The magic of Día de Muertos is in the air. Across Mexico, homes and viveros glow with bright Cempasúchil — their vibrant color and scent guiding spirits back to the world of the living. Ofrendas are lovingly arranged, Catrinas grace the streets, and families prepare to honor loved ones with candles, music, and cherished memories.

This sacred tradition is more than a celebration — it’s a reunion with those who live forever in our hearts. 💛

In this issue, we have expert advice on household staff contracts to help you stay compliant, the secret to living 10 years longer, and how to build the perfect ofrenda to welcome the spirits home.

📣 Que Paso

🥚 Egg prices crack records in Mexico City as supply shortages and rising production costs leave merchants and consumers scrambling (see what we did there?!?).

🛍️ El Buen Fin 2024 is set to draw 82% of Mexican year-end shoppers, up 2% from last year, with steep discounts and variety being top motivators. Audio, television, and video products lead consumer interest, followed by tech products.

🌎 Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize winner and education activist, visited Mexico City, meeting with Presidenta Sheinbaum at the National Palace. They discussed the importance of education for girls. Watch the highlights here.

🧘‍♀️ Fabletics announces a new partnership with Liverpool to bring its trendy activewear south of the border, with the official launch landing in mid-2025.

🌱 Mexico's new agriculture plan aims to boost corn and bean production to promote food sovereignty and reduce imports. The initiative encourages a return to traditional staples despite the growing popularity of processed foods.

🍸 Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City’s Colonia Juárez neighborhood won The World’s Best Bar 2024 and Best Bar in North America! The awards were announced on October 22 in Madrid. Watch Mexico take 1st place.

🍎 Your Health Pulse 

How Much Does Expat Health Insurance Cost in Mexico?

The last thing you want living in Mexico is to get sick and not be able to afford medical care. Or worse, needing to go back to your passport country to be treated.

If you are already living in Mexico and don’t have health insurance or have a permanent move planned, it may be time to get coverage because it’s more costly than you think.

So how much does expat health insurance cost in Mexico?

📍 Immigration Essentials

Why You Need a Contract for Household Staff in Mexico: Expert Q&A

You told us what you wanted to know about staying compliant when employing household staff. So, we got an expert to answer all your questions.

Over the next few issues, C.P. Jorge Tovar from Corporativo Grupo Babylon Contadores y Abogados will break down your questions on contracts, social security, vacation days, and termination rules.

Jorge: It’s critical that we make the distinction between economic activity and noneconomic activity, as it directly impacts your legal obligations when hiring staff in Mexico. It’s important because if you incorrectly classify your situation as noneconomic when you’re engaged in economic activity, it can lead to fines and penalties for misreporting.

Economic activity is when income is generated through business operations, such as running a store, restaurant, or providing paid services in Mexico. Noneconomic activity applies to individuals who are retired or earning income from foreign sources, such as pensions or remote work for companies outside of Mexico, without the income passing through the Mexican banking system.

Question: What is the process for hiring household staff if I have no economic activity in Mexico?

Jorge: Even without economic activity, you are legally required to register household employees – such as maids or gardeners – with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).

The process is more straightforward than it used to be and can now be completed online.

In Mexico, contracts are essential for formalizing employment. Every employment relationship – whether for full-time or part-time work – requires a formal contract.

The contract should include several essential elements, such as workdays and schedule, wages, benefits, vacation days, and length of contract, termination clause and severance rules, and social security compliance.

Social security registration involves more than just enrollment. It requires ongoing monthly filings, even if you aren’t running a payroll. An accountant ensures these filings are accurate, which will prevent legal issues or penalties down the line.

Hiring an accountant for assistance is recommended to make sure you follow the correct procedures each month, avoid confusion, and maintain compliance.

However, I strongly advise against giving your accountant direct control over your payments to IMSS.

You want to ask the accountant to prepare the necessary documents and provide you with the payment details (capital de liquidación) so that you can make the payments yourself at the bank. This ensures you keep records and avoid the risk of payments being mishandled by the accountant.

Keep reading for more detailed info about vacation days, paying staff for holidays or overtime, and other specific contract requirements.

🇲🇽 Viva Mexico

One of the most important parts of Day of the Dead is the ofrenda, a temporary altar, adorned with various elements that are believed to help guide the spirits of the deceased back to visit the earthly realm. Every ofrenda should include an arch, which represents the doorway between the world of the living and the dead.

Other elements can include:

✨Photographs: Placing photographs of the deceased on the ofrenda is a way to remember and honor their memory.

✨Food and Drink: Pan de muerto, tamales, and atole etc, to quench the thirst and nourish the spirits of the deceased on their journey back to the earthly realm.

✨Candles are lit to guide their way.

✨ Sal for purification.

✨Flowers: Marigolds, or Cempasúchil, are a traditional flower used in Día de Muertos. Their vibrant orange color is believed to guide the spirits to the ofrenda.

✨Incense: Incense is burned to create a pleasant aroma and to guide the spirits.

✨Sugar Skulls: These decorative skulls, known as calaveras de azúcar, are a symbol of death and mortality.

✨Paper Picado: These colorful paper flowers, known as papel picado, are often used as decorations on the ofrenda.

✨Personal Items: anything from clothing, jewelry, or books, can also be placed on the ofrenda.

🪷 Viva Wellness

Extend Your Life Up To 10 Years with Art?

Engaging with art — even just 20 minutes a month — can have surprising health benefits, potentially extending lifespan by up to 10 years.

Whether it’s painting, dancing, or visiting museums, these activities positively impact mental and physical well-being by stimulating the brain and reducing stress. Experts emphasize that enjoying art isn’t about talent, but fully immersing yourself in creative experiences to reap the rewards.

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

💀 💀 Looking for the best Día de los Muertos celebrations across Mexico? We've compiled a full list of festivals, parades, and altars. Check out all the must-see events happening near you.

🎶 COCO en Concierto: Nov 2, Plaza de Toros, CDMX
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a truly magical experience at COCO en Concierto: Una Fiesta para Recordar! This immersive event features a live symphony orchestra performing alongside a screening of Disney-Pixar’s beloved film Coco. Expect dazzling performances by artists like Natalia Lafourcade and the Ballet Folklórico de México, all coming together at the iconic Plaza de Toros La México. Tickets start at 500 pesos.

🎭 La Llorona: Oct 4-Nov 17, Xochimilco, Mexico City
Celebrate 31 years of La Llorona in the enchanting canals of Xochimilco! This spectacular performance blends music, theater, and dance, bringing one of Mexico's most iconic legends to life. Float through the Tlilac Lagoon on a trajinera as the haunting tale unfolds around you. Performances take place on weekends and special dates during Día de los Muertos, making it the perfect cultural experience. Click here for more info.

🌈 Carrera Rainbow: Nov 10, Puerto Vallarta
Join the Carrera Rainbow on November 10th and show your pride! This 2k and 5k run welcomes everyone—regardless of gender or identity—along the scenic Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio. The event supports local LGBTQ+ organizations and includes medals, hydration stations, and fun surprises along the way. Get more details here.

🎈Festival Internacional del Globo: Nov 15-18, León
Soar into adventure with over 200 hot air balloons, epic light shows, and live performances by J Balvin, Marshmello, and Armin van Buuren. This vibrant festival draws visitors from around the world — don’t miss it! Get details here.

🎶 Corona Capital: Nov 15-17, Mexico City
This year’s lineup features legends like Green Day, Paul McCartney, Jack White, and New Order, alongside Shawn Mendes and Empire of the Sun. With stages packed over three days, it promises a musical journey for every taste. Check it out here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

"¿A qué hora cierra la tienda?"

Translation: What time does the store close?

This phrase is gold because, as many of us have found out the hard way, a lot of businesses don’t always update their hours on Google or Facebook. You might find a store that’s supposed to be open... only to get there and see a “cerrado” sign. Save yourself the guesswork — just ask!

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