Spring is here, amigos, and Mexico is turning up the magic! This week, we’re chasing Kukulkan’s shadow at Chichén Itzá, breaking down big immigration changes you need to know about, and looking at Mexico’s economic forecast.

Plus, we’re unlocking the secret to a longer life (Hint: It’s not more tacos…or is it? 🤔) and sharing the best equinox events across Mexico.

📣Que Paso

📉 OECD forecasts Mexico's economy to contract 1.3% in 2025 and 0.6% in 2026 due to U.S. tariffs on Mexican imports. Mexico saw its first quarterly GDP slump in late 2024, and a first-quarter contraction in 2025 would confirm a technical recession.

📉 Mexico's consumer confidence index declines for the fourth consecutive month, reaching 46.3 points in February 2025, down from 46.6 in January, amid concerns over constitutional reforms and a slowing economy.

🏟️ Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca will be renamed Estadio Banorte, as part of a sponsorship deal to fund renovations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. (Fun fact: It's Latin America’s largest football stadium with 87,500 seats and the first to host two World Cup finals.)

​📉 Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledges stronger efforts to address the country's over 124,000 missing persons, following the discovery of a mass grave in Jalisco. She plans to sign a decree strengthening the search commission and propose reforms to expedite investigations and improve data transparency.

📡 Starlink will provide free satellite internet access to select smartphone users in remote areas of Mexico starting July 2025, to help communities with limited infrastructure stay connected.

🥤In support of President Sheinbaum's "Vive Saludable, Vive Feliz" initiative, Coca-Cola México announced it will cease sales of its products in elementary schools.

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🍎 Your Health Pulse

Frustrated with Your Health Insurance Broker? Here’s How to Switch

Tired of chasing down your health insurance broker for answers? Poor communication and lack of support can turn even the best policy into a nightmare.

The good news? You don’t have to settle. Switching to a broker who actually has your back is easier than you think.

Here’s how to make the move — without the stress.

📍 Immigration Essentials

Big Changes to Mexico’s Regularization Program (RNE)

Mexico’s Regularization Program (RNE), originally introduced during the pandemic, has undergone a major overhaul – eliminating key loopholes and tightening restrictions.

Previously, some foreigners could overstay a tourist visa by just a few days and apply for a four-year temporary residency from within Mexico, bypassing the consulate process.

That loophole is now gone.

In-country regularization ended abruptly last week, with applicants given an immediate deadline to finalize their cases. No new applications are being accepted within Mexico.

What’s Changed?

• No more in-country applications for temporary residency. You must now apply at a Mexican consulate abroad.

• Long-term undocumented residents (3+ years) may still qualify, but they must prove continuous presence in Mexico since at least 2022 and prove they have not left the country since then.

For everyone else, the process has returned to the standard route. Temporary residency must begin at a Mexican consulate outside the country, meeting all financial and legal requirements.

🇲🇽 Viva Mexico

Kukulkan’s Descent: The Magic of the Equinox

Twice a year, as the sun hangs in perfect balance between day and night, a serpent slithers down the steps of El Castillo in Chichén Itzá. No, it’s not a trick of the eye – it’s the result of a Maya astronomical masterpiece, a spectacle that has drawn crowds for over a thousand years​.

Every spring and autumn equinox, as the late afternoon sun moves across the sky, seven triangular shadows ripple down the northern staircase of the pyramid, forming the sinuous body of a 120-foot-long serpent.

Slowly, the shadow moves, step by step, until it connects with the massive stone serpent head at the base​. This phenomenon occurs between March 19 and 23, reaching its peak around 4 pm on the equinox itself​.

The Maya designed El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulkan, with astounding mathematical and astronomical precision. Each of its four staircases has 91 steps, and when combined with the top platform, they total 365 – one for each day of the solar year​. The entire structure serves as a massive solar calendar, marking key moments in the agricultural cycle.

At the heart of this event is Kukulkan, the feathered serpent god. A deity of wind, rain, knowledge, and renewal, Kukulkan was believed to descend to the earth during the equinox, bringing fertility and balance to the world​.

The Maya associated him with Venus, the brightest planet in the night sky, which they meticulously tracked for its influence over war, agriculture, and sacred time cycles​. El Castillo itself is aligned with Venus' orbit, reinforcing its cosmic importance​.

For the Maya, the descent of Kukulkan was not just an illusion — it was a sacred moment, proof that the heavens and earth were in perfect harmony.

Today, as thousands gather at Chichén Itzá to witness this breathtaking event, it remains a powerful testament to the brilliance of the Maya civilization.

Watch Kukulkan descend here.

🪷 Viva Wellness

The Secret to a Longer Life? Take a Walk.

Walking isn’t just good exercise – it’s one of the most powerful ways to increase your lifespan. Research published in JAMA found that walking regularly can reduce the risk of premature death by 50-70%, lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes​.

And the best part? You don’t need to walk a marathon to see results.

Research from the American Heart Association found that just 1,000 extra steps per day lowers the risk of death from all causes by 22%. Even those who only increased their count by 500 steps per day saw a 7% drop in cardiovascular-related deaths​. A simple walk each day can help improve circulation, boost your immune system, relieve stress, and even enhance digestion.

In Mexico, we have the ultimate walking paradise. From beachfront strolls in Puerto Escondido to the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende, every step is a chance to explore history, culture, and breathtaking views. Walk the mercados, wander through a pueblo mágico, or take in a sunset stroll along the coast.

Not a big walker? Start small: Take the stairs, park further away, or replace a short drive with a walk. Just 11 extra minutes of walking per day can extend your life​. So lace up, step out, and let Mexico’s vibrant streets lead you to better health…one step at a time.

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

🛕 Cumbre Tajín 2025 – March 19–23, Papantla, Veracruz
Immerse yourself in Totonac culture at Cumbre Tajín, held at Takilhsukut Theme Park and El Tajín Archaeological Zone. Enjoy traditional rituals, artisanal workshops, and performances by artists like Las Tres Grandes, Edén Muñoz, La Santa Cecilia, and Alberto Barros. Don’t miss the breathtaking Voladores de Papantla and cultural exhibitions. Get more info here.

⛰️ Equinoccio de Primavera 2025 – March 20–21, Bernal, Querétaro
Celebrate the Spring Equinox in the Pueblo Mágico of Bernal with pre-Hispanic rituals, offerings atop Peña de Bernal, and cultural events around town. The main ceremonies take place on March 21, honoring renewal and connection to nature. Limited capacity for climbing the Peña – arrive early! Get more info here.

🌞 Equinoccio de Primavera 2025 – March 20–21, Teotihuacán, Estado de México Experience the Spring Equinox at the historic Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone. Each year, thousands dressed in white with red bandanas gather to welcome the new season, raising their arms to receive the sun’s energy. Festivities include traditional dances, songs, and incense ceremonies. While the equinox occurs at 4:01 am on March 20, the main events take place on March 21. Get more info here.

👐 Las Manos del Mundo 2025 – March 21–23, CDMX
Discover a world of craftsmanship at Las Manos del Mundo, held at the World Trade Center in Mexico City. This international fair brings together over 200 artisans from Mexico and guest countries like Peru, Turkey, and Colombia, showcasing textiles, jewelry, ceramics, alebrijes, and Huichol art. Enjoy live traditional music, dance performances, and artisanal food tastings. Admission is $100 MXN, with free entry for children under 10 and seniors. Open 11 am – 8 pm daily. Get more info here.

🎉 Juárez Spring Break Bash 2025 – March 22, Ciudad Juárez
Looking for a family-friendly way to kick off spring break? Ciudad Juárez is hosting a lively one-night festival on Avenida Juárez, featuring live music, food trucks, and sidewalk sales for all ages. The event aims to create a safe, festive atmosphere for locals and visitors alike, celebrating the season with entertainment and downtown charm. Admission is free. Get more info here.

🎶 Noche de Primavera 2025 – March 22, CDMX
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a city-wide musical extravaganza in Mexico City. Over 80 artists will perform across 12 stages, featuring genres like rock, reggae, tropical, electronic, and urban music. Highlights include a grand sonidero dance in the Zócalo, rock performances at the Monumento a la Revolución, and an electronic rave at Los Dinamos. Festivities kick off at 12:00 pm and continue until 2:00 am. Get more info here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

¡Está cañón, pero sí se puede!

Translation: "It’s tough, but it can be done!"

Ask your gardener if he can revive that half-dead bougainvillea? "¡Está cañón, pero sí se puede!" Ask your electrician if he can move a light fixture that’s 30 feet in the air by just 5 centimeters – after he’s already moved it twice? Same response.

Mexicans use this phrase to acknowledge a challenge while keeping a “we’ll make it happen” attitude.

You can also use it for your own battles – whether it’s tackling Mexican bureaucracy, learning Spanish, or finishing that second margarita. (We believe in you! 😉)

Want to sound more like a local? Check out our Insider Pulse Toolkit.

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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