¡Hola amigos! This week, Mexico's little ones take center stage with Día del Niño celebrations happening across the country. We’ve got you covered with kid-friendly events and immigration tips for families moving to or living in Mexico.

Plus, we’re riding into the heart of Mexico’s growing equine therapy movement that's changing lives one hoofbeat at a time and revisiting the legendary Battle of Puebla – when Mexico pulled off one of the greatest underdog victories in history.

Oh, and don’t forget – Mexico’s National Earthquake Drill is happening today. More on that below.

📣Que Paso

🚨 Mexico will hold a National Earthquake Drill today, April 29 at 11:30 AM in CDMX, Guerrero, Michoacán, Estado de México, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Morelos, although coverage may vary by location.

🐛 The U.S. and Mexico reached a new agreement on Monday to combat the New World screwworm – this after the U.S. threatened to limit cattle imports from Mexico.

📉 Mexico’s public debt rose to 60.7% of GDP in Claudia Sheinbaum’s first year in office. The Finance Ministry says the increase was driven by higher spending on infrastructure, social programs, and Pemex support.

🚀 Mexico’s first national space program was revealed at the 2025 Aerospace Exhibition, with ATDT announcing plans to build low-orbit satellites and launch missions through 2032.

🗳️ President Sheinbaum proposed a bill to Congress to restore a key provision that bans foreign-funded political ads in Mexican media. This provision was repealed in 2014 under former President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration.

💃 Mexico City set a Guinness Record for the largest number of people dancing a son montuno routine simultaneously on April 27 as 78 dance clubs danced in honor of legendary performer Tongolele for International Dance Day. Watch it here.

🍎 Your Health Pulse

Health Insurance Claims in Mexico: What No One Warns You About

In Mexico, you’re completely responsible for managing your own health insurance claims.

The hospital won’t do it. Your doctor won’t do it.

And if you miss just one document? It can leave you paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket.

And when you're dealing with medical issues, that's the LAST thing you need.

That’s why we’re hosting a LIVE online workshop where our claims expert is going to show you…

• The exact documents you need for every type of claim

• The steps needed to file a successful claim

• How to organize your paperwork so nothing slips through the cracks

• How to track and manage your deductible throughout the claims process

• How to correctly review your EOBs (Explanation of Benefits)

Plus, a bonus Claims Checklist so you never have to guess what’s missing. And you get lifetime access to the replay.

It happens Tuesday, April 29 @ 6 pm Mexico City time.

Don't wait until you’re stuck fighting the system alone.

🏠 Real Estate Roundup 

The Real Cost of Buying Property in Mexico

You’ve done everything right – found the perfect property, crunched the numbers, and are ready to close. But one unexpected currency shift can turn a carefully planned budget into a financial stretch.

In Mexico, property prices are commonly set in pesos – but if you’re paying in U.S. or Canadian dollars, the true cost can change overnight.

Even small exchange rate movements can add thousands to your final price. And relying on slow banks or bad timing can cost you more than you realize – sometimes enough to cover a full renovation or months of living expenses.

Before you wire that deposit, it’s critical to understand how currency impacts your investment – and what smart buyers do to protect their money.

📍 Immigration Essentials

Residency Cards for Minor Children in Mexico: What to Know

If you have dependents under 18 living with you in Mexico, special rules apply to their residency cards:

• Children under 3 years old are issued temporary or permanent residency cards that are valid for one year at a time. These must be renewed annually in Mexico.

• Children aged 3 to 17 years can receive temporary or permanent residency cards for up to four years at a time. These must also be renewed in Mexico when they expire.

• Children under 18 holding permanent residency must follow the renewal rules described above. Once they turn 18, their permanent residency becomes indefinite — their card no longer expires and won’t need future renewals.

Keeping these timelines in mind is crucial to maintaining your child's legal status in Mexico — and avoiding unnecessary headaches at renewal time.

🇲🇽 Viva México

Puebla’s Stand: The Battle That Shook an Empire

On May 5, 1862, Mexico faced more than an invasion – it faced a battle for its soul.

Napoleon III of France, dreaming of a Latin empire to counter the rising United States influence, sent 6,000 of his finest troops to seize control of Mexico and install a European monarch.

It was part of his sweeping Grand Design: To unite Catholic nations under French leadership (with Mexico as the cornerstone of the French-led Latin League) and to dominate global trade by investing in the Suez Canal and building a second canal through Mexico or Central America. And reshape the balance of world power with Paris at its center.

Standing in their way? A ragtag force of about 4,500 Mexican soldiers and volunteers, many poorly armed and barely trained, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.

On a stormy afternoon outside the city of Puebla, Zaragoza’s forces – including indigenous fighters from villages such as Zacapoaxtla and Xochiapulco – took up defensive positions at the battered forts of Loreto and Guadalupe.

When the elite French army charged, the Mexicans held firm. Three brutal assaults later, battered by fierce resistance – and a sudden hailstorm – the French retreated, bloodied, humiliated, and stunned.

As Zaragoza telegrammed to Mexico City that night: "I can affirm with pride that the Mexican army did not once turn its back on the enemy."

Against all odds, Mexico defeated the world’s best army.

While the fight wasn’t over, the victory bought Mexico precious time to resist.

A year later, the French returned with larger forces, captured Puebla after a brutal three-month siege, and marched into Mexico City to install Maximilian as emperor.

But the Battle of Puebla had already proved that even empires could bleed.

Five years later, after relentless resistance and growing U.S. pressure, the French withdrew. Maximilian faced a Mexican firing squad, and Napoleon III’s ambitions crumbled.

Today, Puebla honors May 5 with pride — remembering the day a small, determined force showed the world that Mexico would never bow without a fight.

🪷 Viva Wellness

Inside Mexico’s Growing Movement of Equine Therapy for Kids in Need

In the high desert of San Miguel de Allende and along the breezy coast near Zihuatanejo, a quiet revolution is changing young lives – one hoofbeat at a time.

At Equinoterapia SMA and The Seahorse Sanctuary & Equine Therapy Center, children with autism, cerebral palsy, and emotional trauma are finding something most therapies can't offer: movement, connection, and pure joy.

Imagine a boy who once screamed at the sight of a horse now getting himself dressed, excited for therapy. Or a young girl, once confined to a wheelchair, sitting tall in the saddle – and taking her first independent steps.

This isn’t just feel-good magic.

Scientific studies back it up: A horse’s rhythmic gait stimulates neuromuscular pathways, helping to improve balance and motor skills​.

The therapy horses themselves are remarkable – many are rescues, trained not for show, but for patience, intuition, and deep empathy.

Built through grassroots partnerships, these programs are offering far more than riding lessons. They’re co-creating opportunities where kids who once felt left out can now shine – and communities rally around their futures.

Curious about how two Canadian women and their therapy horses are rewriting futures in Mexico — one child at a time?

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

🎈 Children’s Day at Vallarta Botanical Garden – April 30, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco Celebrate Día del Niño surrounded by nature’s magic at Vallarta Botanical Garden. Families are invited for a day packed with games, fun activities, and sweet treats for kids – all included with regular garden admission. Get more info here.

🎠 Día del Niño 2025 in Guadalajara – Now through April 30, Guadalajara 
Día del Niño celebrations are in full swing across Guadalajara and there’s still time to jump in! Concerts, museum adventures, and outdoor festivals – there’s something for every little explorer. Some events are free, and others offer kid-friendly prices. Check out what’s happening here.

🎨 Día del Niño 2025 in Saltillo – Happening Now through April 30, Saltillo 
Saltillo is bursting with family fun for Día del Niño! Cultural workshops, live shows, storytelling sessions, and art activities are happening all across the city – and there’s still time to join the party. Most activities are free, so grab the kids and make some memories! Get the scoop here.

🎈 Zócalito de las Infancias – Now through April 30, Zócalo, Mexico City
The heart of CDMX transforms into a giant playground for Día del Niño! 🎉 Head to the Zócalo for free cultural activities, dinosaur exhibits, special performances, and more designed just for kids. Everything is free. Get all the details here.

♟️ 16th Continental Women’s Chess Championship – April 30–May 7, Oaxtepec, Morelos
The brightest women chess players from across the Americas will face off in Oaxtepec at the 16th Continental Women’s Chess Championship. Held at Dorados Conventions & Resorts, this prestigious tournament is part of the World Championship qualification cycle. With seven days of high-stakes play and international talent, it’s a must-see event for chess lovers and curious spectators alike. Get more info here.

🎡 Feria de Puebla 2025 – April 24–May 11, Centro Expositor, Puebla 
The Feria de Puebla is back, bringing weeks of music, food, and fiesta to one of Mexico’s most vibrant cities. Held at the Centro Expositor, this massive spring fair features big-name concerts, artisan markets, carnival rides, regional cuisine, and cultural showcases. Many events are free, and there’s something for every age and vibe. Get more info here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

"Ya mero"

Translation: Almost! / Nearly there!

In Mexico, “¡Ya mero!” is the classic answer when you're close to being ready — but not quite.

It sounds optimistic...but don't be fooled: It could still take a while. You’ll hear it everywhere — from your handyman fixing the sink to your friend getting ready for a fiesta.

It’s polite, it buys time, and it keeps things moving...eventually.

Why El Expat Insider Mexico? 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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