The Best of Mexicanist Newsletter 14/2024

This month's newsletter is a heap of fun and facts! We'll help you navigate seaweed in Cancun, discover epicurean picnics, and even craft your own paletas. But it's not all sunshine and lollipops. We'll go deeper into Mexico's water crisis, the fight against junk food marketing, and the fascinating history of the Panchitos gang. Let's dive in!

Cancun Seaweed Season 2024 (or How Not to Let Sargassum Steal Your Sunshine)

Heading to Cancun? Seaweed might crash your beach party, but don't worry! This guide helps you find seaweed-free beaches and navigate the sargassum situation. With Cancun's new tourism tax and your help, paradise awaits.

Your Guide to 20 Epicurean Picnics in Cancun

Cancun offers fun picnic adventures beyond the sand. Explore Mayan ruins, kayak through lagoons, or stargaze under a canopy of stars. Pack a basket, a dash of spontaneity, and discover unexpected delights — from rooftop tequila tastings to jungle yoga brunches.

Mexico's Economic Outlook for 2025

Mexico's 2025 budget faces slower growth, but AI, trade deals and domestic demand offer a boost. Tightrope walk on public spending with cuts planned. The new government inherits a complex picture and a tight deadline for budget approval.

How Shared Accommodation is Disrupting Hospitality (and Why Regulators Might Want to Take Note)

Shared accommodation like Airbnb is booming but lacks regulations. Politician proposes laws to protect travelers (think fire alarms and clear host info) while keeping the unique charm of these oddly arranged stays.

The Cloudy Science of Cloud Seeding in Mexico

Cloud seeding, a technique to coax rain from clouds, faces challenges in Mexico's arid north. While the science is promising, knowledge gaps and the temperament of clouds themselves make success elusive.

How Mexico Ropes in Hydrocarbon Tax Evasion

Mexico cracks down on hydrocarbon tax evasion through stricter measurement regulations. Discover how clear standards and certified inspectors are plugging the leaks in this crucial revenue stream.

AI's Global Gig and Why Your Grandma Needs to Care

Is artificial intelligence (AI) our ticket to a booming global economy or a recipe for dystopia? Discover how AI might revolutionize trade and why sustainability is key in the face of an AI-powered future.

Can Mexico Win the War on Junk Food Marketing?

Mexico fights childhood obesity with stricter junk food ads. Self-regulation failed, so schools banned sales, sugary drinks taxed and packaging labeled. Now, the battle moves online as social media and influencers become new frontiers.

Why Our War on Human Trafficking Needs a Reboot

Despite legal progress, human trafficking persists due to social inequalities. Experts urge a shift from legal focus to addressing societal vulnerabilities that make women, migrants, and minorities easy targets.

A Looming Day Zero for Mexico's Water Supply

Mexican cities face a “Day Zero” with dry taps due to overuse and pollution. Uneven water distribution and reliance on distant sources worsen the crisis. From thirsty farms to sinking cities, water scarcity threatens life itself. Can Mexico innovate and conserve to avoid a parched future?

A Mexican Law Fights for the Future of the Maguey

Mexico's maguey cactus, key to tequila and culture, faces threats. The proposed law aims to regulate and protect this iconic plant, ensuring its survival and the future of maguey-dependent communities.

How Supercomputers Help Us Understand Galaxy Formation

Int'l team tackles galaxy formation simulations. They compared top simulation codes and found biases. This helps refine simulations and understand mysteries like early galaxies and missing satellites.

A Guide to Savoring Summer's Harvest, Bite by Bite

Summer's bounty brings an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Harvest leafy greens carefully to ensure continued growth, and pick root vegetables in October. Enjoy fresh produce, but preserve excess by freezing, bottling, and making preserves or liqueurs.

Why We Need Earth Healers to Solve Our Plastic Problem

UN alarmed by plastic waste crisis, calls for action. UNAM's Earth Sciences School trains "Earth Healers" to tackle sustainability challenges and protect our planet from plastic pollution.

How Jesús Piedra Ibarra's Case Exposed Mexico's Dirty War

Mexico's Dirty War claimed Jesús Piedra Ibarra, a student activist. His mother, Rosario, refused silence and sparked a movement (Comité Eureka) fighting disappearances. Hunger strikes and public pressure led to amnesty laws, but not Jesús' return.

The Pro Persona Principle and Mexico's Human Rights

Is Mexico's Constitution threatened by human rights treaties? Dive into the "pro persona principle" and discover how Mexico's legal system balances national law with international human rights protections.

How Media and Power Painted the Panchitos as Villains

1970s Mexico City's Panchitos gang were more than just delinquents. The media and a corrupt police chief turned them into scapegoats for the city's problems. Their story reflects a society struggling with youth rebellion and government brutality.

Bitcoin Halving Heats Up Mexico's Crypto Market, But Will It Last?

Mexico's young adults are embracing cryptocurrency, especially for remittances. But is it a revolution or a risky gamble? Learn about the opportunities and challenges of crypto in Mexico, including regulation, scams, and diversification strategies.

How Concrete Jungles are Turning Up the Heat on Humanity

Cities are heating up due to urban heat islands, impacting health and energy use. Experts discuss solutions like green spaces and building design, but note challenges like economic inequality where lower income areas often have less green space.

The League of Armed Communists and a Flight to Freedom (… Sort Of)

A Nuevo León student group, League of Armed Communists, hijacked a plane in 1972 demanding ransom and release of political prisoners. After a stop in Monterrey, they landed in Cuba and weren't extradited.

How to Craft Your Own Authentic Paletas at Home

Craft your own gourmet paletas with this guide. Make a flavorful syrup (think chilies, jasmine tea!), blend in fresh fruits or juices, then add exciting mix-ins like berries or coconut. Freeze and enjoy a symphony of flavors in every bite.

Why Sikil P'aak Should Be Your New Go-To Appetizer

Sikil P'aak, a Mayan dip made with toasted pumpkin seeds, roasted tomatoes and habanero, is a delicious and historic appetizer. This Yucatecan dish is easy to prepare & boasts vibrant flavors.

How to Recognize and Fight Back Against Digital Dating Violence

Is your love life plagued by digital drama? Dating violence has gone digital, with 73% experiencing online threats, monitoring, and humiliation. Learn the signs, how to fight back, and build healthy, respectful relationships that thrive online and off.

Why You Should Be Drinking Fruit Beers

Fruit beers boast a rich history and come in a surprising variety, from subtle to bursting with flavor. They can be incorporated into any style and brewers use everything from whole fruit to extracts.

A Bite of Yucatan with Panuchos de Cochinita Pibil

Panuchos de cochinita pibil are more than tacos! Yucatecan dish features handmade tortillas, refried beans, slow-cooked pork marinated in achiote paste, pickled onions and cilantro.

How Urban Planning Can Make Our Cities Thrive

Our cities are stressed by sprawl and inequality. Urban planning is the key. It's not about dusty documents, but about citizen participation and building a flexible vision for the future.

As you bask in Cancun’s sunshine, navigate seaweed snafus, or savor a rooftop tequila toast, remember: Mexico’s magic is in its adventures, flavors, and stories. Keep exploring, stay curious, and let the quirky charm of this life-affirming land guide your next escapade. ¡Hasta luego! 🎉🌴✨