¡Hola amigos! This week, we're navigating through some significant shifts – from Trump’s new tariffs on Mexico to a groundbreaking court decision that's changing the game for animal rights. 

We’re also exploring the vibrant world of Huichol art, why cacao might be your new favorite wellness ally, and how family ties can fast-track your residency. Plus, why ¡Ponte las pilas! is the phrase you’ll need to keep up this week.

Oh, and thanks to everyone who voted in last week’s poll. A whopping 74.7% of you want more Mexico news, so guess what? You’re getting it. 😉

📣Que Paso

🇺🇸 President Trump proceeds with 25% tariffs on all imports from Mexico.

🇲🇽 President Sheinbaum said in her mañanera Tuesday morning that she will reveal the government’s response to U.S. tariffs this Sunday.

🚀 The Ministry of Economy re-launched the “Hecho en México” campaign on Feb. 18 to boost the production and consumption of domestic goods. The initiative is part of Plan México, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s strategy to strengthen the economy, prepare for international challenges, and promote national growth.

🛍️ To mitigate risks amid rising U.S. trade tensions, big brands like Walmart and Colgate have joined the “Hecho en México” campaign. (If you're wondering how the heck they qualify, here are the rules.)

🚨 Mexico issued a health alert following a rise in whooping cough (pertussis) cases.

🛠️ Home Depot is investing $1.3 billion in Mexico over the next 5 years. The plan includes 5 new stores per year and boosting local product sourcing.

🛑 Microsoft is shutting down the messaging-and-calling app Skype in May – 21 years after it was founded.

🐍 Increased sightings of sea snakes on Puerto Vallarta beaches have prompted authorities to issue warnings to beachgoers. Yikes.

⛽ Mexico's government and fuel retailers agree to cap Magna gasoline (regular unleaded) prices at MX$24 per liter for 6 months. We’ll see how this plays out because participation in the agreement is voluntary.

🐘 Mexico's Supreme Court orders Mexico City's San Juan de Aragón Zoo to improve conditions for Ely the elephant. This is the first ruling of this kind.

🍎 Your Health Pulse

Short-Term vs Long-Term Health Insurance in Mexico

Your health insurance choice isn’t just about coverage – it’s about avoiding expensive surprises.

The big question: Do you need short-term or long-term coverage?

The answer depends on how often you need care, where you plan to get treatment, and what kind of coverage fits your lifestyle.

Here’s how to decide which one is right for you.

📍 Immigration Essentials

Residency in Mexico Through Family Unity

If you have close family ties in Mexico, you may qualify for residency without leaving the country or meeting financial requirements. 

Family Unity residency is available to:

• Parents of a Mexican-born child (eligible for immediate permanent residency)

• Parents of a foreigner who holds a permanent resident card

• Children under 18 of a Mexican citizen or permanent resident

• Children under 18 of a temporary resident (eligible for temporary residency)

• Siblings under 18 of a Mexican citizen or permanent resident

• Children under 18 of a Mexican citizen’s spouse

• Spouses of Mexican citizens (initially granted one year of temporary residency, renewable for two years before applying for permanent residency)

• Foreigners with legal guardianship over a dependent child with permanent residency

One of the biggest advantages of Family Unity residency is that it does not require proof of financial solvency, making it a more accessible option for many applicants. 

The entire process can also be completed within Mexico, eliminating the need to apply from abroad. Additionally, if you are married to a Mexican citizen, this pathway allows you to apply for permanent residency after just 2 years and even for Mexican citizenship shortly thereafter.

To apply, you’ll need to provide documents that verify your family relationship, residency, and identity.

🇲🇽 Viva Mexico

Huichol Art: Mexico’s Spiritual Masterpieces

For the Huichol people – also known as Wixárika – art isn’t just decoration. It’s a spiritual language, a bridge between the human and the divine.

Living in the remote mountains of Jalisco and Nayarit, the Huichol have preserved their traditions for centuries, relatively untouched by Spanish conquest. 

Their art – vibrant, intricate, and deeply symbolic – tells stories of their gods, their dreams, and their connection to nature. And it serves as a means of conveying sacred stories, cultural identity, and spiritual beliefs.

Each year, the Huichols embark on a 600-mile pilgrimage to the Wirikuta desert, a sacred site located in the Sierra de Catorce region. There, they gather sacred peyote, perform rituals, and connect with the divine. These visions are translated into the vibrant, intricate art that has defined their culture for centuries.

While peyote is significant in Huichol spirituality and rituals, not all Huichol art is created directly as a result of peyote visions. 

Each symbol carries meaning: Deer represent the messenger of the gods, peyote is enlightenment, and eagles symbolize power. The sun represents wisdom and life, while snakes are tied to rain and fertility.

Creating these works is a painstaking process, requiring days, sometimes weeks, of careful handwork. The beads – often made of glass, clay, or even precious stones – are individually placed onto wooden figures or votive offerings, while yarn paintings are crafted by pressing hand-dyed thread into beeswax-coated boards.

Unlike modern art, Huichol pieces aren’t created for self-expression but to honor traditions and communicate with the spiritual world. Every work of art is infused with symbols, scenes, and colors drawn from peyote visions, dreams, ancient myths, and the natural world. 

Even today, families pass down these techniques, keeping their culture remains alive in every thread, bead, and symbol.

From sacred altars to contemporary exhibitions, Huichol art continues to thrive, offering a glimpse into one of Mexico’s most spiritually rich indigenous traditions.

🪷 Viva Wellness

Cacao Benefits for Mind and Body

Long before it became the sweet treat we know today, cacao was considered sacred by the Maya and Aztecs — so much so that they called it the “food of the gods.”

And for good reason.

This ancient superfood isn’t just delicious — it’s packed with mood-boosting, heart-healthy, and anti-aging benefits.

It contains anandamide, often called the “bliss molecule,” which helps reduce stress and promote happiness. Another compound, phenylethylamine (PEA), naturally increases dopamine, supporting focus and motivation.

But cacao isn’t just good for your mind — it’s a powerhouse for your body. Rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and theobromine, it improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and protects against oxidative stress, which means fewer wrinkles and a healthier heart.

From ancient rituals to modern wellness, cacao’s benefits run deep. See how to tap into this superfood’s full potential.

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

🎇 Tultepec International Fireworks Fair 2025: February 28 – March 23, State of Mexico
This annual festival features jaw-dropping pyrotechnic shows, a dramatic castillos (firework castles) competition, and the famous torito burning – where people run through the streets carrying firework-adorned bull structures. Get more info here.

💃 Tiempo de Mujeres Festival: February 28 – April 6, Zócalo, Mexico City
Celebrating its seventh edition, the "Tiempo de Mujeres" festival highlights women's contributions to art and culture. With over 150 activities across 23 venues, the festival features concerts, theater performances, documentary screenings, and photography exhibitions. Get more info here.

🎭 Festival of the Lord of the Conquest: March 6 – 7, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Step into the heart of San Miguel de Allende’s history with this mesmerizing indigenous dance festival. From dawn till dusk, dancers in elaborate feathered headdresses and pre-Hispanic attire fill the streets, performing rhythmic rituals in front of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. Get more info here.

🌮 Mexican Caribbean Gastronomic Festival: March 8 – 9, Bacalar, Quintana Roo
Savor the best flavors of the Mexican Caribbean at this two-day food festival in Bacalar. Set by the stunning Laguna de los Siete Colores, this event brings together top chefs, traditional Mayan cuisine, fresh local ingredients, and artisanal products. Get more info here.

🪁 Fiesta de los Papalotes: March 8 – 9, Tequisquiapan, Querétaro
Let your imagination soar at Tequisquiapan's vibrant kite festival! Held at Cava Bocanegra, this family-friendly event offers interactive kite-making workshops, live music, and a showcase of giant kites featuring whimsical designs like octopuses and whales. Get more info here.

🌮 Taco Chilango 2025: March 15, Monumento a la Revolución, Mexico City
Prepare your taste buds for the ultimate taco experience! Taco Chilango brings together 70 of Mexico City's top taquerías in one place, offering a mouth-watering array of tacos— from al pastor to suadero, carnitas, barbacoa, cochinita, and more. Get more info here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

“¡Ponte las pilas!”

Translation: Let’s get moving!

Missed your bus because you were strolling like it’s Sunday morning? Took way too long to order tacos and lost your spot in line? Someone’s bound to hit you with “¡Ponte las pilas!”

Literally, it means “put in your batteries”, but in Mexico, it’s the go-to phrase for hurry up, pay attention, or stop slacking. Whether you need a pep talk or a gentle scolding, this one does the job.

And trust me, when a Mexican abuelita says it? You better move. 😆

Want to level up your Spanish and actually understand these expressions in real life? 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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