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- More Than Dinner: Mexico’s Sacred Turkey
More Than Dinner: Mexico’s Sacred Turkey
Plus Mexico’s Trucking Crisis & Cattle Woes
This week, we’re serving up a big platter of gratitude — starting with a hearty gracias to you, our amazing readers! In just a few months, this newsletter has grown faster than a turkey on the run.
Speaking of turkeys, did you know they were revered in Mexico long before becoming the star of holiday tables? We’ve got the juicy backstory, plus the lowdown on how nopal can help keep your blood sugar steady while you indulge in all those holiday goodies.
And as much of Mexico feels the chill this week with temperatures dipping below freezing in some regions, there’s no better time to cozy up with your cafecito. Let’s dig in!
📣Que Paso
🚫 U.S. temporarily halts Mexican cattle imports over after a case of New World Screwworm (NWS) was identified in Catazaja in southern Chiapas state.
🇲🇽 Mexico is working to reduce Chinese imports and boost local production amid fears of exclusion from the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
📉 Moody's revises Southern Copper's outlook to negative, citing heightened regulatory risks in Mexico and Peru. This move is also tied to Mexico's sovereign rating downgrade, reflecting growing concerns over regulatory changes and potential government interference in the mining sector.
🚛 Truck driver shortage may slow down Mexico’s logistics boom. With trucking moving 81% of land cargo and 57% of domestic freight, a looming shortfall of 106,000 drivers threatens supply chains.
🇲🇽 More than 18,000 candidates have registered to run for Supreme Court and federal judge positions under Mexico's new selection process, which includes a random drawing to determine ballot placement.
💧 Mexico unveils national water plan. The federal government’s new plan emphasizes water as a human right, with strategies for sustainable use and equitable distribution. Experts, however, worry about the 40% budget cut to the National Water Commission.
🍎 Your Health Pulse
Stretch Your Pesos: Catastrophic Health Insurance in Mexico
Catastrophic health insurance in Mexico is your safety net for the big, unexpected medical emergencies no one wants, but everyone should plan for.
It’s about protecting your savings without breaking the bank on premiums.
And it’s a proactive way to plan for worst-case scenarios without overpaying for insurance.
If you’re looking for affordable coverage, catastrophic health insurance in Mexico could be the perfect fit.
🏠 Real Estate Roundup
Protect Your Investment When Renovating in Mexico
Planning a renovation or construction project? Make sure you have a solid legal contract in place. A well-drafted agreement should include all the essentials: project details, costs, materials, timelines, and penalties for delays.
Mexican labor laws can be complex, so it’s also important to outline payment terms, work schedules, and who’s responsible for employee social security. Without a comprehensive contract, you risk budget overruns, fraud, and potential litigation.
🇲🇽 Viva Mexico
Wild Ocellated Turkey
The Majestic Turkey: Mexico's Feathered Legacy 🦃
As Thanksgiving week unfolds, let's take a moment to honor the turkey – a bird with roots far deeper in Mexico's history than most realize.
Long before it became the centerpiece of American holiday feasts, the turkey was a revered figure in ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
Research by archaeologists reveals the fascinating role turkeys played in pre-Columbian societies. Dating back as far as 300 BCE, turkey remains have been discovered in temples and graves, suggesting they held spiritual significance rather than being merely a source of food. These birds were believed to accompany the deceased to the afterlife and were depicted in art and iconography as sacred symbols.
In Aztec mythology, the turkey was linked to Chalchiuhtotolin, the "Jade Turkey" – a god associated with both disease and purification. This duality reflected the complex cultural symbolism of the bird, embodying power and transformation.
Interestingly, turkeys were one of the first animals domesticated in Mesoamerica, alongside dogs. While common turkeys were raised on human-cultivated crops like corn, their ornate cousin, the Ocellated turkey, remained wild, roaming free and feeding on plants and insects.
When Spanish explorers arrived, they were captivated by the turkey. Moctezuma even gifted Hernán Cortés and his men 1,000 turkeys!
The bird quickly made its way to Europe, dazzling the continent.
Yet its Mexican roots were soon forgotten.
In a twist of linguistic irony, the bird came to be known as "turkey" after Ottoman traders who facilitated its spread, while in Turkish, it was called the “India bird.”
So, as you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast, remember the turkey's origins as a symbol of life, death, and cultural identity in ancient Mexico.
From the sacred temples of the Aztecs to your holiday table, this bird carries a legacy worth celebrating.
🪷 Viva Wellness
Nopal: Your Secret Weapon for Holiday Sweets
The holidays are here, and with them come endless sweets and indulgent treats.
If you’re worried about all those sugar highs, nopal has your back. 🌵 This prickly pear cactus is a natural blood sugar balancer thanks to its high fiber content. It helps slow down carb absorption, keeping sugar spikes in check.
It’s also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. Plus, it’s been shown to help reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels, making it a powerhouse for your body.
Add some nopal to your meals — grilled, in smoothies, or chopped into a salad — and enjoy the season without stressing your blood sugar.
🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events
🪅 Piñata Exhibition at Museo de Arte Popular: Nov 9–Dec 15, CDMX
Experience a vibrant display of creativity at the Museo de Arte Popular's annual piñata exhibition. Explore a stunning array of handcrafted piñatas, showcasing the artistry of Mexican artisans. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. General admission: $60 MXN. More info here.
🎀 Hello Kitty Christmas Festival: Nov 30–Dec 1, CDMX
Get ready for a purr-fectly festive weekend! Join the Hello Kitty Christmas Festival in Colonia Doctores, featuring a bazaar with themed decorations, clothing, and collectibles. Enjoy activities like "kitty weddings," dance covers, and gift raffles. Free admission from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Details here.
🎄 Feria del Árbol y la Esfera: Nov 24–Dec 3, Chignahuapan, Puebla
Kick off the holiday season at this festive fair celebrating Chignahuapan’s world-famous Christmas ornaments. Enjoy artisan crafts, live entertainment, and the magical atmosphere of this charming Puebla town. Don’t miss the stunning handcrafted decorations that make this event truly special! Get more details here.
📚️ 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.
💡 Say It in Spanish
"No vale la pena."
Translation: It’s not worth it.
This phrase is perfect for those moments when something just isn’t worth the trouble —like overpaying for a touristy trinket or stressing over a minor inconvenience. People in Mexico use it all the time to keep things in perspective.
When in doubt, shrug it off and say, "No vale la pena." 😌
What did you think of today's issue? |
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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