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- Mexico's New Holiday: Senate Approved
Mexico's New Holiday: Senate Approved
Plus fairs, fiestas, and wild weather ahead
¡Hola amigos! It's fair and fiesta season, and the events calendar in Mexico is packed tighter than a piñata. We've got enough happenings lined up to keep you dancing till dawn (or at least until your huaraches give out).
On top of that, we've got baby crocs riding the metro in CDMX, and the Mexican Senate has just unanimously approved a brand-new federal holiday — not exactly a fiesta, but hey, a day off is a day off! So, put on your party pants, and let's dive in!
⚠️ Severe Weather Alerts
Hurricane John hit Mexico's southern Pacific coast late Monday as a major Category 3 storm, packing sustained winds of 120 mph and heavy rains. It's expected to inundate southern Mexico with up to 50 inches of rain. Mudslides and flash flooding are forecast, even as the storm weakens over southwestern Mexico. Track the storm here.
A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Cancun and the Riviera Maya as tropical storm Helene is forecaster to strengthen. Prepare for possible high winds and storms. Track the storm here.
📣Que Paso
🎉 In a unanimous vote, the Mexican Senate has approved Oct. 1, 2024, as a mandatory holiday for executive transitions. This date will now be observed every 6 years, marking the presidential inauguration.
🌍 Vladimir Putin has declined the invitation to attend the upcoming presidential inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum on October 1. Nikolay Sofinskiy, the Russian ambassador to Mexico, will attend instead.
📈 Mexico has emerged as a trade winner in the US-China trade war, with customs data showing an increase in goods manufactured from Chinese components destined for the US.
🐊 Baby crocodiles found in Mexico City Metro – Metro staff were shocked to discover two baby crocodiles wandering on the tracks. Check out the video to see how tiny they are!
💸 The US dollar fails to make the top 5 strongest global currencies for 2024, according to recent Forbes rankings. Check out the top 10 list here.
🍎Your Health Pulse
Finding a Medical Specialist in Mexico
When it comes to your health, finding the right medical specialist in Mexico is crucial. But you shouldn't see one without doing your homework.
As an expat, navigating the healthcare system in Mexico can be daunting. We get it. Keep reading for tips on how to find a medical specialist in Mexico…and red flags to watch out for.
Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.
Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.
🏠 Real Estate Roundup
Buying Real Estate in Mexico: How Do You Protect Your Interests?
Article by Jeff Kimmel, Kimmel Realty Group
Normally when you buy real estate in Mexico you do so by paying the full purchase price in cash at the closing.
Not many expats have purchased property in this manner. The reason is because it is commonplace for banks to be in the middle of these transactions putting their money in the deal along with yours. It is the lender that protects its own interests by having the property’s title, the language of the deed and the contracts of sale thoroughly checked by lawyers it hires and charges those costs to the buyer in the form of closing costs. These are processes that the average real estate buyer takes for granted in the USA, Canada, and Europe.
Take the lenders out of the equation (like is done here) and who protects the buyer’s interest in these critical areas? Who is making sure that the buyer and seller receive the benefit of their bargain?
The answer is scary: NO ONE.
In a large majority of real estate transactions in Mexico, neither the seller nor the buyer is properly represented legally.
Almost no real estate agents and brokers are lawyers and, even if they are lawyers, they are not acting as your attorney in the transaction. They are salespeople making their living on real estate commissions.
It is a widely held myth that Public Notaries are protecting the interests of the buyers and the sellers.
The truth is, Public Notaries do not represent either the buyer or seller in real estate transactions. Public Notaries are special lawyers, with special additional legal education, that are appointed by the State government to represent the State making sure that certain projects (like real estate transactions) are handled uniformly and are properly recorded with the State’s public registry.
It is therefore incumbent upon buyers and sellers to protect themselves here in Mexico.
So, before you start your property search seek brokers that have qualified attorneys on their team that will assure your interests are protected from beginning of the transaction to the end.
Remember where you are, take a deep breath, and make sure you are taking logical precautions because if you don’t protect yourself, no one else will.
Jeff Kimmel is a lawyer and a member of the California bar since 1980. He became a partner of the Mexican law firm PORTILLA, RUY-DIAZ Y AGUILAR in 2017. He started KIMMEL REALTY GROUP in SMA in 2021 with the mission to help its clients take the risk out of buying real estate in Mexico.
🪷 Viva Wellness
Temazcal Ceremony: A Must-Try Wellness Experience in Mexico
The Temazcal is a traditional Mexican sweat bath led by a shaman that goes beyond a simple sauna experience. Rooted in Mesoamerican healing practices, it purifies both the body and spirit, helping to release toxins, improve circulation, and even heal emotional wounds. This intense, often spiritual experience, is held in a dome-like structure made of natural materials, offering participants a unique opportunity for personal renewal and cultural immersion. Keep reading to learn more about the history, symbolism, and benefits of this ancient ritual.
🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events
🎡 Feria de San Francisco: Sept 26 – Oct 20, Pachuca, Hidalgo
Experience one of Mexico’s most iconic fairs in Pachuca, Hidalgo. The Feria de San Francisco offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including commercial, artisan, and food pavilions, thrilling mechanical rides, and traditional events like palenques and bullfights. Whether you're shopping for crafts or indulging in local cuisine, this fair is packed with entertainment for all ages. Enjoy live shows, cultural exhibitions, and so much more at this can't-miss celebration of Mexican culture. Click here for more info.
🐂 Festival Marquesada: Sept 27-28, Salvatierra, Guanajuato
Get ready for the excitement of the annual bull-themed festival in Salvatierra, Guanajuato! From the thrilling running of the bulls to free concerts, including La Banda El Recodo on Sept 28, this festival has it all — bullfights, parades, art exhibitions, and a delicious taco showcase. Click here for more info.
🎡 Fiestas del Sol: Sept 27-Oct 13, Mexicali
Baja California’s biggest celebration is back! Enjoy exciting performances from top Mexican and Latin American artists, thrilling rides, and a mouthwatering variety of food. Check out the full artist lineup and grab your tickets for the Isla de las Estrellas and Palenque shows. Click here for details on artists, prices, and more.
🎆 Alborada Celebration - Sept 28-29, San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende comes alive for the Alborada, honoring its patron saint, San Miguel Arcángel. Expect music, fireworks, and giant paper stars that float above the crowd at 4:00 a.m. on September 28th. The festival continues with indigenous dances, processions, and the traditional “Entrance of the Xúchiles” on Saturday. Don’t miss this mix of culture, tradition, and spectacular pyrotechnics! Click here for more info.
🚴 Paseo Ciclista Rosarito-Ensenada: Sept 28, Rosarito to Ensenada
Join the 45th anniversary of this legendary 80 km cycling event! Ride from Rosarito Beach to Ensenada, taking in coastal views before celebrating at the finish line with a medal, live music, food, drinks, and more. Click here for details.
🍇 El Festival del Vino Mexicano: September 28-29, Guadalajara
Sip, swirl, and savor at FEVINO, celebrating a decade of Mexican wine culture! Join over 70 wineries, tastings, food pairings, and conversations with industry leaders at Parque Ávila Camacho. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just love a good fiesta, this is the event to explore Mexico’s finest vinos. Get tickets here.
🙏 Fiesta de San Francisco de Asís: Oct 1-5, Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí
Join the thousands of devoted pilgrims in Real de Catorce to celebrate San Francisco de Asís, affectionately known as "El Charrito Milagroso." Known for his miraculous deeds and nightly walks through the town to aid the needy and calm disputes, his legend has deeply touched the community. The festivities are filled with tradition, devotion, and a strong sense of faith. Click here for more info.
🐾 Referral Contest: Refer a Friend, Save a Paw 🐾
For each new like-minded expat friend or family member you refer who subscribes to El Expat Insider, we will donate 50 pesos to Angelitos Sanctuario. The contest runs now through September 30th.
Use your unique referral link below to share with your community!
💡 Say It in Spanish
“Echarse un taco de ojo.”
Translation: To feast your eyes.
This phrase means to enjoy the view, whether it’s beautiful scenery or someone attractive. In the wellness world, think of it as taking a moment to appreciate nature or a gorgeous sunset. Perfect for when you're enjoying Mexico’s natural beauty.