¡Hola amigos! This is one of my favorite weeks of the year in Mexico, with the orange cempasúchil and brilliant pink terciopelo flowers, the altars, and the fiestas. I know it's a busy time, so thanks for taking a few minutes to join me today..
This week, big changes are coming to bank transfers, a new law is pushing businesses to accept digital payments, and Mexico is investigating everything from questionable contracts at its electoral authority to medications stolen from public hospitals.
Plus, what Mexico’s new property law could mean for homeowners, the nine trials of the Aztec underworld, and a few important reads you might have missed.
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❓México Trivia
Q: What agreement brought three European powers together to send military forces to Mexico in 1861?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.
📣 México News Roundup
💳 Mexico's Congress has approved a new Digital Economy Law that will require certain businesses to accept digital payments.
🏥 IMSS workers and retirees plan nationwide protests on October 30.
💊 Mexico's federal government is investigating the illegal sale of medications taken from public hospitals and health centers.
✈️ Aeromexico will launch daily nonstop flights from Mexico City to Orange County, Fort Lauderdale, and Portland starting in January 2027.
🗳️ The president of Mexico's National Electoral Institute (INE) has resigned amid an investigation into alleged corruption involving millions of dollars in contracts.
😂 Mexico's controversial “anti-meme law” has passed Congress despite ongoing concerns that the anti-piracy and fraud proposal could restrict political satire and free speech.
🦏 Four white rhinos arrived at Guadalajara Zoo from Europe as part of an international conservation program.
🥃 Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council warned an Israeli producer that a blue-agave spirit made in Israel cannot legally be marketed as tequila.
📱 Big Changes Coming to Bank Transfers in Mexico. New rules from Banco de México (Banxico) aim to make SPEI transfers easier and more consistent across banking apps. Instead of sharing your 18-digit CLABE, you'll be able to receive transfers using your cellphone number, provided you've linked it to an eligible Mexican bank account. Banks have until December 14, 2026, to comply with the new requirements. Linking your number is optional, and your CLABE will still work as usual.
📍Immigration Essentials
In Case You Missed It
If you're a resident in Mexico and don't earn income here, you may still need an RFC. Here's why, how it differs from your CURP, and how to get one.
Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other foreign paperwork? Getting it accepted in Mexico can be confusing. Here's when you need an apostille, notarization, or translation.
Lost your Mexican residency card while traveling abroad? One wrong move could put your residency status at risk. Here's what to do.
🧩 Life in México
Mexico's New Property Law: What Changes in 2027?
Mexico has passed a new law that changes how property records are managed across the country, with new systems scheduled to begin operating in January 2027.
Could it affect your property taxes? Will you need to update your documents? And what exactly is changing?
🇲🇽 Viva México
Mictlán: The Nine Trials on the Way to Eternal Rest
For the ancient Mexica (Aztecs), death wasn't the end. For most people, it marked the beginning of a perilous four-year journey through nine levels of the underworld.
Along the way, trials gradually stripped the soul of its earthly attachments. Only then could it reach Mictlán, the place of eternal rest.
One popular telling of the legend describes nine extraordinary trials along the way.
Itzcuintlán: The River Crossing
The journey began at a rushing river, where a dog, often described as a Xoloitzcuintli, helped the soul cross. Those who had mistreated dogs in life risked being stranded on the bank.
Tepeme Monamictlán: The Clashing Mountains
Beyond the river, the soul had to slip between two mountains continually crashing together.
Iztépetl: The Obsidian Mountain
Next, it had to cross a mountain covered in razor-sharp obsidian.
Cehueloyán: The Frozen Wasteland
As snow swirled, freezing winds tore away the soul's clothing and possessions. More ties to the living world fell away.
Pancuetlacalóyan: The Windswept Passage
Powerful gusts tossed souls through the air, sweeping away whatever earthly belongings remained.
Timiminalóayan: The Flying Arrows
Arrows flew through the darkness, threatening souls trying to pass.
Teocoyohuehualoyán: The Heart-Eating Jaguar
A jaguar took the soul's heart, cutting another connection to the physical world.
Apanohualóyan: The Dark Waters
Here, in some retellings, the departed were believed to see memories of their lives as they crossed the waters. It was one last chance to look back before moving on.
Chiconahualóyan: The Final Rest
Finally, according to this telling, Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacíhuatl, the lord and lady of death, welcomed the soul to Mictlán. The trials were over. The soul could finally be at peace.
Not Everyone Went to Mictlán
For the Mexica, where you went after death depended largely on how you died, not how you lived. Most people, including those who died of illness or old age, went to Mictlán.
Warriors killed in battle and women who died during their first childbirth went to the House of the Sun.
Those who drowned or were struck by lightning went to Tlalocan, the rain god's paradise.
Babies who died while still nursing were believed to be fed by a milk-giving tree until they could be reborn.
🪷 Viva Wellness
Let’s Talk About Breasts: Health, Beauty, and Everything Between
Breasts are everywhere in culture, yet rarely discussed openly. Allure Perspectives brings honest, expert-led conversations about breast health, beauty norms, and cultural expectations, with candid personal stories that make the big questions feel personal and a little less taboo.
🎉 ¡Vamos! Events
Tacolover Fest 2026 – October 30–31, Mérida, Yucatán
Come hungry. Tacos range from cochinita and carnitas to smoked brisket, kebab, and grilled octopus. Día de Muertos adds costume fun and a festive backdrop. Live music includes tributes to Selena, Celia Cruz, and Juan Gabriel. It all takes place at Gran Parque de la Plancha, with free admission. More info here.
Tercer Abierto Internacional de Petanca – October 31–November 1, Mexico City
This traditional French game of precision and strategy comes to Chapultepec Park. World champion Damien Hureau joins more than 64 teams from Mexico and abroad. Players throw metal balls, aiming to land closest to a small target. Spectators are welcome, and admission is free. More info here.
Café en el Mar 2026 – November 1, Rosarito, Baja California
Rosarito Beach Hotel hosts a seaside gathering of cafés from Tijuana and Rosarito. Expect specialty coffee, local food, art, and books. Live music and a latte art contest round out the program. A beachside 5K benefits DIF Rosarito. Admission is free. More info here.
Espontáneo Festival Escénico 2026 – November 5–14, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Puerto Vallarta becomes a stage for contemporary dance and performing arts. Now in its 14th edition, Espontáneo brings artists together to explore movement and creativity. The 10-day program features live performances, creative workshops, and artistic residencies. More info here.
Feria Yucatán Xmatkuil 2026 – November 6–29, Xmatkuil, Yucatán
One of Yucatán’s biggest fairs returns with major concerts and traditional festivities. Its agricultural roots remain central, with livestock exhibitions showcasing the region’s farming heritage. A traditional vaquería brings Yucatecan folk dancing to the opening night. Elsewhere, rodeo shows and lucha libre add to the action. Open until 2 a.m. More info here
CUUlinaria 2026 – November 7–8, Chihuahua, Chihuahua
Celebrating Chihuahua’s rich gastronomic traditions, CUUlinaria brings together more than 100 exhibitors. Discover Rarámuri and Mennonite specialties alongside charcoal-grilled meats. Regional wines, sotol, craft beer, and live music add to the atmosphere. Admission is free. More info here.
Art Week Querétaro 2026 – November 9–15, Querétaro, Querétaro
Querétaro turns into a citywide gallery for its first Art Week. The seven-day festival brings together art, design, and live performances. Expect exhibitions, murals, dance, sculpture, and music across the city. Local and international galleries join emerging artists in the program. More info here.
💡 Say It in Spanish
This week's lesson comes from Amy Whitney at Expat Spanish Lessons, one of the reader-recommended teachers featured in The Insider's Guide to Spanish Teachers in Mexico.
Ever had a cashier rattle off a total or a neighbor give you their phone number, and suddenly your brain can't keep up? You know the numbers, but when they come at you rapid-fire, it's a different story.
Here's the good news: Spanish numbers follow patterns, and once you recognize them, those bigger numbers start making a lot more sense.
In this short video, Amy breaks down the patterns behind Spanish numbers from 100 to 1,000, including a few tricky exceptions that are worth knowing.
Then put your ears to the test with her free bonus listening challenge.
🎯 Trivia Answer
A: The Convention of London, signed on October 31, 1861, by Great Britain, France, and Spain.
After the War of Reform left Mexico's treasury in crisis, President Benito Juárez suspended payments on public and foreign debts for two years in July 1861.
The three European creditor nations responded by signing the Convention of London. They agreed to send a joint naval and military expedition to Mexico, occupy strategic positions along the coast, and pressure the Mexican government to settle outstanding debts and claims involving their citizens.
The agreement specifically promised that the three countries would not:
Acquire Mexican territory
Seek special advantages for themselves
Interfere with Mexico's right to choose its own government
Spanish forces occupied Veracruz in December 1861, followed by British and French forces in January 1862.
In February 1862, Mexico negotiated the Preliminaries of La Soledad with the three powers. But disagreements over France's plans to establish a monarchy and its demands on Mexico caused the alliance to collapse in April. Britain and Spain withdrew their forces.
Want to know more? I highly recommend Edward Shawcross’s The Last Emperor of Mexico, the fascinating story of how an Austrian archduke was lured to Mexico’s throne with false promises of a hero’s welcome and French support.
👋 Before You Go
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