¡Hola amigos! In this issue, we’re diving into the Mexico-U.S. trade deal, the masked warrior spirit of lucha libre, and why that aloe plant in your garden is more powerful than you think.

Plus, we'll tackle those two tricky motion verbs that Spanish learners mix up daily — because moving stuff shouldn't be this complicated.

Grab your cafecito. Let's dive in.

🚨 Just Released: The Insider Pulse Toolkit 🚨

For Those Who Want More Than Just Another 'Gringo in Mexico' Story…

Ever notice those expats who seem to have a secret playbook for Mexico?

While you're up at 2 am googling "how to explain a CFE bill to my landlord"... They're smoothly handling staff situations, navigating cultural landmines, and somehow always saying exactly the right thing.

(Seriously, how do they make it look so dang easy?)

After months of studying these "insiders," we discovered something interesting… They're not smarter than you. They just have better systems.

So we turned their best practices into something practical: The Insider Pulse Toolkit.

It's like having a street-smart expat friend in your pocket – one who's already made (and learned from) every possible mistake.

✓ Contract Translator - Upload any Mexican document (rental agreements, lab work, government docs) and get clear English translations instantly

✓ Language Etiquette Expert - Master the subtle art of polite Mexican Spanish (no more accidentally offending people)

✓ Personal Cultural Advisor - Navigate everything from dinner parties to weddings like a true insider

✓ Household Staff Compliance Guide - Everything you need to handle household staff the RIGHT way…contracts, wages, IMSS registration, etc.

✓ Health Insurance Lingo Decoder - Finally understand your policy details, claims, and medical terminology in plain English

PLUS: You'll get a brand new premium tool added to your dashboard every month through January 2026… at not extra cost.  

All for LESS than a decent bottle of tequila.

📣Que Paso

🇺🇸🇲🇽 Mexico & U.S. reach agreement on tariffs & security: President Sheinbaum and President Trump reached a mutual agreement to pause U.S. tariffs on Mexican goods for one month. Mexico will immediately deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to strengthen its northern border and combat fentanyl trafficking, while the U.S. has committed to curbing the flow of high-powered weapons into Mexico. Both countries will begin working together on security and trade negotiations.

🌧️ Grupo Bimbo expands rainwater harvesting in schools through its Escuelas de Lluvia (Schools of Rain) initiative, which enables schools to access safe water. It now operates in 44 schools across 5 states, benefiting 17,000+ students​.

💰 Nestlé to Invest $1B in Mexico: From 2025 to 2027, Nestlé will pour $1 billion into expanding production and building a new distribution center​.

💸 Wise launches in Mexico. Mexican nationals can now send money abroad with and affordable international transfers to over 40 currencies and 160 countries through Wise's digital platform.

☀️ Mexico to build Latin America's largest solar plant. The Puerto Peñasco Photovoltaic Power Plant in Sonora will generate 1,000 MW, powering 1.6 million people and reducing 925,000 tons of CO₂ annually.

🍎 Your Health Pulse

Health Insurance Gaps: Making Sure You’re Fully Covered

Whether you already have international health insurance in Mexico or you’re looking to get coverage, it's crucial to understand your health insurance coverage to avoid any surprises.

Too many people don't read their policy documents thoroughly, which can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Keep reading for the most common health insurance gaps in international health insurance plans – and how to bridge those gaps.

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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.

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📍 Immigration Essentials

Know Your Rights as a Resident in Mexico

Whether you're already a resident or thinking about applying for residency, do you actually know what your rights are?

From opening Mexican bank accounts and importing vehicles...to social security benefits and registering cars – your residency status (Temporary vs. Permanent) determines what you can and can't do here.

Plus, there are important distinctions between the two types when it comes to working permissions and bringing in household goods.

🇲🇽 Viva Mexico

The Sacred Art of the Mask: Mexico's Hidden Warrior Spirit

In Mexican wrestling, losing your mask isn't just embarrassing.

It's sacred sacrilege.

While American wrestlers rely on trash talk and drama to sell tickets, lucha libre taps into something far deeper – a tradition where masks transformes ordinary men into living myths. They're not just wrestlers anymore. They're folk heroes, modern-day mythological figures that let fans project their own hopes and struggles onto these masked warriors.

And nobody embodied this better than El Santo – Mexico's most iconic luchador.

This silver-masked warrior became a national icon, starring in 52 movies (that's more than James Bond!) where he fought everything from crime syndicates to supernatural creatures.

For over 40 years, he protected his identity with unwavering dedication. And when he finally chose to unmask... it shook an entire nation.

It happened in 1984, during a TV show called "Contrapunto." After announcing his retirement, Santo revealed his face. A week later, he passed away. He was buried wearing his iconic silver mask. That's how sacred the mask is in lucha libre.

The commitment runs so deep that when a luchador loses their mask in a "Luchas de Apuestas" (betting match), it's not just their face that gets revealed. Their entire life story — real name, birthplace, years wrestling — gets announced to the crowd.

And once that mask comes off? It NEVER goes back on. (Well, usually. Rey Mysterio somehow sweet-talked his way into getting his back.)

The tradition is so deep that many luchadores will do anything to protect their identity. Some even take separate flights from unmasked wrestlers to maintain the mystery.

Because in lucha libre, the mask isn't just a costume – it's a transformation. It allows these athletes to become larger than life, inspiring fans to overcome their own "luchas" (struggles) in life.

The mask isn't just what you wear. It's where mortality ends and legend begins.

🪷 Viva Wellness

9 Surprising Powers of Your Everyday Aloe Plant

That aloe vera plant soaking up sun in your jardín? It's WAY more than just nature's sunburn relief.

The ancient Egyptians called it the "the plant of immortality" – and modern science is starting to understand why. From boosting your immune system and improving digestion to helping manage blood sugar and fighting inflammation…this humble succulent is basically nature's Swiss Army knife.

The juice alone contains powerful antioxidants, promotes oral health (adios, dental problems), and may even help with skin conditions common in Mexico's climate.

While aloe vera is generally safe, there's a right and wrong way to use it – especially if you're planning to drink the juice or use it internally. Some forms can actually cause problems if not prepared correctly.

Find out more about the healing powers hiding in your backyard miracle plant.

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

🌸 Feria de Candelaria 2025: Jan 31 – Feb 16, San Miguel
The Candelaria Fair returns to Zeferino Gutiérrez Park for the first time in 5 years. Celebrate Día de la Candelaria with vibrant plant displays, local food, and cultural activities in one of San Miguel’s largest parks, complete with a lake, fountain, and scenic walking trails. Admission is free. Click here for details.

🎨 Zona Maco Art Fair: Feb 5 – Feb 9, CDMX
Experience Latin America’s premier contemporary art fair at Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City. Featuring over 110 galleries from 21 countries and works by more than 1,000 artists, this event spans contemporary art, design, antiques, and photography. Tickets start at $450 MXN online. Don’t miss the chance to explore cutting-edge creativity! Get tickets here.

📚 San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival: Feb 12 – Feb 16, San Miguel
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this renowned literary festival at the Hotel Real de Minas. Engage with acclaimed authors like John Irving, Ruth Reichl, and Percival Everett through keynotes, workshops, and panels. Whether you're a writer or an avid reader, this event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the literary world. Tickets and packages are available online.

🎶 San Pancho Music Festival: Feb 21, 22, and 26, San Pancho, Nayarit
This free, three-day event showcases a diverse lineup of musicians across two stages, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Performances begin at 5:00 pm each evening, featuring artists like "Oshi Cora," "Silvina Menucci and Band," and "Big Water." While admission is free, donations are encouraged to support the artists and the continuation of this beloved festival. See the full schedule.

📚 Feria Internacional del Libro del Palacio de Minería: Feb 21 – Mar 2, CDMX
Dive into Mexico's premier literary event at the historic Palacio de Minería. Organized by UNAM's Faculty of Engineering, this 46th edition features a vast array of cultural activities, including book presentations, lectures, and readings. Don't miss the Jornadas Juveniles from Feb 24 to 26, tailored for young readers. Admission is $20 MXN on weekdays and $25 MXN on weekends, with free entry for children under 6 and individuals with disabilities. Get more info here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

Llevar vs. Traer

In English, we toss around "bring" and "take" like they're the same thing.

But in Spanish? Not so much.

Here's the deal...

Llevar = Moving something AWAY from where you are (Like when you're taking a gift to your friend's house)

Traer = Bringing something TOWARD you (Like asking your neighbor to bring back the tools they borrowed)

Quick tip: Just think about the DIRECTION. That's all that matters.

Moving away from you? Llevar.
Coming to you? Traer.

Want more nuanced Spanish tips that help you blend in? Our Language Etiquette Expert breaks down all the subtle differences that make locals respect you instantly. Check it out here.

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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