¡Hola amigos! This week, it’s military planes, scrambled messages, and a very public round of reassurances about who knew what, and when. President Sheinbaum says U.S. officials gave written confirmation that no flights would cross Mexican airspace…even as a U.S. military plane landed in Toluca.

Meanwhile, Canada’s Governor General is in Mexico for an official visit, the economy underperformed in 2025, and a new EU trade deal has U.S. officials raising eyebrows over meat and cheese imports.

Also in this issue: 2026 vehicle taxes by state, the real cost of medical evacuation from Mexico, and a Spanish lesson to help you keep the street dogs at a distance.

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❓México Trivia

Q: Who turned everyday Mexican home cooking into a national cultural record?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.

📣 México News Roundup

🛡️ After a U.S. FAA advisory issued Friday on military activity near Mexico, Sheinbaum said the U.S. gave written assurances that no flights would cross Mexican territory and that Mexico was not notified in advance.

✈️ Mexico’s Security Cabinet said a U.S. military C-130 aircraft spotted at Toluca Airport on Sunday was an authorized flight carrying out training activities approved by Mexican authorities. 

🏛️ In her Monday mañanera, President Sheinbaum said the U.S. military plane in Toluca did not require Senate approval, explaining, “The United States plane landed, public servants got on that plane and they went to the U.S. for training.”

🇨🇦 Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon began an official visit to Mexico on Jan. 19, where she is scheduled to meet President Sheinbaum to discuss bilateral cooperation.

🤝 The U.S. and Mexico will hold a high-level security meeting Friday, Jan. 23 to coordinate efforts against drug and weapons trafficking. 

🥩 A new Mexico–EU trade deal has sparked U.S. concerns after Mexico agreed to cut tariffs and grant protections for European meat and cheese products.

🚗 Mexico asked the U.S. reduce the tariff on cars that do not meet USMCA rules of origin from 27.5% to 15%.

✈️ More than 50 flights were canceled and over 300 delayed across Mexico on Jan. 19 due to air traffic control and operational disruptions at major hubs.

📉 Mexico’s economy grew just 0.6% in 2025, well below the expected 2%.

📊 The IMF kept Mexico’s 2026 growth forecast unchanged at 1.5%, pointing to stable fiscal policy and easing monetary conditions.

🏈 The U.S. and Mexico will face off in a flag football exhibition during Super Bowl week in February, spotlighting the sport ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

🍎 Your Health Pulse

What Medical Evacuation From Mexico Really Costs

Medical evacuation is one of those things most people don’t think about until they have to. And when that moment comes, the financial reality can be shocking.

What many people don’t realize is that medical evacuations from Mexico often begin in the $15,000 to $25,000 range, and air ambulance costs can rise to $200,000 or more – all payable in full before transport begins. (No, there are no credit terms available).

Even with travel or international health insurance, coverage often stops at transport to the nearest suitable hospital – not back to the U.S. or Canada, and not on your terms.

The real risk isn’t just the cost. It’s timing, logistics, and losing control when decisions matter most.

Here’s what you need to know about medical evacuation in Mexico.

Read more here

📍Immigration Essentials

When You Need an Apostille in Mexico

If you’re applying for residency, getting married, or dealing with legal matters in Mexico, you may need to provide foreign-issued documents, such as birth or marriage certificates.

But unless they’re apostilled, Mexican authorities may reject them.

An apostille is an international certification that proves your document is valid and legally recognized in Mexico. It must be issued by a designated authority in the same country where the document originated.

Common documents that need an apostille include:

• Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates

• Academic diplomas

• Company incorporation papers

If your apostilled documents aren’t in Spanish, they must be translated by a certified translator in Mexico.

Countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention include the U.S., Canada, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and Japan. You can find the full list here.

If your documents were issued in a country not on that list, you’ll need to go through a different legalization process. Check with your consulate for guidance.

🧩 Life in México

Vehicle Taxes in Mexico: What Changes by State in 2026

Vehicle ownership rules in Mexico aren’t one-size-fits-all. While some states have eliminated tenencia or ownership taxes, annual vehicle registration renewal still applies nationwide. What you owe – including fees, exemptions, and deadlines – depends on where your vehicle is registered.

Want to know the rules for your state? This 2026 guide breaks down, state by state, what you need to pay, when, and how.

Check the rules for your state

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🇲🇽 Viva México

A Walk Along Mexico’s Malecónes

Malecónes were first built as storm defenses and simple routes between fishing villages. What began as protection from the sea slowly evolved into promenades and central gathering places — where daily life unfolds along the coast.

Each malecón has its own story. Here are a few that are worth the visit. 

Campeche Malecón: Once one of the most heavily attacked ports in the New World, Campeche built massive sea-facing fortifications to defend against pirates. The malecón still features 17th-century cannons from this defensive system, which was part of the walled city that later earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

Mazatlán Malecón: This is one of the world’s longest oceanfront walkways that’s made up of distinct sections reflecting different eras of the city’s history. It even has a public saltwater pool (Carpa Olivera) and a great view to watch cliff divers at El Clavadista. 

La Paz Malecón: The giant clam sculpture La Perla honors La Paz’s 19th-century pearl-diving boom. One legendary find from these waters – the Great Lemon pearl, named for its lemon-like size – was extracted in 1883 near Espíritu Santo Island and later set into St. Edward’s Crown of the British monarchy. Read more about this fascinating story. 

Veracruz Malecón: Known as the heart of danzón in Mexico, this waterfront promenade is where Cuban rhythms took root in the late 19th century. On weekend evenings, it becomes a public cultural stage – hosting music, social gatherings, and danzón dancing in front of the historic Port Customs building. 

Puerto Vallarta Malecón: Built in stages beginning in the 1930s and fully redesigned in 2011, it’s often called an open-air sculpture museum. This pedestrian-only waterfront features dozens of bronze works by Mexican and international artists. 

Zihuatanejo Malecón: Connecting the town center to the pier, this “Fisherman’s Walk” doubles as an open-air gallery, with bronze sculptures honoring Guerrero’s history and culture. Every morning, the malecón transforms into a fish market as the morning catch is hauled straight from boats onto Playa Principal.

🪷 Viva Wellness

Mexico's Underrated Superfruit You've Got to Try

About the size of an extra-large avocado with rough, brown skin, mamey zapote looks unremarkable…that is, until you slice it open. 

The flesh is a deep coral-orange, with one glossy seed in the center. The texture is dense and creamy, often compared to sweet potato blended with avocado, and the flavor is naturally rich and sweet.

Mamey zapote (Pouteria sapota) is native to the jungles of southern Mexico and Central America. In Nahuatl, it was known as tetzontzapotl, meaning “zapote the color of tezontle stone,” a reference to its striking interior. 

Its high antioxidant content has made it a traditional favorite for supporting overall vitality.

Mamey zapote is packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and healthy fats, supporting everything from digestion to heart health and immune function. Antioxidants like vitamins A and E, plus minerals like iron and phosphorus, help regulate energy and promote healthy skin.

The large seed, while not edible, is pressed into an oil that has been used for generations in scalp and hair care. Mamey seed oil is valued for helping moisturize the scalp, reduce dryness and flaking, and support stronger, healthier hair.

Mamey zapote is in season from January through July, though harvest times vary by region across Mexico. 

🎉 ¡Vamos! Events

Feria de la Candelaria 2026 – Jan 29–Feb 8, Tezontepec de Aldama, Hidalgo
A traditional Candelaria fair honoring the Virgin of Candelaria with religious celebrations, cultural activities, local food, and nightly entertainment, including free shows at the Teatro del Pueblo and select ticketed concerts. More info here.

Tamale Fair at the National Museum of Popular Cultures – Jan 29–Feb 2, Coyoacán, CDMX
This free-entry gastronomic fair returns for its 32nd edition, bringing traditional cooks from across Mexico to the National Museum of Popular Cultures with a wide variety of regional tamales, just in time for Candlemas. The event runs daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Av. Hidalgo 289. More info here.

Coacalco Tamale Fair 2026 – Jan 30–Feb 8, Coacalco de Berriozábal, Estado de México
This free-entry fair features dozens of vendors serving classic and regional tamales, atole, and other hot drinks, plus amusement rides, crafts, and nightly music near Plaza Coacalco. A main-stage highlight includes Carro Show performing on Feb 1. More info here.

Tamale and Atole Fair of Cholula – Jan 31–Feb 2, San Pedro Cholula, Puebla
San Pedro Cholula hosts its annual Tamale and Atole Fair at Parque Soria, offering traditional and gourmet tamales – plus artisanal atole, champurrado, and pinole – as part of the Candlemas celebrations in this Pueblo Mágico. More info here.

Tamale and Atole Fair – Jan 31–Feb 1, Roma Norte, CDMX
This free-entry food fair celebrates one of Mexico’s most beloved traditions with dozens of exhibitors offering tamales from across the country – plus atole, champurrado, and other traditional drinks – just ahead of Candlemas. The event runs both days from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Jalapa 38 in Roma Norte. More info here.

Feria de la Candelaria – Jan 31–Feb 16, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
This free-entry flower fair fills Parque Municipal Zeferino Gutiérrez with 40+ exhibitors selling plants, flowers, trees, pots, soil, and gardening supplies, alongside family-friendly cultural activities tied to the traditional Candelaria celebrations. More info here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

What to Say When You Need a Dog to Back Off

In Mexico – especially in smaller towns or rural areas – you're bound to cross paths with a few street dogs. 

Most are harmless, but if one (or two, or three) gets a little too close, it helps to know what to say to keep them at a respectful distance.

Here are a few phrases to shoo dogs away:

• ¡Ándale! – Move along

• ¡Vete! – Go away

• ¡Largo! – Scram / Get out

• ¡Sale! – Shoo / That’s enough

Oh, and you can use the same words whether it’s one dog or a pack.

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🎯 Trivia Answer

Josefina Velázquez de León.

Long before Mexican cuisine was celebrated worldwide, Josefina was traveling the country collecting home recipes, documenting regional traditions, and turning everyday cooking into cultural history.

Between the 1930s and 1960s, she published between 140 and 154 cookbooks, covering everything from regional dishes and traditional techniques to modern kitchen appliances. She even founded her own cooking academy – Academia de cocina Velázquez de León – in Mexico City.

Her most influential book, Platillos regionales de la República Mexicana, helped define the culinary identity of each Mexican state at a time when many of those recipes existed only in home kitchens.

Josefina also appeared regularly on radio and television, encouraging women to share their family recipes and take pride in Mexico’s culinary roots. Much of her original research is now preserved in the Fundación Herdez Gastronomy Library in Mexico City. 

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