¡Hola amigos! This week, Sheinbaum is drawing a line on foreign agents operating in Mexico, the Supreme Court is set to weigh in on a landmark assisted suicide case, and rising tomato and potato prices are driving up the cost of food across Mexico.

Plus, what you need to know before buying a used vehicle in Mexico, the country's most beautiful excuse to put down your phone, and the Irishman who may have inspired the legend of Zorro. 

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❓México Trivia

What prized Mexican delicacy appears for just a day or two each year and is collected before sunrise after the first summer rains?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.

📣 México News Roundup

🛂  President Sheinbaum said foreign agents entering Mexico must be formally accredited and comply with Mexico's National Security Law.

🇺🇸 President Sheinbaum declined to respond to U.S. drug czar Sara Carter's warning that the U.S. could pursue cartels and corrupt officials if Mexico fails to cooperate.

⚖️ Mexico's Supreme Court will review a case involving euthanasia and assisted suicide this week. 

🍅 Tomato prices in Mexico are up 99% from a year ago, while potato prices have jumped 79% since December 2025.

👷 Mexico's unemployment fell to 2.6% in April 2026, down from 2.8% in March.

🛢️ Europe replaced the Americas as PEMEX’s largest crude oil export market.

🏭 Mexico's industrial production increased in April, marking its largest monthly increase since March 2021.

💰 Mercado Libre to invest US$4.6 billion in Mexico and create 8,500 new jobs.

🚧 Mexico's CNTE teachers union warned of more protests after President Sheinbaum signaled no new talks are planned for now.

⚽ FIFA blamed Guadalajara's empty-looking stands on fans mingling in stadium food and drink areas. President Sheinbaum disagreed, saying World Cup ticket prices are out of reach for many Mexicans.

🦆 A duck named Merlin has become the World Cup's unofficial mascot after going viral in Mexico's national team jersey (and the cutest socks you’ve ever seen). Watch Merlin strut his stuff.

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📍Immigration Essentials

Buying a Used Vehicle in Mexico: What You Need to Know

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a used vehicle in Mexico is assuming that if the sale goes through, the vehicle can be registered.

Not always.

Missing documents, an incomplete ownership history, registration issues, or problems with imported vehicles can make registration difficult – or in some cases impossible.

Before purchasing a used vehicle, verify that the seller can provide:

• Original factura (bill of sale)

• Current registration documents (tarjeta de circulación)

• Matching VIN/NIV on the vehicle and all paperwork

• Proof that annual fees and required taxes have been paid

• Proof that any required Baja de Vehículo (vehicle deregistration) process has been completed if the vehicle is being transferred from another state

• Original pedimento if the vehicle was imported or nationalized

The original factura is especially important. It should remain with the vehicle for its lifetime and include endorsements from previous owners documenting the chain of ownership. Without it, registration may be difficult or impossible.

If the vehicle was imported or nationalized, confirm that the process was completed legally. Vehicles with improper documentation may not be eligible for registration and could be subject to confiscation.

Before buying, check the vehicle in REPUVE, Mexico's public vehicle registry. The free database allows you to search by VIN/NIV, license plate, or registration certificate number to review theft reports, legal status, and registration information.

If the vehicle is registered in another state, additional steps may be required before it can be registered where you live, including deregistration, inspection, and payment of applicable taxes and fees. 

If the previous registration is not properly cancelled, taxes, fees, and penalties may continue to accrue in the original state.

One final consideration: purchasing a vehicle and registering a vehicle are not the same thing.

In most states, registering a Mexican-plated vehicle requires Temporary or Permanent Residency and a CURP. Because tourists generally do not have a CURP, they may not be able to register a vehicle in their name. Requirements vary by state, so confirm local rules before purchasing.

🧩 Life in México

The Exchange Rate Is Either Working For You or Against You

The peso doesn't care about your closing date.

It doesn't care that you've been planning this purchase for two years, or that you've already signed a contract, or that your budget was set when the rate was 18 to 1.

It just moves. Sometimes 10%, 15%, 20% in a matter of months. And if you're not protected, that swing comes straight out of your pocket.

If you're planning to buy or build in Mexico within the next 6–18 months, understanding how to manage exchange-rate risk could save you thousands of dollars.

On June 18th, join real estate advisor Karla Ruiz and MexEdge founder George Reavis for a live presentation and Q&A to learn how to protect yourself from exchange-rate swings.

Here's what they'll cover:

• Why your bank can't protect you from rate swings – and what to use instead

• How forward contracts work in plain English – no finance background required

• What it actually costs to lock in your rate (less than you think)

The webinar is FREE and takes place Thursday, June 18 at 5:00 PM (Mexico City time).

Register here 

🇲🇽 Viva México

The Irishman Who Wanted to Free Mexico

More than 170 years before Mexico won its independence, a man living in Mexico City was already calling for freedom from Spanish rule.

The surprising part?

He wasn't Mexican.

Born in Ireland in 1611, William Lamport was a gifted scholar with an unruly streak. After studying in Wexford, Dublin, and London, he was pushed out of England by anti-Catholic tensions. He set out for Spain, but on the way, he’s said to have spent time with pirates sailing the seas between Britain and Europe.

Once in Spain, Lamport reinvented himself.

Fluent in several languages and skilled in law, politics, and military affairs, he caught the attention of powerful figures at the Spanish court. He adopted the name Guillén de Lampart and became connected to some of the most influential people in the empire.

In 1640, he crossed the Atlantic to New Spain.

He was supposed to observe colonial affairs and report back to Spanish officials. But Mexico changed him. Lamport saw the rigid caste system, the exploitation of Indigenous communities, and the enslavement of Africans. 

He began secretly drafting plans for an independent Mexico founded on equality and justice. New Spain would become independent. Indigenous lands would be restored. Enslaved Africans would be freed. 

So Lamport began secretly drafting an audacious plan: An independent Mexico where all people would be equal before the law.

By day, he was a loyal crown observer; by night, he was a clandestine insurgent.

The vision was ambitious and so was Lamport. He claimed royal blood – at one point suggesting he was the illegitimate brother of King Philip IV – and imagined himself ruling the new nation.

But the plan never got off the ground. His challenge to Spanish rule led to his arrest.

He pulled off a daring prison break, but didn’t run. Instead, he plastered Mexico City's walls with proclamations denouncing the Inquisition and calling for political change. He was quickly recaptured and spent nearly two decades in prison before being executed in 1659.

Today, a statue of Guillén de Lampart stands inside Mexico City’s Angel of Independence monument. His life had everything: secret identities, pirates, prison breaks, political rebellion, and a fight against injustice.

No wonder many believe this Irish rebel in colonial Mexico helped inspire the legend of Zorro.

🪷 Viva Wellness

The Summer Spectacle That Forces You to Unplug

Every summer, Mexico creates one of the best digital detox experiences in the country.

As thousands of fireflies gather in the protected forests of Tlaxcala, Puebla, and the State of Mexico during breeding season, visitors flock to witness one of the country's most remarkable natural spectacles.

Among them is Photinus palaciosi, a species known for a remarkable behavior: synchronizing its flashes during mating season. Instead of individual insects blinking randomly, thousands pulse together across the forest in coordinated waves, transforming the darkness into something that feels almost otherworldly.

But what makes the experience truly remarkable isn't just the fireflies.

It's what you're forced to leave behind.

Because these insects are extremely sensitive to artificial light, visitors aren't allowed to use flashlights, camera flashes, or phone lights inside the sanctuaries. The forests become unusually quiet. Screens disappear. Notifications stop. Conversations soften to whispers.

For a few hours, the modern world fades into the background.

Instead, you're walking slowly through a dark forest, paying attention to something beautiful unfolding right in front of you.

The wellness benefits may come from something surprisingly simple: darkness, silence, nature, and uninterrupted attention.

Studies have linked time spent in forests to lower stress levels, reduced blood pressure, and improved mood. Psychologists have also found that experiences of awe can help quiet mental chatter and create a greater sense of perspective.

In a world designed to keep us connected 24 hours a day, Mexico's firefly season offers a rare invitation to disconnect for an evening…and that may be exactly what many of us need.

🎉 ¡Vamos! Events

Fútbol 2026: Annie Leibovitz – Now–August 30, Mexico City
One of the world's most influential photographers, Annie Leibovitz, takes over the National Museum of Anthropology with a World Cup-themed exhibition. Visitors can see her iconic images from Mexico '86 alongside new portraits of some of football's biggest stars. The show also explores connections between the modern game and Mexico's ancient ballgame traditions. More info here.

Kocufest 2026 – June 20–21, Zapopan, Jalisco
The Parque de las Niñas y los Niños becomes a showcase for Korean culture during this free two-day festival. Visitors can enjoy live music, workshops, exhibitions, gastronomy, and cultural activities, with K-pop band W24 headlining the program. The event welcomes both devoted K-pop fans and curious newcomers. More info here.

Feria Nacional de San Pedro Tláhuac 2026 – June 20–July 4, Tláhuac, Mexico City
A highlight of this 70-year-old celebration is the Procession of Trajineras, when flower-decorated boats travel through Tláhuac's historic canals carrying offerings to San Pedro Apóstol in a tradition rooted in the area's chinampa culture. The festival also features religious celebrations, concerts, food stalls, carnival rides, and community festivities honoring the patron saint of Tláhuac. More info here.

Dalí: Scenography of a Dream – June 25–August 31, Mexico City
The artist who once described Mexico as “more surreal than my paintings” takes center stage at the Palacio de la Autonomía this summer. Featuring more than 80 original works, the exhibition explores Dalí’s surrealist world and his collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock, including a monumental 10-meter canvas created for Spellbound. More info here.

Certamen Diosa Centéotl – June 26–27, Oaxaca City
The Certamen Diosa Centéotl, or Selection of the Corn Goddess, marks the start of festivities for Oaxaca's biggest cultural festival. Participants compete for the honor of serving as the cultural ambassador of the Guelaguetza festival. The winner is chosen for their knowledge of local traditions, languages, and customs. More info here.

Vendimia de Apertura at Puertas de la Peña – June 27, Bernal, Querétaro
Set near the iconic Peña de Bernal monolith, this wine harvest celebration combines traditional grape stomping, wine pairings, food, live music, and flamenco performances. Activities run from afternoon into the evening, with experiences spread across the vineyard, including tastings, workshops, and harvest-season festivities. More info here.

Feria Patronal de San Pedro y San Pablo – June 28–30, San Pedro Tlachichilco, Hidalgo
This patron saint celebration takes place in San Pedro Tlachichilco, an Indigenous community in Acaxochitlán where Otomí is still spoken. Its most distinctive ritual is the blessing of children with San Pedro’s keys, believed locally to bring protection, health, and help young children begin to speak. Music, processions, dances, and fireworks round out the three-day celebration. More info here.

Festival Internacional de Jazz Querétaro 2026 – July 2–5, Querétaro
Querétaro's International Jazz Festival returns for its 16th edition with performances by local, national, and international artists across multiple venues in the state. The festival aims to bring jazz to new audiences while highlighting the genre's diversity through a program that encourages artistic exchange and showcases a wide range of musical styles. More info here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

¿Está retirado?
Translation: Is it far away?

Most Spanish learners know lejos means “far.” But in Mexico, you'll also hear retirado used to describe something that's a good distance away.

This is a useful phrase when you're taking a taxi, planning a day trip, meeting friends, or checking how far that "must-visit" restaurant actually is.

• ¿Está retirado? – Is it far?

• Sí, está algo retirado. – Yes, it's a bit far.

• No, está cerquita. – No, it's pretty close.

If you're trying to improve your Spanish, I recommend Easy Spanish Step-by-Step. It's simple, practical, and one of the easiest ways to build a solid foundation.

🎯 Trivia Answer

A: Chicatanas

After the first heavy rains of the season, something remarkable happens across southern Mexico.

Across southern Mexico, particularly in Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Guerrero, giant leaf-cutter ants known as chicatanas emerge from underground nests in enormous swarms. The spectacle may last only a day or two each year, sending families out before sunrise to collect them by hand.

This annual phenomenon is often described as a "rain of ants" and has been part of Mexican food culture since pre-Hispanic times.

The ants are toasted on a comal, their wings removed, then ground with chile, garlic, and salt in a molcajete to create salsa de chicatana, a smoky delicacy prized throughout southern Mexico.

While chicatanas are found across several states, nowhere is the tradition more celebrated than in Oaxaca, where the arrival of the first swarms is eagerly anticipated each year. Miss the rain, and you'll miss one of Mexico's most unusual seasonal harvests.

See what a "rain of ants" looks like. Check out this video.

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