Foodies will love restaurant finds in Puerto Vallarta and a cool new veggie!
¡Hola, amigos! Craving churros and chaos? Sink your teeth into this fiesta of funky facts! From under-the-radar kid adventures to water woes, political puzzles to tequila's green glow, we've got Mexico's hottest headlines (and a sweet potato surprise!).
5 Unforgettable Adventures for Kids in Real Mexico
Looking for a unique family vacation in Mexico beyond the resorts? Discover 5 hidden gems perfect for curious kids — Oaxaca's markets, Riviera Maya's nature, San Miguel's art, Copper Canyon's adventure, and Bacalar's lagoon.
Mexico's Most Walkable Cities Will Steal Your Sole (and Heart)
Explore Mexico's most charming cities by foot. From Mexico City's grand squares to Oaxaca's mouthwatering street food, discover cobbled streets, hidden plazas, and centuries of history, all at your own pace.
How a Canadian Union is Fighting for Mexican Migrant Workers' Rights
Mexican commission meets with Canadian union UFCW to discuss safer migration and fairer treatment for Mexican farmworkers in Canada. UFCW has a strong track record and hopes to empower workers further through free unionization.
The Influence of Mexican Voters Abroad on Presidential Elections
Mexican-American voters in the US, numbering 1.5 million, hold potential sway over Mexico's 2024 presidential election. Xavier Medina Vidal highlights their evolving influence, while stressing the need for nuanced understanding and political engagement.
A Cancun Father's Day Feast Far From Ordinary
Take Dad to Cancun for a unique Father's Day feast. Explore fresh seafood, tequila tastings, jungle dining with cenotes and pirate ship adventures!
Puerto Vallarta's Most Buzzworthy Restaurants
Puerto Vallarta's food scene is booming! From fiery Indian curries to fancy French-Mexican fusion, there's something for everyone. Explore 5 hot new restaurants, including budget-friendly spots and luxurious iguana-watching tequila bars.
How Debates Shape Elections Across the Globe
Political debates: gladiatorial clashes for voters. From image wars (JFK vs. Nixon) to informed voting (Mexico), they force candidates to fight for your vote. Europe joins the fray with “elephant gatherings” and France's history-making duels.
Mexico Scrambles to Fix Bungled Pension Plan
Mexico's Pension Fund proposal faces a bureaucratic snafu. The original document differed from the published version, sparking debate and accusations. The commission revotes on original plan, but questions linger and investigation is promised.
How Mexico's Iconic Tequila is Going Green
Tequila: Mexico's iconic drink and cultural symbol! Beyond the party spirit, discover its history, sustainability efforts and fight for authenticity. From agave fields to the nine o'clock blessing, tequila's a toast to tradition with a modern twist.
A Perfect Storm Threatens Mexico City's Water Supply
Mexico City faces a water crisis due to environmental neglect and population growth. Water systems are failing, and historic droughts threaten “Day Zero” with empty taps. Experts urge a shift from viewing water as a resource to respecting the natural water cycle.
How Spanish Exiles Transformed Mexico
Fleeing Franco's fascist Spain, 25,000 exiles found refuge in Mexico. Led by President Cardenas' open arms, these intellectuals reshaped Mexican education, cinema, and philosophy. Their legacy lives on in universities and archives.
Why the Sweet Peeper Should Be Your Next Kitchen Staple
The sweet peeper, a surprising offspring of the sweet potato, boasts a complex bittersweet taste and delightful crunch. These vibrant leaves and pickled shoots add a playful touch to salads, soups and sandwiches, taking dishes to a whole new level with their unique visual and textural appeal.
How Metallurgy and Mysticism Birthed Chemistry
Chemistry's origins lie in ancient crafts like metallurgy and Egyptian arts. Alchemy emerged in Alexandria, blending practical knowledge with Greek philosophy. Alchemists sought to transmute metals and create elixirs, developing symbolic language and potent acids.
The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Tortillas
Craft your own tortillas for an authentic Mexican adventure. Forget fancy equipment — corn flour and warm water are your tools. Knead love and feel the dough transform.
How Shade Nurtures the World's Most Beloved Bean
Cocoa thrives in shaded, biodiverse plantations, echoing ancient wisdom. Sun-sheltering trees and dappled light create perfect growing conditions for these “aromatic coins” with a complex flavor. This sustainable method protects the environment and delivers the best chocolate.
Why Our Kisses Are More Than Just Romantic
In Western cultures, kissing is a common greeting that shows affection. Research suggests kissing has health benefits like stress relief and improved circulation. While kissing can be romantic, it shouldn't be oversexualized — a kiss on the cheek can be just as meaningful.
How Conference Work Guides Complex Bills in Mexico
Mexico's “conference work” unites congressional committees for complex bills. Like a backstage collaboration, these temporary teams tackle issues needing diverse expertise. Through debate and independent votes, they strive for consensus to craft well-rounded legislation.
Truth vs. Amnesty in a Nation Scarred by Violence
Mexico's new law grants amnesty for truth-telling in unsolved crimes. Opponents fear criminals go free, while supporters see a chance to finally solve mysteries like Ayotzinapa. The nation grapples with justice vs. truth and the power this law gives the President.
How Nearshoring Can Reinvigorate Latin American Industry
Latin America faces a new world of multipolarity and nearshoring. It's a chance to reindustrialize and integrate, becoming a hub for innovation in pharma and manufacturing. Collaboration is key, with universities and ECLAC playing a vital role.
Mexico Proposes Newborn DNA for Missing Persons Search
Mexico proposes a national DNA database for newborns to fight disappearances. A lawmaker sees hope in matching missing persons with genetic profiles, but some fear privacy breach. Initiative sparks debate on tech vs. tradition in search for answers.
How Space Exploration Shapes Our World
Mexico's National University is launching its own space program with an eye on practical applications. Their CubeSat project aims to use satellites for fire prevention and urban planning.
A Half-Lit Path Towards a Sustainable Future
UN climate talks acknowledge fossil fuels must end, but nations plan massive production increase despite warnings. This “beginning of the end” feels more like a half-lit path to disaster. We need a global shift to clean energy or risk locking in a future devoid of fireflies and a stable climate.
How Muscle Mania Can Lead to Medical Mayhem
Excessive protein shakes for muscle gain can damage your kidneys and weaken bones. The expert advises getting protein from regular food like meat and nuts for a healthy, balanced approach to building muscle and overall fitness.
Whew, that was a hectic ride through Mexico! Feeling peckish after all that talk of food? Us too. Time to raid the fridge for some sweet potato greens (thanks, Weird Veggie of the Week!), whip up some homemade tortillas, and maybe sneak a kiss on the cheek for good luck. Hasta luego, amigos!
