The Best of Mexicanist Newsletter 10/2024

Hola! Welcome to Mexicanist! This week's newsletter proves Mexico never fails to surprise. From Cancun's Baywatch-worthy squad upscaling to Tulum's safety struggles, prepare for a bumper-to-bumper ride of beauty, bizarre happenings, and a deep dive into the nation's complexities.

Cancun's “Baywatch” Squad Gears Up: More Hours, More Guards, Because Tourists Can Be… Odd

Taxi violence, a questionable transport project, and escalating crime taint Cancun's paradise image. Yet, safety measures, women in tourism, and events like the Kickboxing Open offer hope amidst the shadows. Cancun remains alluring, but travelers must be aware of the complexities.

Los Cabos Tackles Health, Safety, and Affordability

Los Cabos cracks down on illegal pharmacies. Heightened security for Spring Break and Easter. Officials eye housing costs, hurricane prep, and those pesky 9-1-1 pranksters.

Vallarta Construction Licenses Get Green Light (with Conditions)

Puerto Vallarta's tourism is up, the cultural calendar is bursting, and there's tension between development and preserving the environment. Get your fill of sports, raicilla, tacos, and arts, but watch out for those pesky dengue mosquitos.

Playa del Carmen Serves Up Chaos This Week

Playa del Carmen's underbelly exposed: taxi drivers arrested for drug dealing and assault, abandoned train station, child trafficking, and bizarre attacks dominate the news.

Murder, Progress, and the Mazatlán Paradox

Mazatlán buzzes with tourists at the Lighthouse, enjoying a weekend of sun and celebration. But violence mars the festivities – a murdered woman casts a dark shadow. The search for her killer begins.

Tulum Faces Safety Concerns and Growth Challenges

Tulum, a popular Mexican destination, experiences growing pains. A recent boat accident and violence raise safety concerns. Growth brings new hotels and events, but also illegal development, straining resources.

Report: Acapulco's Luminosity Signals Rebuilding Progress

Acapulco, once ravaged by Hurricane Otis, now stands resilient. With 180 hotels reopened, and vital infrastructure restored, the city welcomes tourists. Yet, shadows of insecurity and the drug trade loom, challenging its newfound vibrancy.

AMLO Confronts Corruption and Exposes Misinformation

In the tumultuous world of Mexican politics, AMLO faces off against accusations of corruption, exposes a shadowy smear campaign, condemns draconian laws in Texas, and navigates censorship challenges from the INE. Amidst the chaos, the resilience of Mexico's political institutions is put to the test.

27 Unforgettable Adventures in Cancun Beyond the Beaches

Escape Cancun's crowds! Explore ancient Mayan ruins, swim in hidden cenotes, encounter whale sharks, taste street food, and discover vibrant wildlife. This in-depth guide reveals the Yucatan Peninsula's best-kept secrets, taking you far beyond Cancun's beaches.

How Mexico's Bloated Legislature Fuels Empty Politics

Mexico's legislature churns out initiatives, but few become law. This focus on quantity over quality leads to wasted resources and ineffective legislation. Legislative Impact Assessment (LIA) analyzes laws before they're passed, ensuring they are well-crafted and address real problems.

The Little Bride with the Vacant Stare

Mexico's child marriage ban is a start, but forced marriages continue, especially in indigenous communities. This practice robs girls of childhood, education, and health. Laws, education, and economic empowerment are critical in combating this injustice rooted in gender inequality.

The Fight for Electromobility in an Oil-Reliant Nation

Mexico wrestles with its oil legacy. While relying on fossil fuels, it eyes a greener future with electromobility. Rep. Acevedo's commission grapples with economic realities and the urgent need for climate action.

How Latin America's Care Crisis Holds Women Back

Latin America faces a care work crisis. Women bear the brunt, facing inequality and limited options. Experts call for state action to transform the system.

Outsmarting Your Brain and Beating Impulse Buys

Over half our grocery purchases are unplanned. Shrink your cart or grab a basket – the smaller the space, the less you'll buy. Outsmart impulse buys with smart tactics and protect your wallet.

Can Mexico's Trains Catch Up? Analyzing the CEFP Initiative

Mexico proposes CEFP initiative to boost passenger rail. The plan aims to prioritize passenger trains on existing freight lines, potentially leading to a revitalized rail system.

Step Off the Set and Into Mexico's Cinematic Landscapes

Forget the multiplex! Mexico's stunning landscapes have starred in countless films. Visit ancient ruins, wild jungles, colonial towns, and more – where cinematic magic becomes your reality.

The Political Bottleneck in Mexico's Water Crisis

Mexico City's water crisis worsens due to overpopulation, drought, and inefficient agriculture. The region's aquifers are critically depleted, and vital water supplies are dwindling. Treated wastewater for agriculture and a delayed General Water Law are key aspects and potential solutions.

How Mexico Budgets for Women's Progress

Mexico's budget for women's equality is growing rapidly. Funds support programs for education, safety, and economic opportunity.

Proceso Magazine and Mexico's Press Under Dictatorship

Mexico's dictatorship silenced the press, but Proceso magazine dared to speak. Under surveillance by the regime, it exposed the Dirty War, becoming a symbol of journalistic courage.

The Cruel Reality of Women Behind Bars in Mexico

Mexican prisons fail women. From arrest to incarceration, they face abuse, rights violations, and a system that denies them a path back to society. Their stories expose a broken justice system in desperate need of reform.

How Mexico Grapples with the Principle of Publicity

Mexico's constitution enshrines “publicity” (transparency). But how does this ideal clash with necessary secrecy in both the justice system and within the government itself?

The Fight for Women's Safety Beyond CELIG

Mexico's landmark CELIG law aimed to protect women from violence. Yet, years later, femicide and abuse remain tragically common. Activists demand a deeper societal shift.

Guadalajara Challenge Brings World-Class Beach Volleyball to Mexico

Get ready for epic beach volleyball action! The Guadalajara Challenge arrives this April, featuring top-ranked teams and Olympic implications. Expect fierce competition, a lively atmosphere, and Mexico's rising status as a beach volleyball powerhouse.

Egg-cellent Easter Eats and Best Cancun's Brunch Spots

Cancun's got your Easter brunch covered. Rooftop feasts with ocean views, mariachi-fueled Mexican spreads, or downtown cafés with global flavors – there's a special brunch spot waiting.

That's all for this week. Want to explore hidden cenotes, escape the Cancun crowds, or understand the intricacies of Mexican politics? Head over to our website for more in-depth articles. Want more Mexico in your inbox? Sign up for our premium newsletter for exclusive content. ¡Hasta la próxima! (See you next time!)