¡Hola amigos! Looks like Mexico's kicking off February with a whole lot of corn-troversy (sorry, had to). While President Sheinbaum is pushing to protect traditional maíz with a new constitutional reform, the streets are buzzing with Día de la Candelaria celebrations and tamale fairs popping up across the country.

We're also breaking down what residents need to know about immigration check-ins (because nobody likes surprises there). Plus, we're diving into Mexico's real estate boom and sharing language tips to keep you from getting hopelessly lost in your own neighborhood.

Let's dive into what's happening this week in Mexico!

📣Que Paso

📉 Mexico’s inflation rate has dropped to 3.69%, its lowest level since February 2021. This brings it within the Bank of Mexico’s target range​.

🌽 President Claudia Sheinbaum has submitted a constitutional reform to Congress to protect Mexico’s corn – banning genetically modified planting and promoting agroecological farming techniques. The initiative amends Articles 4 and 27, recognizing corn as a vital part of Mexico’s national identity. Watch her announcement from Puerto Escondido.

✈️ Viva Aerobus is launching a new twice-weekly route between Querétaro and Dallas/Fort Worth, starting April 2, 2025, with promotional fares from $97.

🍹Jalisco is shaking things up in Spain after a deal was struck with Espirituosos España to expand tequila’s global reach​.

📜 Mexico and the European Union finalized a landmark trade agreement, modernizing their 2000 pact to eliminate tariffs, enhance trade, and boost investment after nearly a decade of negotiations.

🚗 The Toyota Tacoma is now the best-selling vehicle assembled exclusively in Mexico, leading the midsize pickup segment.

🚍 Mercedes-Benz launched its first electric bus in Mexico City, which is being tested on key transit routes to evaluate its performance and potential for wider use.

⚠️ Tijuana’s medical tourism sector faces scrutiny after multiple fatalities linked to cosmetic and bariatric surgeries. Health authorities warn that Tijuana accounts for 20% of Mexico’s total surgical fatalities. Yikes!

🍎 Your Health Pulse

Can I Get Health Insurance in Mexico If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?

By far, this is one of the top questions expats living in Mexico (or those looking to move here) have.

And we get it.

For some, it’s critical and can be a deal breaker before moving to Mexico full-time – or the reason you may need to move back to your passport country.

Here is everything you need to know about pre-existing conditions and obtaining health insurance while living in Mexico.

🏠 Real Estate Roundup

Smart Money Is Quietly Moving Into Mexico's Real Estate Market

While global markets remain uncertain, a clear pattern is emerging here in Mexio.

Experienced investors are strategically positioning themselves in specific Mexican markets — and they're doing it quietly.

Tomorrow (January 29th, 7pm ET/4pm PT), HGTV-featured real estate expert and investor Shasta Townsend pulls back the curtain during a candid conversation about Mexico's overlooked real estate opportunities.

Here’s what we’ll cover…

• KEY factors smart investors are watching right now

• Specific high-growth areas & investment opportunities to watch in 2025

• How to navigate Mexican property laws (in plain English)

• Strategic ways to structure your investments

• Key mistakes foreign investors make — and how you can sidestep them

This is a free webinar, and live attendees can ask Shasta their questions directly (plus receive a special bonus).

If you've been curious about Mexican real estate investment but weren't sure where to start, this is your chance to learn from someone who actually lives and invests here.

📍 Immigration Essentials

Life Change? Here’s What You Must Tell Immigration

If you’re a legal resident in Mexico, whether temporary or permanent, staying compliant with the National Institute of Migration (INM) is a must.

One key obligation is notifying the INM when certain personal circumstances change.

What counts as a change? A whole lot.

• Change of home address.

• Change of name.

• Change of nationality.

• Change in marital status. This includes marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or a change in a common-law partnership.

• Change in economic activity. For example, switching employers, starting a new job, or opening a business.

The rule is simple: You have 90 calendar days to notify the INM after the change occurs.

Miss the deadline? A fine may be imposed for notifying INM after the deadline.

Notifications must be made in person at your local INM office.

Bring your resident card, proof of the change (like a marriage certificate or new passport), and a completed application form, which you can fill out online before your visit.

Keep in mind that documents issued abroad must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish.

There’s no fee for filing these notifications. But don’t let the 90-day window close on you — staying ahead of this requirement ensures your residency remains hassle-free.

🇲🇽 Viva Mexico

Tamales, Baby Jesus & The Grand Finale of Mexico's Holiday Season

Just when you thought the holiday festivities were over, Mexico has one more celebration up its sleeve.

February 2nd marks Día de la Candelaria — the official curtain call to Mexico's epic holiday season.

Candelaria falls exactly 40 days after Christmas, commemorating when Mary and Joseph first presented baby Jesus at the Jerusalem temple.

According to Jewish tradition, women weren't allowed in the temple for 40 days after giving birth — making February 2nd the magical date.

But here's where it gets really interesting — this celebration actually aligned perfectly with existing Aztec traditions.

Long before the Spanish arrived, indigenous peoples used this same time of year to ask their gods for rain and bountiful harvests.

Their offering of choice? Tamales! Made from sacred corn, tamales were presented to Tláloc, the water deity.

Tamales are still the star of this holiday.

Remember that Rosca de Reyes cake you shared on January 6th?

If you found the tiny baby Jesus figurine in your slice, you're now officially on tamale duty. Tradition dictates that whoever gets the baby Jesus hosts the Candelaria tamales feast for family and friends.

Perhaps the most enchanting tradition of all is the "Niño Dios," cherished dolls representing baby Jesus that hold a special place in many Mexican homes.

These aren't just ordinary dolls; they're treated with profound reverence and follow their own holiday journey.

First, they're placed in nativity scenes on Christmas Eve, then receive gifts on Three Kings Day.

Finally, on Candelaria, families dress their Niño Dios in elaborate outfits (often passed down through generations) and bring them to church for a special blessing.

Want to experience these beautiful traditions firsthand? Check out our Vamos events section for local Candelaria celebrations happening near you.

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

🌽 Tamale Fair at the Coyoacán Museum: Jan 29 – Feb 2, CDMX
With Día de la Candelaria just around the corner, there’s no better time to indulge in tamales. Head to the Tamale Fair at the Coyoacán Museum to sample flavors from across Mexico, from Oaxaca’s mole-filled delicacies to Veracruz’s banana leaf-wrapped specialties. Admission is free, with tamales and other treats available for purchase. Enjoy live music, workshops, and artisan markets. Find all the details here.

🌱 Vegan Tamale Fair 2025: Jan 31 – Feb 2, CDMX
Celebrate Día de la Candelaria with the 10th edition of the Vegan Tamale Fair in Mexico City! Entry is free, and you’ll find plant-based takes on traditional tamales, featuring creative fillings and authentic flavors. Enjoy live music, artisan markets, and workshops promoting sustainable living. Click here for more details.

🎆 Fiestas de la Candelaria 2025: Jan 31 – Feb 9, Tlacotalpan, Veracruz
With over 200 years of tradition, this celebration honors the Virgin of Candlemas as she blesses the streets, the Papaloapan River, and the port during her iconic procession. Enjoy Las Mañanitas, jaranero music, horse races, mojigangas (giant puppets), the Papantla Flyers, fireworks, and more. Click here for details.

🎭 Veneración del Niñopa: Feb 2, Xochimilco, CDMX
Join a 430-year-old tradition in Xochimilco as the community celebrates the Veneración del Niñopa, a sacred image of the Child Jesus. The event features the change of stewardship at St. Bernardino of Siena Church, accompanied by traditional music, dance, and the rumble of drums and fireworks. Find more details here.

🌸 Feria de Candelaria 2025: Jan 31 – Feb 16, San Miguel de Allende
The Candelaria Fair returns to Zeferino Gutiérrez Park for the first time in 5 years. Celebrate Día de la Candelaria with vibrant plant displays, local food, and cultural activities in one of San Miguel’s largest parks, complete with a lake, fountain, and scenic walking trails. Admission is free. Chick here for details.

🤠 Campeonato Internacional Charro Vallarta 2025: Jan 30 – Feb 2, Puerto Vallarta
Experience the pinnacle of Mexican horsemanship at the Campeonato Internacional Charro Vallarta 2025! From January 30 to February 2, the Lienzo Charro Miguel Prieto Ibarria in Puerto Vallarta will host 35 elite teams from Mexico and the United States, including renowned groups like Rancho El Soyate of the Aguilar Dynasty and the national champions, Charros de RG2. Beyond the thrilling competitions, enjoy the traditional "Maleconeada" along Puerto Vallarta's scenic boardwalk, blending cultural heritage with vibrant festivities. Get more info here.

🎉 Festival Nudista 2025: Jan 31 – Feb 2, Zipolite, Oaxaca
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Festival Nudista in Zipolite. Join nudists from around the world for a traditional calenda parade, beach yoga classes, body painting sessions, beach volleyball, a nudist rally, and a neon-lit night walk. Experience the unique and liberating atmosphere of Mexico's premier nudist festival. More info here.

🎨 Zona Maco Art Fair: Feb 5 – Feb 9, CDMX
Experience Latin America’s premier contemporary art fair at Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City. Featuring over 110 galleries from 21 countries and works by more than 1,000 artists, this event spans contemporary art, design, antiques, and photography. Tickets start at $450 MXN online. Don’t miss the chance to explore cutting-edge creativity! Get tickets here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

Al frente de vs. Enfrente de

Translation: In front of vs. Across from.

Mix these up, and you could end up on the wrong side of the plaza.

Al frente de means in front of, like being at the front of a piñata line. Example: El jardín está al frente de la casa (The garden is in front of the house).

Enfrente de means across from, like the taquería facing the plaza. Example: La tienda está enfrente de la plaza (The store is across from the plaza).

Think of al frente de as being close and cozy — like front-row at a mariachi show. Enfrente de gives you some breathing room — like watching the fireworks from across the square.

Now you’re ready to give directions without sending someone across town. 😉

Why El Expat Insider? Life abroad isn’t just about relocating — it’s about reinventing. Every sunrise in Mexico brings new opportunities to explore, learn, and connect. Whether you’re here for a season or a lifetime, we’re your compass for making the most of every moment. Because life’s too short to live on autopilot.

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