Canaco CDMX President José de Jesús Rodríguez Cárdenas reported that sales for the holiday are expected to exceed the figures reported in 2024 by 8.1%, when sales expectations were 3.6 billion pesos (US $174.9 million).

Kings’ Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) is a common celebration in Latin America and some European countries like Spain. On the morning of Jan. 6, children wake up to gifts brought to them by the three wise men Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar, also known as the Three Kings.

Rodríguez said the three wise men are expected to bring toys to 1.78 million children in Mexico City on Kings’ Day, with an average spending per kid of 2,200 pesos (US $106).

Popular toys on the children’s wish list include video game consoles, cell phones, computer equipment, bicycles, tricycles, scooters, electric bicycles, mini-motorcycles, remote control items, dolls, action figures and balls. The most dynamic sales sectors will be toy stores, candy stores, bakeries, shoe stores, department stores, video game stores, technology stores and clothing stores.

Across the country, economic spending will amount to 24.2 billion pesos, up 10% compared to 2024, the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Concanaco-Servytur) reported. Some 36 million children in the country expect the gifts from the three wise men home.

“Three Kings’ Day is not only a holiday for children, but also an opportunity for businesses to boost their activity, benefiting millions of Mexican families,” Octavio de la Torre, president of Concanaco-Servytur, said.

What’s the origin of Kings’ Day?

According to the biblical story, the three wise men followed a star to Bethlehem to worship and bring gifts to the baby Jesus. The Bible does not mention the men were kings or that there were three of them. However, tradition says they were three because the Bible mentions they offered three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The wise men appeared only once in the Bible. Still, they left behind a rich tradition.

How is Kings’ Day celebrated in Mexico?

In Mexico, Catholics celebrate the holiday by sharing a sweet, circular bread known as rosca de reyes. The oval shape of the bread symbolizes God’s eternal love, while the crystallized fruits on its surface symbolize the jewels in the crowns of the three kings. A tiny doll, symbolizing baby Jesus, is baked into the bread to represent how the holy family hid him from King Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents by fleeing to Egypt.

Whoever finds the baby Jesus in their piece of bread must provide tamales on Candlemas Day (Día de la Candelaria) on Feb. 2.

Kings’ Day is also known as the Feast of Epiphany, which celebrates the manifestation of Christ on Earth for the first time.

With reports from El Universal and Diario Del Yaqui

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Who lives in Nápoles

Colonia Nápoles, in Mexico City’s Benito Juárez borough, is reeling from its recent years of revitalization and a growing interest from younger urbanites looking for fun-yet-affordable living areas. With an average resident age of 38, Nápoles attracts a diverse mix of professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs. 

Speaking of creatives, renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero briefly resided on Calle Kansas in 1956. During his stay, Botero — whose works can be found at the Museo Tamayo and Museo Soumaya — immersed himself in Mexico’s thriving art scene, using this time as a period of intense intellectual exploration and artistic development.

A brief history of Nápoles

With its establishment in 1908, Colonia Nápoles quickly defined itself as a key player in the ever-expanding metropolis that was Mexico City. The neighborhood emerged from Rancho de Amores and Rancho de Nápoles, former agricultural estates primed for urban development. English women Francisca Julia Willie and her business partner Enrique Marcial Beale worked together to bring to life their envisioned “model town” with large lots and accessible routes to Mexico City. 

Pretty soon, California Colonial-style mansions started popping up and Nápoles was divided into two sections: the original and Ampliación Nápoles. Over time, Nápoles evolved from a residential area to a commercial hub, particularly along Avenida de los Insurgentes, with modern buildings replacing many of its original houses.

A guide to Nápoles today

Perhaps thanks to the World Trade Center complex, Nápoles offers a unique blend of international flair and local charm. This is evident most notably through its culinary scene, especially along Calle Nueva York, where you can sample bites ranging from Polish to French, Spanish to Indian, all within a few blocks. 

The neighborhood strikes an agreeable balance between the trendiness of areas like Roma or Condesa and a more authentic local experience. Nápoles is characterized by a cosmopolitan vibe that showcases street vendors and upscale dining options on its streets named after U.S. states. The location is strategic and well-connected, making it an ideal base for exploring or living. 

Nápoles is great if you love: A down-to-earth, non-curated neighborhood with a vibrance that could only exist in Mexico City.

What to do in Nápoles

Polyforum Siqueiros: A cultural landmark housing a giant mural, “La Marcha de la Humanidad,” this multifunctional space showcases humanity’s evolution through art. Check out a lineup of  diverse cultural events including theater and exhibitions, in its unique circular auditorium.

Pepsi Center WTC: A versatile, state-of-the-art venue is capable of hosting a range of events, from lectures to concerts by the likes of Bob Dylan and Alejandro Sanchez. It boasts modern amenities, exceptional acoustics and a prime location within the World Trade Center complex.

WTC México: One of the city’s premier event spaces is known for large-scale gatherings that run the gamut of spirituality expos to pharmaceutical conventions. Ideal for networking or accidentally bumping into potential clients. Check out the CETRO Mirador on the 46th floor in Torre 1 for sweeping views of the city.

Plaza México: Despite ongoing legal battles, the world’s largest bullring has resumed activity in the center of Nápoles. Plaza México is an architectural marvel that hosts bullfights and various cultural events, including concerts, serving as a symbol of Mexican heritage and a unique attraction for visitors.

Alameda Nápoles (Parque Alfonso Esparza Oteo): Nápoles’ main park features a distinctive clock tower that has become a symbol of the neighborhood. Enjoy green spaces, a small open-air forum for live performances and recreational facilities.

Parque Hundido: Located in neighboring Extremadura Insurgentes, this expansive urban park is a favorite for families and teenage Mexican couples looking for a place to make out. There are plenty of unique attractions here that you won’t find in other city parks, including the hard-to-miss sculpture of an Olmec head and a recognizable clock made of flowers. 

Things to eat in Nápoles

El Corazón del Mar: This popular seafood restaurant is known for a diverse menu and creative cocktails. The ambiance is relaxed and casual, with outdoor seating perfect for an outing with friends. Make sure to order the octopus or tacos al pastor.

 

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Hijos del Maíz: Mexico is all about celebrating corn, and that’s the premise of this modern Mexican eatery. The menu is abundant in tamales, tlayudas and breakfast dishes like chilaquiles. Don’t miss the interesting mix of cocktails available, including virgin options. Try their flautas ahogadas for an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine.

Vainila Bar: Head here when you’re in the mood for breakfast with an artistic flair. Vainila’s “Brunching and Painting” series is an all-inclusive event, where you can choose a ceramic piece to decorate while enjoying a filling breakfast and unlimited coffee, tea or soft drinks. 

Mazurka: I loved knocking back chilled vodka in this surprisingly authentic Polish restaurant located inside a house with Polish-style furnishing. I can almost guarantee you’ll feel like a true aristocrat ordering from an endless menu boasting dozens of traditional dishes. The restaurant, a staple in Nápoles for over 40 years, is famous for its duck dishes and the “Pope’s menu” once served to Pope John Paul II. 

Goy’s Plant-Based Burgers: It ain’t easy being vegan in a meat-loving country, which might be why this lively and friendly plant-based burger joint is always busy. Goy’s attracts both vegans and meat-eaters to its menu of house-made burger patties that rival traditional burgers. Try their “chicken” burger, which customers claim is indistinguishable from the real thing.

Dulce Madero: This quaint pet-friendly restaurant, cafe and deli focuses on a health-conscious yet very hearty menu. There’s a little bit of everything, so whether you’re in the mood for a superfood smoothie and eggs or a crisp white wine and charcuterie, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Patrons love the rustic feel and cozy outdoor patio.

Debarbas Nueva York – Tapas Bar: Want the beach but can’t quite swing a getaway to the coast? Come to Nápoles’s gourmet bebedero (drinkery), which features a fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines, with dishes like tuna tostadas in ginger vinaigrette and bean-stuffed plantain croquettes. 

La Musa Coffee House: Vibey and hip with lots of character, La Musa draws locals in for more than just its good coffee. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking a trendy, local coffee experience with a side of creativity. Snack on lavender pound cake or an empanada with your coffee, or enjoy an afternoon mojito as a live musician strums his guitar.

One hidden gem

Far from hidden, any visitor to Nápoles should plan a visit to the Sunday tianguis. Considered one of the city’s best, spend the afternoon shopping a great variety of products that you can’t find at every tianguis: kitchen and home items, flea-market finds, fresh produce, prepared foods and everything in between. 

Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog or follow her on Instagram.

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Elected to office on June 2 and sworn in on Oct. 5, Brugada announced the strategy during the inauguration of the city’s first Agua Bienestar purification plant in the Coyoacán borough on Monday.

The plant is going to help solve water problems, as well, the Morena party member noted. Starting next Monday, 19-liter garrafones (jugs) of purified water will be sold mainly to low-income residents and those in areas that suffer from chronic shortages — for only five pesos (US 24 cents) each, with an additional 80 pesos (US $3.83) up-front cost for the reusable plastic jug.

A filled 19- or 20-liter garrafón in Mexico generally retails for 48 to 60 pesos (US $2.30 to $2.87), although self-fill purification stations can cut the cost to about 13 to 26 pesos (US 62 cents to $1.24).

This part of the strategy aims to alleviate financial strain on families who are hit harder than others because of repeated water woes in their areas. The program will initially serve 738 neighborhoods and districts lacking sufficient water infrastructure that are sometimes subject to rationing.

“I want to make it very clear that Agua Bienestar solves part of the problem, but the underlying problem — the problem of water scarcity — will be addressed with sectorization, redistribution, infrastructure, water balance and sustainability,” Brugada said. “That is the way we are going to solve things.”

Brugada said a good start is reducing by 50% the city’s reliance on water from the Cutzamala System, so the three main reservoirs that feed it can recover.

Though abundant July rains in Michoacán and México state — home to Cutzamala’s largest reservoirs — helped boost CDMX’s water supply, drought conditions persist and the Cutzamala System currently is operating at 65% capacity.

The National Water Commission (Conagua) has noted that the Cutzamala System supplies around 28% of the capital’s water. This summer, the system was briefly shut off for repairs.

“At least for two years, we will receive only half of what Cutzamala supplied us last year, ensuring its long-term viability,” the mayor said.

Brugada also detailed plans to infiltrate more rainwater into aquifers, which supply 70% of Mexico City’s water.

She said investment will focus on reviewing, maintaining and improving well infrastructure; setting up water-treatment facilities in more communities; and implementing automated systems to monitor and resolve water supply issues promptly.

Brugada said 15 billion pesos (US $718.5 million) will be allocated for these water initiatives; that’s out of the 291.5 billion pesos (US $13.98 billion) that she proposed last week for Mexico City’s overall 2025 budget.

“A large part of the resources will be used to guarantee that the existing wells function and provide the amount of water that should be,” she said.

Brugada’s government aims to construct at least one purification plant in each of CDMX’s 16 boroughs, with some areas receiving up to four. This expansion, supported by 30 million pesos (US $1.45 million) at the outset, is expected to produce 200,000 jugs per month by the end of 2025.

“We’re prioritizing areas where water scarcity and poverty intersect,” Brugada said, adding that no individual application process is required. “This is about addressing systemic inequality in water access.”

“This is an immediate step to support those who need it most while we work on long-term solutions,” added Mario Esparza, Mexico City’s minister of water management. He also assured residents that the purified water meets the highest quality standards.

Brugada said her administration is committed to resolving water shortages citywide by 2027, in equitable and sustainable ways.

With reports from El Universal and La Jornada

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I don’t want cream, I don’t want meatballs, I don’t want canned tomato sauce: I want pasta served exactly the way it’s served to me in Italy. That’s right. I’m a bona fide pasta snob. This article has taken me to no less than five of Mexico City’s hottest neighborhoods in search of the perfect plate of pasta.

While my list offers just seven restaurants to start, I know that there are more steaming plates of artfully crafted gnocchi just waiting to be discovered. Leave your favorite pasta gems in the comments below. 

Casa D’Amico

There’s nothing more Italian-style than entering a sweet little Polanco restaurant and being greeted by the owner. This is exactly what you can expect at Casa D’Amico, managed by Walter and Gianmarco. Enjoy a perfect plate of pasta as the father-son duo go from table to table, chatting with customers and minding every detail. The kitchen at this warm and welcoming hotspot is cared for by Walter, a self-taught chef with a passion for creating authentic Italian dishes with Mexican ingredients. Don’t forgo the Fettuccine Gabriel, a specialty dish that marries shrimp and Portobello mushrooms in a white wine sauce topped with Parmesan cheese.

Il Fiorino

Il Fiorino is the type of Italian restaurant where the day’s specials are handwritten on a blank sheet of paper and there’s no website to speak of. The space is so unassuming from the outside, it could be easy to miss if not for the sidewalk sign advertising Verdadera Cocina Italiana.

Walk inside, however, and you’ll likely be greeted by the outgoing Fernando Forni, owner, chef and food fanatic. Dive into a steaming plate of pappardelle or risotto alla Milanese featuring saffron risotto paired with osso buco paired with your favorite Tuscan wine. The unwritten motto seems to be less fanfare, more quality. What could be more Italian?

Pasta Guapa 

Behind a little window in Narvarte, you’ll find Argentinian chef Melina at the counter, crafting handmade pasta of various forms and flavors. In addition to the classics, there’s freshly-made spinach spaghetti, ravioli stuffed with sweet potato, thick focaccia topped with cherry tomatoes and rosemary and homemade sauces like pesto and tomato. 

Just over two years ago, Chef Mel opened the cozy space as a way to immerse into her adopted home in Mexico while still connecting her to her Argentine roots. One of her clearest childhood memories is the image and aroma of her grandfather’s kitchen as pasta sat drying on the table.

Her desire to incorporate a bit of home has resulted in something very special. Aside from everything being beautiful and delicious, Chef Mel offers something that isn’t so easy to find in Mexico City: pasta-making classes in her intimate studio. Gather with a group of friends around a large central table and learn how to do it yourself. Snacks, aguas frescas and wine are included to hold you over until your group’s Italian feast is ready to eat.

Pasta Mestiza

The newest kid on the block isn’t Italian at all, but rather a Mexican take on pasta dishes. Situated inside the bustling Mercado Roma, Pasta Mestiza blends traditional Italian pasta with the bold and vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican-style sauces. 

Cozy up at one of the six high top stools that line the bar in front of an open kitchen. Sip a glass of wine and chat with the chefs, also the owners, as they craft your pasta dish right in front of you. Choose from an array of sauces that reflect Mexico’s recognizable masterpieces, like barbacoa or salsa matcha. One of its many excellent Google reviews describes it as “the most amazing pasta I’ve had in a long time,” while another pipes in about the “incredible food and even better staff! Loved the pasta, the process, and vibes all around.” 

 

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Don’t leave without dessert, a knafeh with fresh queso oaxaqueño that is to die for. 

Pazzesca Pizzeria

Nestled at the enchanting corner in La Juárez where Calle Napoles meets Calle Marsella, Pazzesca Pizzeria is sure to draw you in. This cozy yet contemporary restaurant, whose name means something local, extraordinary, or out of the ordinary, is adorned with romantic string lights and a traditional brick pizza oven. If you can manage to tune out the sounds of the passing scrap metal trucks, you might just feel transported to a quaint Italian town.

Owner Alan Niggeler is dedicated to sourcing only the finest ingredients, ensuring that every dish reflects the authenticity and quality of Italian cuisine. And while many of its patrons — many of whom hail from Italy — flock to Pazzesca for pizza, it’s the pasta that truly captivated this discerning diner. I wouldn’t go out for a plate of tagliatelle al funghi anywhere else. 

Suppli

At the corner of Calle Atenas and Avenida Bucareli in La Juárez stands the appropriately-named Chinese Clock, built by the Chinese-Mexican community in 1921 to replace a clock gifted to Mexico by the last emperor of China in 1910. Surrounding this obelisk is an area that just might be the city’s next hotspot, if the explosion of restaurants, cafes and galleries here in the past year is any indication of what awaits. One of these restaurants is impossible not to notice, so inviting and romantic that you’d be a fool to pass by without peeking inside. 

The tiny, ambient Suppli was brought to life by the talented founders of Pastificio. Ale Gutiérrez and Jean Marc Pariente, whose names you might recognize from Food & Wine’s 2024 list of best new chefs, were determined to bring the essence of homemade Roman cuisine to this corner of Mexico City. Their menu is concise and seasonal, relying on local ingredients. Aim to try the classic amatriciana, the pasta carbonara and the fresh arugula salad.

Toscanaccio

Just steps from the Monument to the Revolution, Florentine chef Marcello Gurioli and his meticulously-trained cooks are stuffing delicate ravioli with fresh ricotta and handcrafting enough tagliatelle to last them through one busy day. Gurioli spent years learning alongside top European chefs, and the golden rule in his kitchen is that everything be fresh, handmade and fully Italian. His wine list includes Italian classics like Vermintino, as well as pleasant surprises like the organic, floral Varvaglione from Puglia. 

A visit to Toscannacio is an experience if you play your cards right. Sure, you can order from the menu, but why bother? The charismatic Gurioli will more than likely be fluttering around and delighted to create a dish just for you. He loves an adventurous eater, so keep an open mind  — and stomach! — and enjoy a true Italian-style dinner you won’t soon forget.

Buon appetito!

Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog or follow her on Instagram.

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I wish I could say I started going for spiritual purposes or to engage with the community, but that wouldn’t be true. The truth is, I just wanted a place to sing Christmas carols. 

Several years ago, I spent my first holiday here in Mexico City and figured singing carols in Spanish would be a good immersive experience. I arrived at the Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia in Roma Norte and settled into a rather chilly wooden pew. Bright red poinsettias lined the aisle and twinkling lights dangled from the altar. I listened to the low chatter of parishioners as it ricocheted off the walls adorned with paintings of religious icons. A family, grandparents, parents, and two small children, slipped in the pew in front of me.

The grandmother held a small bundle of blankets with what looked like a baby inside. Throughout the service, she would pass the baby to her husband, who would rock it gently for a few moments. He would then pass it to one of his adult children, who stared into the bundle with love and adoration. It impressed me how quiet the child was, and how stiff his little body appeared to be. Weird that with all this movement and sound, it hasn’t made so much as a peep.

Upon further inspection, I realized…it was a doll.

A doll of the baby Jesus.

And upon even further inspection, I realized that everyone around me seemed to have the very same baby Jesus doll. I scanned the room in awe and watched as grown men and women rocked their respective figurines with a doting so visceral that anyone from the outside would assume what they were holding was a real living child.

I stifled a laugh (In church! The horror!). What in the Lord’s name is going on here?

Because I’m a curious soul, I researched this peculiar phenomenon immediately. I found out that many Catholic families own a Niño Dios (Baby Jesus) which is usually passed down through generations or given as a wedding present. On Christmas Eve, the doll makes its debut. First, it’s wrapped in a blanket and “lulled” to sleep by a godparent while onlookers sing a chorus of lullabies. At midnight, the doll is lovingly placed in its proper, central spot in the Nativity for each family member to kiss and pray over.

It’s a sight to behold.

Want to see it for yourself? You can. Don your Sunday best and make your way to any of these gorgeous Mexico City churches on December 24, known in Mexico as Nochebuena.

Metropolitan Cathedral

Historical Center

Built in: started in 1524, finished in 1813

The most famous church in Mexico sits in the heart of the historic center and is known for its magical Midnight Mass. Because the cathedral took nearly 240 years to complete, it’s now a unique blend of architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical, and a beautiful location for an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Basílica de Guadalupe 

Villa de Guadalupe

Built in: the New Basilica was constructed in 1974 to replace the Old Basilica, built in 1695


Pilgrims from all over Mexico come to the country’s most important religious site for a significant Nochebuena celebration. The New Basilica houses the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe and holds up to 100,000 people. Despite its size, you’ll still have to arrive early to get a decent seat.

 

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Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia
 

Roma Norte

Built in: 1925

This beautiful church in Colonia Roma offers a more intimate setting for Nochebuena Mass. Construction began in 1910 but was interrupted during the Mexican Revolution. It was finally finished 15 years later, and its interior quickly became notable for its multicolored stained glass windows illustrating Bible passages and Christian mysteries.

Iglesia de San Jacinto

San Ángel

Built in: mid 16th century

The San Ángel neighborhood and its colonial feel make this former convent one of the most charming places to spend Christmas Eve. Founded as a small hermitage in the mid-16th century, it became an official church by 1580. The complex includes one of the first atrial crosses carved in stone, mixing Christian and pagan elements.

San Juan Bautista Church


Coyoacán

Built in: began in 1522, completed around 1552

One of the oldest churches in Mexico City is situated in Coyoacán’s center plaza, offering a historic and cheerful setting for Nochebuena Mass. The church features a blend of architectural styles and houses an outstanding collection of colonial-period artwork. 

Christ Church


Lomas de Chapultepec

Built in: 1992

This Anglican church provides English-language services and could be an option for expats or visitors seeking a familiar style of worship. It was designed by architect Carlos Mijares and can be recognized by its distinctive brick construction. 

Parroquia de San Agustín


Polanco

Built in: 1949

Polanco’s modernist church takes up an entire block and is a local go-to for traditional Nochebuena services. A distinctive half-dome over the altar earned this parish the nickname “Church of the Tinaco.” The façade showcases the first seven Augustinians to arrive in Mexico in 1533.

Capilla of San Sebastián Mártir 

Location: Chimalistac

Built in: late 16th century

If what you want is to step back in time, Chimalistac is where you need to go. Arrive early, as this extremely historic church is tiny and its crowd large. Originally an open-air chapel, it was roofed and enclosed in the late 17th century. The chapel houses an 18th-century Baroque altarpiece from the original Church of La Piedad.

Nuestra Señora de Valvanera Cathedral

Location: Historic Center

Built in: 1572

Also known as the Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Valvanera, is the official cathedral for the Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of the Martyrs of Lebanon in Mexico. It’s one of just two churches with authentic talavera tiles on the belfry and houses a statue of Lebanon’s beloved saint San Charbel.

Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog or follow her on Instagram.

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A verbena refers to a public outdoor party in honor of a saint, religious figure or holiday where the community can enjoy music, food, and drinks in a festive atmosphere.

This year’s Christmas Verbena commenced with the lighting of colorful Christmas decorations on Dec. 17.  The event, which drew hundreds of residents to Constitution Plaza, also known as the Mexico City Zócalo, was led by Mayor Clara Brugada and other city officials.

Holiday lights illuminated buildings around the plaza, including the National Palace, Old City Hall and the Grand Hotel of Mexico, among others. Additional decorations include a tunnel of hundreds of lights, three monumental Christmas trees made up of over 6,000 poinsettias or nochebuenas, and a gigantic Nativity scene featuring Iztapalapa’s monumental Niño Dios (baby Jesus).

This baby Jesus, also known as the the Child of Peace and Good, was handmade in 2013 by the Gómez Reséndiz family of artists and sculptures in the Mexico City borough of Iztapalapa. It has toured the country over the last decade and is now a major attraction at the Christmas Verbena.

A Christmas bazaar has also been set up by the local government, where over 250 artisans from different parts of the country sell their products. The bazaar, dubbed Artisans at Heart, features everything from piñatas to Nativity sets, clothes and various types of traditional handmade crafts. Food stalls selling Mexican delicacies have also been set up at the Zócalo.

Furthermore, the Verbena offers free musical shows featuring 56 artists from Mexico and abroad, including Regina Orozco, Los Tecolines, La Perla (Colombia), Los Mirlos (Peru) and others.

The Verbena will feature daily shows and live performances, including traditional pastorelas — Nativity plays that often feature a bit more humor than their English-language counterparts.

Mexico City’s first annual Christmas Verbena was in 2019, replacing the ice rink that had formerly graced the Zócalo during the holidays. This year, all boroughs of Mexico City feature an ice rink free of charge during the holidays.

Upcoming Christmas Verbena concerts

As part of the festivities, the Zócalo will host various live music performances in upcoming days, including:

• Guatemalan feminist rapper Rebeca Lane: Dec. 21 at 8:15 p.m.
• Los Tecolines (bolero genre): Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.
• Colombian vocals and percussion ensemble La Perla: Dec. 22 at 8:15 p.m.
• Singer/actress Regina Orozco: Dec.  23 at 7:30 p.m.
• Mexican-American flutist Elena Durán: Dec. 24 at 3:45 p.m.
• Los Mirlos (Peruvian psychedelic cumbia): Dec. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
• Ronda Bogotá, formerly led by Celso Piña (cumbia): Dec.  27 at 7:30 p.m.
• Chetes (Rock en español): Dec.28 at 9:30 a.m.
• Austin TV (progressive rock/instrumental): Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

With reports from Milenio, Chilango and Infobae

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Who lives in San Ángel

San Ángel is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Mexico City, comprising a mix of professionals, academics and retirees. A significant number of residents are middle-aged and older adults. However, its proximity to the Autonomous Technological Institute (ITAM) and National Autonomous University (UNAM) draws in graduate students and young families, and its flair for the arts attracts creatives in droves.

A brief history of San Ángel

The area that is now San Ángel has been an important agricultural area since pre-Columbian times due to the Magdalena River, now Mexico City’s last living river and flowing through San Ángel underground. In the 16th century, the Spanish established convents and monasteries here, notably those of the Discalced Carmelites. By the 18th century, wealthy families looking to move outside the urban hub of Mexico City began building haciendas and colonial-style mansions in San Ángel. With the Mexican Revolution came the redistribution of property, resulting in the loss of many family homes.

A few decades after the Revolution, San Ángel transformed into a creative center, drawing in painters, musicians and writers. Mexico’s most famous artistic couple, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo briefly lived and worked in San Ángel Inn in a duplex connected by a glass-enclosed bridge, now open to visitors. 

Francisco de Urquiaga, a notable philanthropist, lived near the center square during the early 20th century. Rumor has it Urquiaga hid Chucho El Roto — the Mexican Robin Hood said to have once stolen a gold watch from Porfirio Díaz — right here in his San Ángel home. 

A guide to San Ángel today

A stroll over San Ángel’s cobblestone streets and colonial architecture is a bonafide blast from the past. Between pastel-colored family homes overtaken by bougainvillea are contemporary galleries, trendy restaurants, cultural centers and churches that look as if they were lifted off a postcard from Spain. It’s historical yet artsy, residential yet bustling, quaint yet vibrant. It’s a bit more humid than the central zones of Mexico City, resulting in a lush ambience with a hint of tropical air.

San Ángel is great if you love: Feeling like you’ve been swept back to the 19th and 20th centuries while still enjoying modern conveniences, like excellent dining, boutique shopping and contemporary art galleries.

What to do in San Ángel

Bazar de los Sábados: No visitor should miss the famous Saturday market that starts in Plaza San Jacinto and features artisan crafts, typical street food and live music. Just steps away you’ll find Jardín del Arte, where local artists display their paintings in an open-air art market in Plaza San Jacinto.

Museo del Carmen: The former monastery known for its exquisite baroque architecture also houses religious art and historical artifacts. Beneath the main altar of the church is a magnificent crypt with original tiled floors from the 16th century. On display are a collection of mummies, discovered by Zapatista troops during the Mexican Revolution.

Templo y Ex-Convento del Carmen: The historic church above the crypt is known for its stunning altarpiece and beautiful tiled domes. There’s also a large garden in the back for relaxing.

Mercado del Carmen: Not to be confused with everything else named Carmen, this adorably charming, multilevel collection of shops and restaurants is located on Avenida de la Paz, a lively destination in itself for dining and socializing.

Casa del Risco: Housed in an 18th-century mansion, this cultural center showcases art and history, surrounded by gardens and fountains. Inside are seven permanent galleries showcasing art ranging from religious to baroque to colonial. It’s open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free.

Where to eat in San Ángel

San Ángel Inn: You can’t go to San Ángel without going to its most historic restaurant, located in a beautifully restored 17th-century hacienda. Originally a Carmelite monastery, the restaurant is renowned for its blue-and-white Talavera-style table settings and elegant Spanish-Mexican colonial atmosphere. And margaritas.

La Taberna del León: Founded by Chef Mónica Patiño in 1994, this San Ángel staple boasts a menu of contemporary Mexican cuisine with a French twist. This beautiful restaurant on Plaza Loreto is situated in a magnificent, historic house which dates back to 1926 and is the perfect place to bring your parents.

Bistro 83: Casual and stylish, Bistro 83 features a diverse menu that includes everything from hearty breakfast options to classic Mexican dishes with an international flair. The bistro prides itself on using fresh ingredients and is ideal for relaxing with friends after a day of sightseeing.

Cluny: Head to this chic French eatery and order the most popular dish: duck confit with raspberry sauce. Pair it with the wine of your choice from an extensive menu. It’s intimate, authentic and romantic, a great date option evening out with girlfriends.

Cafetería El Péndulo: No matter which of Péndulo’s multiple locations you visit, you’re in for a treat. This one is technically in Guadalupe Inn, but nonetheless is an excellent escape for anyone who wants to cozy up with a good book, live music and moody lighting. 

Zeru: If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine, look no further than Zeru. Here, it’s all about fresh ingredients, innovative seafood dishes and Instagram-worthy presentations. The vibe here is upscale but still relaxed, so whether you want a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner, this is your spot. Don’t miss the grilled king crab with saffron.

 

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Séptimo Ostería: Nearly ten years old, San Ángel’s favorite Italian eatery is known for its fresh pasta and seafood dishes, not to mention a warm, rustic atmosphere. The menu emphasizes high-quality ingredients sourced from local markets which are used to create authentic Italian flavors. For a true taste of Italy, order the ravioli di ricotta.

One hidden gem

If you decide to walk to Coyoacán from San Ángel, you might cross Insurgentes Sur and find yourself lost in a fairy land of sorts. This is good, because it means you’ve made it to Mexico City’s most spectacular hidden gem, Chimalistac. The name is Nahuatl for “place of the white shield” and was once home to an important town paying tribute to the Tepanecs, the major power in the Valley of Mexico before the rise of the Mexica (Aztecs). It’s lush and green, full of flowers, fountains and the occasional ancient chapel. Visitors in the know wander this little slice of quiet paradise in search of the few 16th-century stone bridges that still exist. 

Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog or follow her on Instagram.

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Located near the Soumaya art museum in an area of the capital known as Nuevo Polanco, the 49,000-square-meter, seven-story embassy is the largest United States embassy in the world, according to U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar.

It was designed by the New York-based firms Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects and Davis Brody Bond.

Salazar, who will conclude his ambassadorship in Mexico on Jan. 7 ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States, “dedicated” the embassy during a ceremony at the building on Tuesday.

In a statement, he said that the embassy is a “symbol” of the “lasting ties” and “shared future” of the United States and Mexico.

“Here, in the capital of Mexico, the investment of more than US $1 billion that we’ve made in this embassy — the most important and largest in the world — emphasizes the unique relation between our nations and countries, not just as [each other’s] main trade partners, but also as family,” Salazar said.

The embassy’s construction began in early 2018. It was initially scheduled to open in 2022. It is located on a former industrial site in the Irrigación neighborhood (part of Nuevo Polanco), which is part of Mexico City’s Miguel Hidalgo borough. The site required extensive cleanup to rid it of dangerous toxins.

The Associated Press reported that the opening of the embassy to the public “likely won’t come before late next year as work continues.”

Some 1,400 embassy employees will work in the new environmentally-friendly building, which includes two underground levels and an art gallery. Those employees will relocate to the new embassy from the current U.S. Embassy on the Paseo de la Reforma boulevard as well as from various other U.S. government offices in Mexico City.

The first U.S. ambassador to work from the new embassy will be Ronald D. Johnson, who Trump announced as his pick for ambassador to Mexico last week.

At the dedication ceremony on Tuesday, William Moser, senior advisor to the director of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) and a former director of the OBO, said that the “wonderful new facility” will be the United States’ diplomatic “home” in Mexico “for the next 75 years.”

According to Davis Brody Bond, the new embassy “is sunken several stories into the ground, and designed around a large covered open air courtyard, responding to the scale of the neighborhood and climate of the region.”

“… The new facility incorporates rigorous sustainability and energy-saving goals, aiming to reduce environmental impact, optimize building performance, and enhance the self-sufficiency of the campus,” the firm said.

“The campus will use reclaimed water from the city for cooling and sewage conveyance to reduce the impact on the local water infrastructure.”

‘The vision of dividing’ and ‘building walls’ is ‘not our vision,’ says Salazar 

While a plaque unveiled at Tuesday’s ceremony features the names of U.S. President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Salazar, the embassy will officially open during Trump’s second term as president.

The commencement of that term could signal the start of a more tumultuous relationship between the United States and Mexico, given that Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican exports, deport large numbers of immigrants from the U.S. and perhaps even use U.S. military force to combat Mexican cartels.

Without specifically mentioning the former and future president, Salazar on Tuesday spoke about what he called “another vision” of U.S.-Mexico relations.

“You know it very well,” he told attendees at the dedication ceremony, among whom were Mexican officials and business leaders.

“It’s the vision of dividing, of building walls, of seeing one people as inferior to another people. That is not our vision,” Salazar said.

In his statement, the ambassador highlighted that the embassy was built by “Mexican and United States hands with effort, commitment and dedication.”

“In the same way, together we will build our shared future so that it is more prosperous, safer and brighter for our nations,” Salazar said.

“In addition to being a functional, modern and environmentally responsible building, our new embassy is also a tribute to the greatness of Mexico and its people. It will serve as a meeting point to work together to deepen and broaden our relationship. Beyond diplomacy, it will be a place for our nations to get to know each other better, understand each other more and build a shared future,” he said.

“… Our bet is on North America,” he said in his speech at the new embassy.

Investment of over US $2 billion in new US embassy and consulates in Mexico  

Salazar highlighted that the United States opened new consulates in Hermosillo, Guadalajara, Mérida and Nogales “in the past year.”

The total investment in the new embassy and the consulates was over US $2 billion, he said.

Salazar, a former U.S. senator and secretary of the interior during Barrack Obama’s first term as president, established a good rapport with former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, but their relationship soured after the ambassador voiced concerns about the Mexican government’s judicial reform earlier this year.

Last month, Salazar was critical of AMLO’s so-called “hugs, not bullets” security strategy, declaring that it had failed.

In October, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her government’s relationship with the ambassador and the U.S. Embassy would be managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).

If the ambassador wants to speak about the USMCA with Mexico’s labor minister, for example, he will have to make the arrangement with the SRE, she said.

“A series of general guidelines were established because sometimes the ambassador got used to [directly] calling one minister, another minister, another minister,” Sheinbaum said.

With reports from El País, El Universal, El Financiero and AP

The post Ambassador unveils new billion-dollar US embassy in Mexico City appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Their approach involves planting new fir forests at temperatures where the butterfly’s preferred place to hibernate can thrive.

Between late October and early November, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies migrate 2,500 miles from the northern United States and southern Canada to hibernate in Mexico’s fir forests.

The fir tree thrives in the humid, cold climate found along the border between Michoacán and México state, home to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. However, climate change is gradually changing the ecosystems of Mexico’s forests, putting the monarch’s habitat under threat from increasingly severe temperature changes, droughts and pests. 

“During the day, under the shade of the fir tree, the environment remains 5 degrees (Celsius) colder than outside. It is a protection against high temperatures. At night, it is the other way around, resulting in 5 degrees warmer,” Cuauhtémoc Sáenz Romero, the lead author of the study “Establishing monarch butterfly overwintering sites for future climates,” told the news site Wired. 

The density of the canopy of these trees acts as protection against winter rain. “If the temperature drops below zero and the butterflies get their wings wet, they can freeze. That is why these trees represent such a particular habitat,” Sáenz added.

According to Sáenz’s study, some climate change models suggest that the climate habitat suitable for monarchs could disappear by 2090 in the existing Monarch Reserve.  

“If at 3,000 meters, the fir trees had an average temperature of 10 degrees, now they will find that temperature at 3,300 meters. That is, the climate keeps moving upwards, but the trees cannot move [anywhere],” stated Sáenz Romero.

Assisted butterfly migration

Scientists and conservationists are now working together, alongside the Indigenous community of Calimaya, to move fir seedlings to higher and colder areas in the region to create new butterfly habitats.  

In 2017, the team chose the Nevado de Toluca volcano in Mexico state to plant the new forests, having assessed factors such as altitude, orientation, soil type and future climatic condition forecasts. 

Good news from El Rosario colony. Gradual population concentration. “They’ve kept flying all over our region since their arrival. Some are now clustering.” Remember to read our new MBF newsletter and to donate generously today – GivingTuesday: https://t.co/B1OoKqBKYt pic.twitter.com/5uw8abEBqr

— MonarchButterflyFund (@mbfmonarchs) December 3, 2024

Over the last seven years, they have transplanted seedlings from cone seeds collected from eight stands in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and planted almost 1,000 trees at four sites on the northeast slope of the volcano, at altitudes of 3,400, 3,600, 3,800 and 4,000 meters. 

The project would not have taken off without the Indigenous community involved, Sáenz stressed. “They understand that their work implies a positive effort for their forest. In addition, they have a great sense of attachment to their territory and a lot of ecological knowledge. They know where and when to collect the seeds,” explained Sáenz. 

The group must now ensure the survival of the seedlings during the first years of life, as well as consider their genetic adaptation to the new environmental conditions. The trees must be able to resist lower temperatures, stronger winds and less water availability to survive. The team aims to establish healthy trees by 2060.  

During the winter of 2023-2024, the population of monarch butterflies in typical hibernation locations was down nearly 60%, according to a report from Mexico’s National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp).  

While the monarchs have yet to migrate to the northwest slope of Nevado de Toluca, they were reported on the southwest side, which Sáenz said suggests they are searching for new places to spend the winter months.  

The monarch visitation season

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán is a popular tourist site, attracting up to 200,000 visitors every year.  

The main visitor sites include Sierra Chincua, Senguio and El Rosario in Michoacán and Piedra Herrada, which is located just 18 miles from the lake town of Valle de Bravo in México state. 

Conanp announced the opening of the 2024 season starting Nov. 15 and ending March 31, 2025, and emphasized the importance of ecological conservation at the reserve. 

With reports from ecoPortal, Wired, CB Televisión, El Sol de Morelia and National Geographic

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The 3-2 aggregate victory also earned the Eagles their league-record 16th championship.

Back home in the capital, América fans flocked to the iconic Angel of Independence Monument to celebrate the team’s historic achievement.

Protecting a 2-1 lead from Thursday’s first leg, América played swarming defense from its base 5-4-1 alignment, limiting space down the wings and frustrating Monterrey probes through the middle.

In minute 23, América’s Álvaro Fidalgo found space through midfield, casually floating a pass to Alejandro Zendejas who had split two defenders. Zendejas nodded the ball backward into the path of an onrushing Richard Sánchez, who blasted the bouncing ball past a helpless Luis Cárdenas.

The goal extended the Eagles’ lead in the final to 3-1 and allowed América to sit back on defense. The club’s tactical discipline was on full display for the next hour and Monterrey struggled to create scoring chances.

In minute 85, Monterrey substitute Johan Rojas curled a shot around an América defender and inside the far post to add some drama to the game’s final minutes.

With Monterrey needing one more goal to force overtime, the Eagles found themselves chasing shadows as the home team pressed forward and poured cross after cross into the goalie area.  

With the entire América team scrambling to preserve the slim advantage, Monterrey managed to fire off six shots in the game’s final 10 minutes (including six minutes of stoppage time), but none reached the net. Four of the shots were blocked by defenders, the other two were off target.

When the final whistle sounded, the Eagles rushed the field to celebrate their historic feat, the first Liga MX franchise to win three championships in a row. 

Since the Mexican soccer league switched to a short-season format in 1996, only three other clubs have won back-to-back titles: Atlas (2021-2022), León (2013-2014) and UNAM (2004).

América had previously won three straight titles when the league used a single-season format, hoisting the trophy after the 1983-1984, 1984-1985 and 1985 Prode seasons (the 1985 Prode was a shortened season since Mexico was set to host the 1986 World Cup).

Guadalajara holds the league record with four consecutive championships from 1958 through 1962.

With reports from ESPN, Record, Reforma and Infobae

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