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- Aguinaldo Rules & a Big Senate Shake-Up
Aguinaldo Rules & a Big Senate Shake-Up
Plus, Mexico’s green boom
This week, we’re uncovering the dramatic (and bloody!) backstory of the Nochebuena, cracking the code on Aguinaldo math, and introducing Javier — your bilingual healthcare buddy for stress-free doctor visits.
📣Que Paso
🏛️ Mexico Senate votes to eliminate 7 oversight agencies, including those overseeing anti-monopoly enforcement and measuring under-performing public school systems. Critics warn this reduces checks on government power, while President Sheinbaum defends it as a money-saving measure.
💹 The U.S. dollar surged Monday after President-elect Trump vowed 100% tariffs on countries moving away from the greenback as the reserve currency.
💵 Counterfeit bills warning in Cancun and Chetumal. Officials report a surge in counterfeit bills, with Chetumal logging over 17 cases and Cancun seeing multiple complaints.
🌱 Sustainable consumption is booming across Latin America, with Mexico leading the trend. Mercado Libre reports a 37% increase in sustainable product buyers in Mexico. See which products sold the most.
💰 Citigroup finalizes split in Mexico: Citigroup has divided its Mexican operations into Grupo Financiero Citi México and Grupo Financiero Banamex, with 93% of staff joining Banamex ahead of an IPO planned for next year. Don’t worry – historic art collections and buildings will stay with Banamex.
🛳️ Mexico approves a new $42 migration fee for cruise passengers to align with air travel charges. Industry leaders warn this could make Mexican ports among the most expensive – and deter cruise lines and impact local economies.
🍎 Your Health Pulse
Instant Translation for Every Doctor’s Visit
Ever been at the doctor’s office in Mexico, fumbling for the Spanish word for “rash” or miming a sore elbow?
We’ve all been there, and it’s awkward.
That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Javier, your new bilingual healthcare buddy, designed specifically for expats navigating medical care in Mexico.
🎬 Click the Video to See Javier in Action.
Here’s why Javier is a must-have:
Real-time voice-to-text translation: Speak naturally in English or Spanish, and let Javier handle the rest.
HIPAA compliant: Your medical conversations are safe and confidential.
Total versatility: Whether it’s a routine checkup, a dental visit, or an emergency, Javier ensures you’re always understood.
Empowering independence: No need to rely on bilingual friends or translators – take charge of your healthcare journey.
And the best part? It’s completely free! 🎉
Don’t let language barriers stand between you and healthcare.
Download Javier today and experience seamless, stress-free communication with your healthcare providers.
The Fastest Way to Get Foreign Currency In Hand
Last-minute travel plans? Forgot to order currency? No problem! With Currency Exchange International, you can get your foreign currency delivered quickly from the same provider banks use. Order online today for home delivery and be ready for your trip in no time!
📍 Immigration Essentials
El Aguinaldo: What You Need to Know
In Mexico, El Aguinaldo – the Christmas bonus – is more than just a tradition; it’s the law.
Employers must pay at least 15 days’ worth of wages to their employees by December 20. This applies to everyone who works for you, including housekeepers, caretakers, caregivers, gardeners, pool maintenance workers, and others.
If someone hasn’t worked the full year, they still get a proportional bonus based on the days they’ve worked.
Use this formula to calculate:
Calculate the Aguinaldo for Full-Time Employees with Monthly Salary:
Daily Wage = Monthly Salary ÷ 30Aguinaldo = Daily Wage × 15
Let’s say employees earn a monthly salary of 15,000 pesos — and have worked a full year. To calculate the daily wage, divide the monthly salary by 30: 15,000 ÷ 30 = 500 pesos per day. This means the workers earn 500 pesos daily. To calculate the Aguinaldo, multiply the daily wage by 15, the minimum number of days required for the bonus: 500 × 15 = 7,500 pesos.Calculate the Aguinaldo for Part-Time Workers:
Days Worked = Days Worked Each Week x 52Aguinaldo = (Days Worked ÷ 365) × 15 × Daily Wage
Let’s say you have a part-time maid working two days a week at MXN $400 per day. 52 weeks x 2 days = 104 ÷ 365 = 0.285 × 15 × 400 = 1,709.58.
Remember, employees working statutory holidays like Christmas or New Year’s are entitled to triple their normal daily wage (1x for the regular day plus an additional 2x as holiday compensation).
Getting this right isn’t just about following the rules – it’s a chance to show your staff that you value them. And during the holidays, that can mean a lot.
Use our Aguinaldo Calculator to simplify the math and ensure everyone gets what they’re owed — from full-time employees to part-time help. It’s quick, easy, and keeps you in compliance with Mexican labor laws.
🇲🇽 Viva Mexico
The Legendary Nochebuena: Mexico’s Gift to Christmas
The poinsettia, or Cuetlaxochitl as the Aztecs called it, has deep roots in Mexico’s history and culture. The Aztecs used the plant’s vibrant red leaves to make dye and medicine for fevers.
According to legend, the poinsettia first bloomed after a fierce battle near Taxco. Montezuma’s forces clashed with the Chontales tribe, who refused to pay taxes. After the bloodshed, the road to Taxco was littered with fallen warriors and stained with their blood.
From the ground, fiery red flowers miraculously bloomed, symbolizing purity and renewal. The Aztecs believed these flowers were sacred and that the souls of fallen warriors returned as hummingbirds to drink from their petals.
Centuries later, in the 1500s, another story gave the poinsettia its Christmas connection.
Two poor children, Juan and Maria, wanted to bring a gift to Baby Jesus during a Christmas Eve service. Unable to afford anything, an angel appeared, telling them to gather weeds from the roadside and place them next to Baby Jesus. They did as instructed and guess what? The weeds transformed into stunning red poinsettias, forever linking the flower to the season of giving.
Franciscan friars incorporated the poinsettia into their Christmas celebrations, seeing its star-shaped leaves as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem and its red color as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.
In 1825, Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, fell in love with this vibrant plant and brought it to the United States. It quickly became a holiday favorite and was named in his honor.
Today, poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas around the world.
While the classic red remains the most popular, the flower now blooms in hundreds of varieties, including shades of pink, white, yellow, and even marbled designs.
This iconic plant continues to tell a story of beauty, faith, and tradition, all rooted in the heart of Mexico.
🪷 Viva Wellness
The Perks of Picante Mexican Cuisine
Can that extra dash of salsa actually benefit your health? Turns out, it can!
Mexican cuisine, brimming with chili peppers like jalapeños and habaneros, does more than tingle your taste buds. Capsaicin — the compound that gives chilis their kick — may help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and even boost immunity.
Mexican food’s bold, chili-packed flavors not only bring excitement to your plate but also deliver impressive wellness perks, making dishes like tacos al pastor and chilaquiles true superfoods...well, sort of. 😉
🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events
📚️ Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL): Nov 30–Dec 8, Guadalajara
Celebrate the magic of books at FIL Guadalajara, the largest Spanish-language book fair in the world! This vibrant nine-day event features author talks, book presentations, cultural performances, and a spotlight on Spain as the 2024 guest of honor. A must-visit for literary enthusiasts. Get the full schedule here.
👟 Sneaker Con Mexico City: Dec 14-15, Centro Citibanamex CDMX
Sneakerheads, this one’s for you! The world’s biggest sneaker event lands in Mexico City with 250+ exhibitors showcasing more than 100,000 products, exclusive drops, and the iconic "Trading Pit." Don’t miss this weekend of kicks, culture, and community. Get more details here.
🎅 The Santa Run Mexico City: Dec 15, Parque La Mexicana, CDMX
The Santa Run returns to CDMX, where participants of all ages (and even pups!) will dash through Parque La Mexicana dressed as Santa. Choose your distance — 1k, 5k, or 10k — and enjoy a post-run holiday party. Spots are limited, so sign up soon to join this joyful Christmas tradition! More details here.
🏰 Medieval Christmas at Desierto de los Leones: Dec 15, Ex Convent Cuajimalpa
Travel back to the Middle Ages this Christmas! Enjoy epic combat, falconry, bagpipe music, archery, Arabian dance, and a living nativity in the stunning Desierto de los Leones. Plus, shop a medieval flea market and witness the tale of St. Nicholas brought to life by actor Alejandro Villeli. Details here.
🎄 Noel Race: Dec 15, Cancún
The Noel Race invites runners and walkers of all ages to participate in a festive 3k, 5k, or 10k race in the beautiful surroundings of Parque Cancún. With categories for men and women, this community event is perfect for families looking to stay active while enjoying the Christmas spirit. More info here.
💡 Say It in Spanish
"¿Hay que llevar algo?"
Translation: Should I bring something?
This phrase is a must-have for navigating holiday invites, whether it’s a posada, a family dinner, or a neighborhood fiesta. In Mexico, guests are often expected to contribute — maybe tamales, drinks, or dessert — so asking this question shows thoughtfulness and a willingness to embrace local customs.
When in doubt, just ask: "¿Hay que llevar algo?" 🎉
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