¡Hola amigos! This week, we’re unpacking what the government's latest infrastructure promises really mean for the Interoceanic Corridor, the eyebrow-raising surge in Pemex oil shipments to Cuba, and Mexico’s new tri-national pact to protect the Maya Forest. 

Plus, the real cost of letting go of household staff and the Spanish phrase that keeps your day on track when the right person’s not around.

❓México Trivia

Which Mexico City neighborhood still curves today around the oval of a former horse racetrack from the early 20th century?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.

📣 Qué Paso

🦠 Zacatecas confirmed a human rabies case in a 17-year-old from Mezquital del Oro, who was bitten by a wild animal on August 13.

🌳 On August 15, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize signed the Corredor Biocultural de la Gran Selva Maya (CBGSM), integrating 5.7M hectares of tropical rainforest to protect over 7,000 species and the cultural legacy of the Maya. See the president’s video recap here.

🌎 Following the trilateral meeting with Belize and Guatemala, President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that while Mexico will extend the Interoceanic Corridor to the border, building the rail link into Guatemala will be the responsibility of the Guatemalan government.

🔫 An armed attack late Sunday during the festejos a la Virgen de San Juan in San Miguel de Allende’s Infonavit Malanquin neighborhood, leaving 17 injured. 2 died on the scene and a minor passed away last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and community.

🌎 Mexico welcomed over 8 million tourists in June, up 11.5% from last year. Tourism spending hit $2.7B, a 5.7% jump, as air travelers spent an average of $1,000 per person.

🍅 With the U.S. Tomato Suspension Agreement on hold, Mexico’s tomato exports fell 19.2% in the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, Texas Democrats are urging Washington to revive the pact, warning the 17.5% tariff could trigger shortages and an $8B hit to the U.S. economy.

🐄 Mexico and the U.S. signed the Binational Strategic Plan Against Cattle Screwworm after 3,000+ cases in southern Mexico caused losses of up to US$30M a month due to suspension of live cattle exports. The pact includes certified pens, tighter livestock controls, and a Chiapas lab to produce 100M sterile flies weekly – partly funded by the U.S.

🏦 Moody’s is considering lifting Pemex’s junk-rated debt after Mexico unveiled a 2025–2035 strategy to reduce liabilities and strengthen liquidity, giving the state oil giant another chance to improve its standing.

⛽ In yesterday’s mañanera, President Sheinbaum insisted that Pemex’s gasoline and diesel disruptions last week in Chiapas, Nuevo León, and parts of Mexico City’s metro area were not due to a fuel shortage but to distribution delays that have now been resolved.

🛢️ Between May and June 2025, Pemex shipped 39 hydrocarbon cargoes to Cuba worth $850M (around 16B pesos) – close to the value of all shipments in the prior two years. Customs records show 10.23M barrels of crude and 132.5M liters of jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline, funneled through Gasolinas del Bienestar, a Pemex subsidiary auditors say exists only on paper and is already billions in debt.

🍎 Your Health Pulse

Vaccination Rules for School Age Kids in Mexico

Whether you’re new to Mexico or just prepping for another school year, make sure your child’s vaccines are up to date before school starts.

Mexico has one of Latin America’s most comprehensive vaccination programs, and many vaccines are required for school enrollment — even in private schools.

There’s no national law mandating enforcement, but most schools do request the vaccination booklet known as the Cartilla Nacional de Salud. If your child was vaccinated abroad, a local pediatrician can help you adapt their record to the Mexican schedule.

Vaccinations are provided to the public for free at public health clinics like Centros de Salud, IMSS, and ISSSTE — for both Mexican nationals and expats with temporary or permanent residency.

If you prefer to go through a private pediatrician, you’ll need to pay — and just know, vaccines may not always be in stock.

Read the full article here —>

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📍Immigration Essentials

The Real Cost of Staff Termination in Mexico

Ending an employment relationship in Mexico requires caution – labor laws are strongly pro-worker, and skipping formalities can leave you liable for expensive claims.

Severance Obligations (Finiquito)

Unless an employee resigns voluntarily or is dismissed with documented just cause, termination requires severance. This includes 3 months’ salary, 20 days per year worked, and prorated vacation and Christmas bonus (aguinaldo). With 15+ years of service, add a seniority premium of 12 days per year (capped at 2× the minimum daily wage). 

Severance must be paid at the time of dismissal. If not, regular wages continue accruing until payment is made in full. Always have the employee sign a settlement receipt (finiquito), a termination letter, and ensure two witnesses are present.

When Severance Is Not Required

If the employee resigns or is dismissed for just cause – such as repeated absences, dishonesty, violence, refusal to follow instructions, or showing up intoxicated – only accrued benefits are due. Grounds must be documented, and notice must be provided in writing at the time of dismissal, ideally with witnesses. Without this paperwork, the law presumes wrongful termination, making full severance payable.

Special Situations Worth Noting

• Selling or no longer renting a home: Existing staff must be paid severance unless the new owner/tenant formally assumes their contracts.

• Death or retirement of an employee: Severance must be paid to the worker or their heirs.

• Unilateral changes: Cutting hours, pay, or job duties without the employee’s consent counts as termination and triggers severance.

Documentation & Contracts

A clear, signed contract specifying wages, benefits, and job duties is essential. Keep proof of all payments (bank transfer receipts or signed vouchers). These records are critical if the dismissal is challenged in labor court.

While not legally required, consulting a labor lawyer is highly recommended. They can draft contracts, prepare dismissal notices, and reduce the risk of costly litigation.

🇲🇽 Viva México

Mexico’s New Canal: Bold Vision, Big Questions

We usually bring you stories steeped in tradition, but this week, we're heading straight into Mexico’s future with a megaproject that's reshaping the country – and stirring up big questions.

Enter the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT) — Mexico’s ambitious answer to the Panama Canal. First announced by President AMLO in 2018, this corridor cuts across the narrowest part of Mexico, connecting the Pacific port of Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, to the Atlantic port of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz.

Spanning over 1,200 kilometers of rehabilitated and new railway lines, the CIIT integrates three major railways (Z, FA, and K), upgraded ports, and an expanding network of 10 industrial parks. In addition to cargo, the trains will also carry passengers, with 17 station interventions across Veracruz and Oaxaca –bringing new infrastructure like commercial zones, public spaces, green areas, and logistics hubs.

The corridor directly impacts 79 municipalities — 33 in Veracruz and 46 in Oaxaca – and reaches over 5 million people across five southern states, with expanded connections to Guatemala through the Ciudad Ixtepec–Ciudad Hidalgo Line K.

With the Panama Canal facing drought-related delays, the CIIT positions Mexico as a new global shipping route – potentially shaving 2.2 to 15 days off cargo transit times between Asia, the US, and Europe. 

But while the promise of progress shines bright, it casts long shadows across the Isthmus.

The corridor cuts through 79 municipalities, including 46 in Oaxaca – regions rich in biodiversity and Indigenous traditions. As the land becomes increasingly valuable, communities are experiencing land dispossession, intimidation, and militarization. 

At least 2,500 marines and 21 detachments now occupy areas once overseen by civilian authorities.

According to El Universal’s Pulitzer Center-backed investigation, local leaders have reported a spike in violent crime – including threats, extortion, and even the assassination of land defenders. 

In Santa Cruz Tagolaba alone, an estimated 100 hectares of communal land have been overtaken, often without consent or fair compensation.

Environmentally, critics warn that the CIIT risks transforming fragile ecosystems – rainforests, mangroves, and farmland – into industrial zones that could strain water supplies and accelerate pollution. Despite official promises of “green infrastructure,” few specifics have been shared publicly, and environmental impact reports remain limited.

For many in the Isthmus, the corridor feels less like inclusion – and more like imposition. As one villager put it: “We want the Isthmus to flourish, but with justice.”

Want to hear directly from the people living through it? Check out this article.

🪷 Viva Wellness

The Wellness Magic of Bugambilia

Bougainvillea, known in Mexico as bugambilia, is more than just a splash of color on garden walls – it’s a natural remedy with centuries of healing behind those vibrant petals.

Native to Brazil, Argentina, and Peru, it likely arrived in Mexico through colonial trade routes during the 18th century. And it quickly rooted itself in Mexican gardens and healing traditions. 

In herbal medicine, the vibrant petals are steeped into teas to soothe respiratory issues, especially during the chilly temporada de fríos (cold season).

Bugambilia is valued for its natural antitussive properties, which can help calm persistent coughs, and expectorant effects, which support clearing mucus from the respiratory system. Often combined with orange, cinnamon, or thyme, these hot infusions are also used to help reduce fever during flu season.

Many locals also brew bugambilia tea to ease digestive discomfort, and some believe it may help with menstrual cramps or mild anxiety.

Bugambilia petals are rich in polyphenols and betalains – two compounds that pack serious wellness power. Studies show they may help fight bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Betalains are already showing promise in anticancer treatments, while early research suggests they may also help regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and protect the liver. 

Combined with the antioxidant and antimicrobial punch of polyphenols, Bugambilia is a potential powerhouse in future plant-based medicine.  

One of the trendiest ways to enjoy bugambilia is as a floral syrup, made by gently boiling the petals with sugar and water. Blended into aguas frescas, lemonades, or cocktails, it becomes a vibrant, antioxidant-rich refreshment.

Bugambilia lemonade, served over ice with a splash of citrus, is a refreshing warm-weather favorite. And more and more bartenders are using the syrup to add a local twist to spritzers, herbal mocktails, and mezcal cocktails.

Turns out those stunning blooms brightening corners all over Mexico aren't just a feast for the eyes – they're a beneficial tonic for both health and happiness.

🎉 Vamos! Events

🌮 Street Food Festival – August 30, Guadalajara 
Seven of Mexico’s top chefs meet the kings of street food for one epic feast! On August 30 from 2 –10 pm, the Bellaterra Salon will transform into a foodie paradise with flautas, hot dogs, mariscos, and nieves de garrafa. Tickets are MX$1,950. All food and drinks included. Over 18 only. More info here.

🎈 Chiquilistlán Balloon Festival – September 1–15, Chiquilistlán, Jalisco
For two dazzling weeks, the skies of Chiquilistlán will glow with hundreds of handmade globos de cantoya at the 60th Festival del Globo. Enjoy charrería, live music, dance, and local flavors like birria, tamales, and oven-fresh bread, all in this picturesque mountain town. The big launch is set for Sept 14, when more than 2,400 sheets of papel de china will turn into giant illuminated balloons. More info here.

📚 Hay Festival Querétaro – September 4–7, Querétaro 
Step into one of Mexico’s most vibrant celebrations of arts and ideas! The Hay Festival Querétaro brings writers, scientists, artists, and thinkers together across the city in venues like Teatro de la Ciudad, Jardín Guerrero, and Museo de la Ciudad. With inclusive events, live discussions, and family-friendly activities through the Hay Festival Comunitario, this four-day fiesta is all about culture, creativity, and community. More info here.

🎡 Feria de Torreón 2025 – Sept 5–Oct 5, Torreón, Coahuila
Get ready for the 79th edition of the Feria de Torreón, bringing a month of music, food, and family fun to the Laguna region. From Los Primeritos de Colombia on opening night (Sept 5) to Tropicalísimo Apache closing the fair (Oct 5), the lineup includes Josi Cuen & Jorge Medina, Liberación, El Poder del Norte, and more. Beyond concerts, visitors can enjoy Illusion on Ice, Circo Roncaly, carnival rides, and local cuisine. More info here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

“¿Le puedo dejar un recado?”

Translation: Can I leave a message for him/her?

This is gold for dealing with receptionists, doormen (porteros), neighbors, or even your favorite carnicería guy when Don Manuel isn’t in yet. It’s polite, practical, and feels much more local than saying “¿Puedo dejar un mensaje?”

But when you're dealing with someone in a more professional setting – like an immigration office, clinic, or bank – and want to show extra respect, try this instead:

“¿Sería tan amable de tomar un recado, por favor?”

Translation: Would you be so kind as to take a message, please?

Understanding both versions helps you move confidently through daily life, while showing cultural awareness and courtesy that Mexicans truly appreciate.

Need Health Insurance? Get connected with a vetted broker near you. Whether you’re looking for private coverage, long-term insurance, medical evacuation, catastrophic care, or travel insurance – we’ve got someone who can help.

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🎯 Trivia Answer

Colonia Hipódromo in La Condesa.

In 1910, the Hipódromo de la Condesa opened as a thoroughbred racetrack, and its oval shape still defines the neighborhood – Avenida Ámsterdam follows the exact line of the old track.

When the racetrack closed in the 1920s, the land was redeveloped by figures such as José Luis Cuevas, Pietrasanta, and Miguel Ángel de Quevedo, among others. Parque México was laid out in the infield, and Ámsterdam’s leafy boulevard with its three glorietas (Popocatépetl, Citlaltépetl, and Iztaccíhuatl) took the place of the grandstands.

Today, “el Hipódromo” remains its official name and is one of the most iconic strolls in Mexico City.

Check out this video to see what it originally looked like.

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