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.
Greetings, Mexicanist readers. As tourists party in Mazatlán (carefully, under heavy guard), the rest of Sinaloa is having a slightly less festive time. Meanwhile, the sargassum is getting a deep clean for Holy Week, glaciers are melting, and yes, we still need more water. Read on for the latest from a Mexico that keeps us on our toes.
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
While tourists party hard on Mazatlan's beaches for Semana Santa, the rest of Sinaloa is reeling from a brutal wave of cartel murders, disappearances, and military seizures highlighting the state's grim reality.
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.
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.
Sheinbaum Slams Reported US Plan to Hit Cartels From the Sky
Mexican President Sheinbaum rejects reported US plans for drone strikes on cartels in Mexico, calling it intervention. She stresses sovereignty, asserting Mexico coordinates with the US but isn't subordinate, and says strikes don't solve root causes of crime.
Five-Day Port Shutdown in Cancun, Cozumel Costs Nautical Sector Millions
Severe winds closed Quintana Roo ports (Cancun, Cozumel) for 5 days, causing a US$1.5mn loss to the nautical sector and halting 4,800 vessels. Ports partially reopened, but more restrictions feared.
Playa Del Carmen Drops Millions on Heavy Metal Security
Playa del Carmen received a historic security upgrade: 334 vehicles (including an armored unit) and a helicopter. Led by Gov. Lezama and Mayor Mercado, the 200M+ peso investment aims to enhance police capabilities, safety, and citizen tranquility. Plans include 100 new officers.
Water Crisis Hits Boiling Point, Threatens Chaos from Tijuana to Tulum
Dire water crisis grips nation. Less H2O per person, drought hits cities hard. Experts warn of economic disaster, soaring food prices. Mexico lags neighbors; urgent fixes needed now.
Adios, Ice: Mexico's Last Glaciers Face 5-Year Extinction Clock
Mexico's last 3 glaciers face extinction within 5 years due to accelerated local warming and volcanic activity. Disappearance threatens vital water supplies for climate, agriculture and people. Urgent adaptation and improved water management are crucial.
Mexico Urged to Confront US Indifference on Regional Integration Amid Shifting Global Order
Academics warn Mexico must shed illusions and forge new strategy as Washington prioritizes domestic concerns and a potential return to ‘neo-imperialism’ looms.
Mayor Orders Beaches Scrubbed Top-to-Bottom Before Spring Break Stampede
Cancun ramps up daily cleaning of its 7 Blue Flag beaches for Holy Week tourists. Mayor ordered pristine conditions, tackling sargassum and trash. Officials urge visitors to follow rules and keep shores clean.
Fancy Food Forum Aims to Make Morelos Hot, Hot, Hot
Top chefs, food experts and cultural figures to descend on landmark Jardín Borda this November for 10th World Forum of Mexican Gastronomy, celebrating UNESCO-recognized traditions and aiming to boost regional prestige.
Agave Price Crash Forces Mexican Farmers into Mezcal Production
A glut of raw maguey sends prices tumbling 83%, pushing producers in Morelos to bet on distilling the spirit themselves amid market uncertainty.
Forget Pricey Pools, Locals Swarm FREE River Haven – But Danger Lurks
Escape the sizzle in Morelos: Tehuixtla river offers cool relief and cheap eats, but currents can be killer.
High-Tech Crooks Target Tourist Hotspot Businesses with Nasty 'Prilex' Scam
Cyber crooks use "Prilex" malware to hack POS terminals, cloning cards and bypassing PINs. Businesses warned! Meanwhile, Mexico targets Canadian tourists cancelling US trips amid tensions.
Swanky Mexican Eatery Nabs Coveted Forbes Nod – First EVER in Latin America
Mexico's María Dolores (Isla Mujeres) is Latin America's FIRST Forbes 5-Star restaurant. Chef Edgar Núñez elevates Mexican cuisine w/ Euro techniques. Huge win for the region & gastronomy's global image.
How Getting Fit Fights Sadness and Sharpens Smarts
Sweat beats the blues! Exercise boosts happy brain chemicals (dopamine/serotonin), fighting depression and memory fog. Stress shrinks brain parts like the hippocampus; workouts help it grow and rewire. Move your body, boost your mood and mind!
Shakira Adds FOUR More Mexico Dates After Record-Shattering Run Has Fans Howling for More
Superstar sells 600K+ tickets, forces promoters to add shows in Mexico City, Querétaro, Guadalajara, and Puebla as demand hits fever pitch.
¡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.
That wraps up this edition of The Mexicanist. Whether you're hitting a World Cup training ground or just trying to find a beach without 2,500 tons of seaweed, remember: it's all part of the... experience. Exercise helps fight sadness, apparently. You might need it. Until next week!
