Summer is here, and the weather is beautiful. Our resorts are bustling, and everyone is having a fantastic time. With kids out of school and families eager for a vacation break, this time of year is particularly busy. Memorial Day weekend saw a large influx of tourists enjoying the many activities around town, though there were so many events that it was impossible to attend them all.

Progress at the New Sonoran Star Resort is moving along rapidly and smoothly. We are currently working on the 11th floor and advancing the interior finishes for the condos on the 3rd and 4th floors. Foundation work has begun for Towers #2 and #4, and the excavation is complete. The crew is now constructing the massive concrete and rebar pillars, which go about 60 feet into the ground to form the structural base of the towers. The plan is to finish the foundation work for both towers and then focus on building Tower #2 next. We should be announcing the opening of presales for Tower #2 very soon. I’ll make sure to keep everyone informed so you can have the opportunity to be part of the best resort that Rocky Point and the entire region have ever seen.

With the heavy tourism, especially on holidays and weekends, we are increasingly aware of potential waits at the border in both directions. While waiting to enter Mexico is unusual, it has become more common recently. Heading back to the US after a weekend often involves longer waits, leading many to leave early or extend their stay. For those who can't avoid the wait, it's a small price to pay for living close to such a wonderful destination. Work continues on expanding the crossing and installing the SENTRI lane. If you frequent Rocky Point, you may want to start the process of obtaining a SENTRI pass or a Global Entry card. Both will work for the SENTRI lane and will reduce your wait times considerably.

June is packed with activities, offering something for everyone. There are too many to list, but the Roger Clyne Circus Mexicus always stands out as one of the most popular events in June each year. If you plan to attend, don’t wait any longer to get tickets and reserve a place to stay. The long weekend of Circus Mexicus is always very busy. Whether you prefer attending events like Circus Mexicus or just relaxing on your oceanfront terrace, there’s plenty to do if you choose adventure over relaxation.

This is an election year in Mexico, so please note that elections in Mexico happen on Sundays, and on the weekend of elections there is always a ban on alcohol sales. Yesterday (Friday) was the last day to buy alcoholic beverages until the polls close on Sunday evening. If you’re headed down today, bring your own, but remember that there are restrictions on how much you can bring into the country. Officially, I have read that the ban also includes serving alcoholic beverages in restaurants, but I have heard that if you are having a drink served along with food in a restaurant, it will be allowed. I honestly don’t know which is true.

Now is the perfect time to visit, with daily highs in the low 80s and a refreshing ocean breeze. Whether you’re here to explore or to relax, Rocky Point is ready to offer you a memorable experience. So what are you waiting for? Come and enjoy everything this wonderful place has to offer this June! And don’t forget to stop by the Sonoran Star to say hello, tour our beautiful model condos, and visit the construction site to be amazed at the fantastic ocean views.

As an addition to my introduction this month, I wanted to share my personal experience with the New Sonoran Star Resort. Since starting the Sonoran Star Resort project, I have learned a great deal about selling a new resort. This isn't Sonoran Resorts' first venture—they have four completed, highly successful beachfront resorts.

I joined the company nearly 14 years ago, so I was not involved in the construction phase of Sonoran Sky Resort, which was completed ahead of schedule and delivered in 2007. Seeing the Sonoran Star project through fresh eyes, I must say I am very impressed with every aspect of this operation. From the planning and organization of the construction process to the selection, training, safety protocols, to the excellent treatment of the employees. And, the quality of design and construction of this resort is outstanding. It is a huge undertaking but the company is making everything look very easy. So, you ask, am I buying a condo at the Sonoran Star Resort? Well, of course. In fact, I am buying two! 😊

Enjoy this beautiful month, and if you can, come to Rocky Point. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Feel free to take advantage of my 16 years of full-time experience here. I'm more than happy to assist you with anything that I can, whether it's Sonoran Resorts related or not.

Feel free to call or email anytime, and I'll do my very best to help you. If I can't address your needs directly, I'm confident I can guide you in the right direction and connect you with someone who can.

Besides the links below, you can our listings at the following:

www.sonoranstar.com

www.sonoranresorts.mx

AMPI Puerto Penasco MLS

Pick up a handout at any of our Sonoran Resorts

Scottsdale Barrett Jackson Shows

Various Real Estate and Trade shows in AZ, NV, and CA

www.SonoranStar.com

NOW SELLING!

Progress Continues on the New Sonoran Star Resort!

Mexican Elections Invoke “Ley Seca” Law This Weekend

Mexico is preparing for the upcoming general elections. In these elections, voters will not only choose the head of state and local government but also elect 128 senators and 500 federal deputies. Approximately 98 million people are eligible to vote on June 2.

According to current Mexican legislation, a "dry law" will be enforced in the states, as has occurred in previous elections. What is this law, what does it apply to, and how does it affect people?

What is the "dry law"?

The General Law of Electoral Institutions and Procedures, in Article 300, states that the sale of alcoholic beverages will be "restricted" on the election day and the day before.

"On the election day and the preceding day, the competent authorities, in accordance with the regulations of each state, will establish measures to limit the hours of service of establishments that serve alcoholic beverages."

The purpose of this law is to ensure a secure and orderly environment during elections by regulating the sale of alcohol throughout Mexico. In this case, the dry law will be mandatory from Saturday, June 1, until the close of voting on the evening of June 2, the election day.

Rocky Point Desalination Plant Goes Online

The desalination plant owned by the municipal government and OOMAPAS will begin operating in a few days. Residents of the San Rafael neighborhood will receive an additional water supply from wells, and the desalinated water will be piped to the Las Conchas subdivision, solving a long-standing water shortage problem in Puerto Peñasco, according to Mayor Jorge Pivac.

The mayor explained that the desalination plant has a production capacity of 5 liters per second, about 500,000 liters per day, and is currently in the process of filling two storage tanks, each with a capacity of one million liters. In a few days, this will enhance the city's water supply and distribution.

The desalination plant will have an immediate and direct impact on the water supply in Puerto Peñasco. This improvement is in addition to the recent installation of two storage tanks in the San Rafael and Nueva Esperanza neighborhoods, and the battery of 11 wells in the Kennedy and Agua Zarca ejidos.

Circus Mexicus June 6-9, 2024

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers  Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express

The Black Moods  Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts

Jim Dalton  Drew Cooper  The Cole Trains  Trashy Annie  The Jons

AzzIzz Band  Ashbrook

Kelly Steward

Jay Allan’s JTM3

The Hourglass Cats  Sophia Rankin & The Sound  Shane Britt

TJ Taylor

Cori Rios

Several Dudes

Sliced Limes  Ghetto Cowgirl

The Purple Onions  Baja Caravan  Jason Boots

Natalie Merrill  The Summer

Ruta Verbena  Zara

Stone

Chuck Norris Visits Puerto Peñasco During Memorial Day Weekend

The famous American actor and world karate champion, Chuck Norris, was spotted in Puerto Peñasco over the Memorial Day weekend. He was seen enjoying his vacation and visiting a restaurant in the Malecon area.

Peso Depreciates Against US dollar Ahead of Mexico’s Elections

The Mexican peso was trading at just above 16.5 to the US dollar early last week, but on Wednesday morning, it flirted with going above the 17-to-the-dollar mark for the first time in a month — a depreciation of the peso that indicates market caution as Mexico’s presidential election approaches Sunday, some economists said.

Bloomberg data shows that the peso depreciated to a low of 16.98 to the greenback on Wednesday morning before strengthening slightly. The depreciation compared to Tuesday’s closing rate of 16.79 pesos to the dollar was 1.1%.

The Wednesday morning low represents a 2.5% peso depreciation compared to the currency’s strongest level last month — 16.55 to the dollar on May 20. It was the Mexican peso’s weakest position since April 30, when it closed at 17.14 to the dollar, according to Bloomberg.

Among the factors that contributed to Wednesday’s peso depreciation were a general strengthening of the dollar and caution in the market ahead of Mexico’s elections this Sunday.

Mexican bank Banco Base said it was “probable” that “positions in favor of the peso” would decline ahead of the elections due to the risk of “volatility” after preliminary results are announced Sunday night.

“Even though the exchange rate has shown stability during the electoral period, an increase in volatility at the end of the elections cannot be ruled out,” the bank said, adding that the situation will be influenced by “the first statement from the winner.”

On Wednesday, Gabriela Siller, Banco Base’s director of economic analysis, said on the X social media platform that “the impact of the elections on the exchange rate will depend on” five things.

The winner of the presidential election and her/his “initial speech.”

The makeup of the Congress (a “majority of one party will be conducive to fear about Mexico”).

The position of the other [losing] candidates about the election result.

The reaction of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

“Possible changes in societal stability.”

Siller didn’t offer specific predictions about what will happen to the USD:MXN exchange rate if Claudia Sheinbaum wins — as polls indicate will happen — or if her main rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, scores an upset victory.

Citibanamex recently attributed the stability of the peso to the expectation that Sheinbaum will win and thus continue the current government’s agenda — the so-called “fourth transformation” — after she is sworn in as president on Oct. 1.

The peso has benefited for an extended period from the large gap between the Bank of Mexico’s benchmark interest rate (11%) and that of the U.S. Federal Reserve (5.25% – 5.5%). It has also received a boost from strong incoming flows of remittances and foreign investment.

The board of Mexico’s central bank will hold its next monetary policy meeting on June 27.

Many analysts predict that the Bank of Mexico will cut its key rate by 25 basis points next month, although inflation remains well above its 3% target.

Promoting Medical Tourism in Puerto Peñasco; Proposal for a Medical Cluster

The creation of a medical cluster specializing in various fields in Puerto Peñasco is the key proposal of the Sonora Medical Tourism project, presented in the city recently.

During an event held at the facilities of the National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco) of Puerto Peñasco, details of the work plan were shared with representatives from the medical community, chambers, associations, and tourism service providers.

A press release detailed that Mayor Jorge Pivac accepted the invitation from renowned doctors Miguel Ángel Padilla and Jaime León Varela to participate in the presentation of the Sonora Medical Tourism project.

Mayor Pivac explained that the project proposes creating a medical cluster to provide specialized care. This initiative aims to ensure that Puerto Peñasco and the surrounding region have access to improved healthcare services in the near future, promoting medical tourism as an opportunity to boost the local economy.

As a demonstration of this coordination, the Mayor announced that in the coming days, the municipal government, through Dr. Enrique Manuel Ramírez, will offer an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification course.

This process will certify 33 doctors from clinics and hospitals, preparing the city to handle emergency cardiac conditions and cater to patients from the United States.

2024 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins; Public Urged to Report Sightings and Avoid Disturbing Turtles

The 2024 sea turtle nesting season is about to begin on the beaches of Puerto Peñasco. Authorities have issued a permanent alert and are fully prepared to detect, protect, and, if necessary, preserve turtle eggs to ensure their successful development and hatching, announced Luis César García González.

Luis César García González, Director of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat), emphasized the importance of reporting turtle sightings along the coast to 911 and not disturbing the turtles during their nesting activities.

He confirmed that coordinated efforts are underway with Profepa, the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, the Clean Beaches Committee, and local developers to detect and follow protocols if turtles arrive on local beaches for their reproductive cycle, which typically occurs between July and October in Puerto Peñasco.

García González recalled that three years ago, the Participatory Environmental Surveillance Committee was formed as part of the process to have Puerto Peñasco accredited as a Turtle Center. The area has had several years of turtle nesting and the release of hatchlings.

The Director of Zofemat reaffirmed that the Municipal Government and the Clean Beaches Committee are committed to protecting sea turtles and instilling in the community the importance of being agents of change to improve the living conditions of future generations and the planet.

Progress Made on New Sanitary Landfill

The bidding process for the construction of a new sanitary landfill in Puerto Peñasco is about to be launched, making this necessary and urgent project a reality. The project already has funding for its execution, according to Jorge Pivac Carrillo.

The Mayor stated that last week, a commitment letter was sent in which the City Council pledged to build the access road to the new landfill, advancing the process to improve the final disposal of the city's waste.

The City Council of Puerto Peñasco previously allocated and donated 20 hectares of land for the new waste disposal site, which will be located 10 kilometers from the city to avoid the contamination and health issues caused by the current site.

Pivac Carrillo specified that the project documentation is nearly complete, and a study requested by the Sonora Commission on Ecology and Sustainable Development (CEDES) regarding the local bird population has been conducted, given the landfill's proximity to the airport.

The Mayor emphasized the urgency of speeding up the bidding process for this priority project, as the allocated funds need to be utilized within 2024.

He reiterated that there is excellent coordination with the state government and the private sector to start the construction of the new landfill as soon as possible, with an investment of just over 30 million pesos.

Pivac Carrillo reaffirmed that the main interest and objective are to expedite actions to ensure that Puerto Peñasco's waste is disposed of properly, preventing it from being left in the open air, which previously caused fires and general public nuisance.

Exclusive Off-Road Vehicle Event for Women Announced; Puerto Peñasco to Host Proyecto X Girls Rocky Point

Puerto Peñasco is set to host Proyecto X Girls Rocky Point, an exclusive off-road vehicle event for women, anticipated to draw approximately 2,000 participants and feature between 700 and 800 off-road vehicles this September.

During a press conference, organizers revealed details of this unique women-only off-road event. The event is a collaboration between various "travesilleras" groups, the Municipal Government, and the tourism sector of Puerto Peñasco. It will take place from September 27 to 29, 2024.

Rocío Evis, from the Malandrines group of Agua Prieta, announced that this is the first large-scale state event organized in Puerto Peñasco. The event aims to attract women and 4x4 vehicles from Sonora, Chihuahua, Baja California, Sinaloa, and Nuevo León in Mexico, as well as from Arizona, California, and Texas in the United States.

Evis highlighted that the event is designed to cater to the growing number of women passionate about off-roading. Participants can join with various types of four-wheel-drive vehicles, including razors, CanAms, ATVs, Jeeps, and trucks.

The event has been in the planning stages for some time, and the organizers appreciate the Municipal Government's support, as well as the cooperation from tourism representatives in Puerto Peñasco.

Martín Martínez González, the Municipal Tourism Director, confirmed that the City Council will provide necessary support for Proyecto X Girls Rocky Point, recognizing the significant promotional opportunity it represents for Puerto Peñasco.

Martínez González emphasized that this unique project is expected to become a new tourist attraction in September, bringing a substantial economic boost to the municipality.

The organizers noted that Proyecto X Girls Rocky Point is also a charity event. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Municipal DIF (National System for Integral Family Development) to support various social programs.

They highlighted that registrations for the event, scheduled for September 27-29, are now open. They assured that participants will have security both on their way to Puerto Peñasco, in the city itself, and throughout the planned off-road route.

Help Transport Bags of Dog Food to Barb's Dog Rescue

Hundreds of bags of dog food at the The Why Not Travel Store, still needing to make the trek to the rescue.

If you're traveling through, please pick up a bag (up to 50lbs) and drop it on your way into town! Get a doggie kiss or two, and do a good deed.

Thank you!

Everything You Need to Know About Mexico’s 2024 Elections

Mexico’s 2024 elections will be held this Sunday, giving around 100 million eligible voters the opportunity to elect nearly 20,000 municipal, state and federal representatives.

According to the National Electoral Institute (INE), the elections will be the largest ever in Mexico.

What are Mexicans voting for this Sunday?

According to the INE, more than 19,000 positions are up for grabs in Mexico’s 2024 elections.

Federal elections:

At the federal level, Mexicans will elect a new president to replace Andrés Manuel López Obrador, as well as 500 deputies to the Chamber of Deputies and 128 senators to the Senate.

State elections:

Voters in eight states will elect new governors: Chiapas; Guanajuato; Jalisco; Morelos; (click here to see our guide to those contests) Puebla; Tabasco; Veracruz and Yucatán (click here to see our guide to those contests).

In each of the 31 states, voters will elect deputies to their respective state congresses.

Municipal elections:

The total number of positions up for grabs is as high as it is largely because citizens will elect thousands upon thousands of municipal representatives on Sunday.

In Puebla alone, for example, voters will elect 1,818 councilors across 217 municipalities.

Municipal elections will be held in every state in the country except Durango and Veracruz.

Voters will elect mayors, councilors and trustees in the majority of Mexico’s almost 2,500 municipalities. Guadalajara and Monterrey are among the major cities holding municipal elections this Sunday.

Who are the presidential candidates?

Two women and one man are vying to become the next president of Mexico. If either of the women win, Mexico will get a female president for the first time ever. The three candidates are:

Bertha Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz, candidate for the Strength and Heart for Mexico (Fuerza y Corazón por México) alliance, made up of the National Action Party (PAN), Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD).

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, candidate for the Let’s Keep Making History (Sigamos Haciendo Historia) coalition, made up of the ruling Morena party, the Labor Party (PT) and the Ecological Green Party of Mexico (PVEM).

Jorge Álvarez Máynez, candidate for the Citizens Movement (MC) party.

President López Obrador, who was elected in 2018 with more than 53% of the vote, is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term.

Who’s going to win?

Sheinbaum, mayor of Mexico City between 2018 and 2023, has a clear lead in the polls.

Separate poll results published by the El Universal, El Economista and El País newspapers on Monday and Tuesday showed that the Morena candidate has a lead of 20 points or more over Gálvez. Álvarez Máynez is in a distant third place.

Unless the election is extremely close, the winner will be known sometime on Sunday night.

Did the presidential candidates face off in debates?

Gálvez, Sheinbaum and Álvarez Máynez participated in three debates during the campaign period, each of which was held in Mexico City. They engaged on key issues for voters including the economy, security, education, health, poverty and inequality.

How does voting work in the federal elections?

In the presidential election, the candidate with the highest number of votes wins even if she or he doesn’t receive majority support. In other words, there is no second round, or runoff.

In the congressional elections, deputies and senators are elected directly and via a proportional representation system.

In the Chamber of Deputies, 200 of the 500 seats are allocated to parties depending on the level of support they receive, while 32 of the Senate positions are allocated in that way.

The representatives elected via the proportional representation system are known as plurinominal deputies and senators.

When does the campaign period end?

The official campaign period – which for the presidential election began March 1 – and concluded on Wednesday, May 29.

Candidates are prohibited from holding events or campaigning in any other way during the final three days before election day.

When do polls open and close?

Polls will open at 8 a.m. local time Sunday in each of Mexico’s 32 federal entities. They will close at 6 p.m.

According to INE, more than 170,000 casillas, or voting booths, will be set up for the elections.

Will international observers monitor the elections?

The INE announced Sunday that it had accredited 1,309 of 1,355 foreigners who requested to observe Mexico’s 2024 elections.

Among the international observers will be representatives from the Organization of American States and the United States, Canadian and British embassies in Mexico.

When will the new president and federal lawmakers take office?

The new president will be sworn in for a six-year term on Oct. 1

The federal deputies and senators elected this Sunday will start their terms one month earlier on Sept. 1.

Meet the Sonoran's Family of Beachfront Resorts

Regular Gasoline in Mexico is 50% More Expensive Than in the US

In Mexico, several taxes are paid, there is the Special Tax on Production and Services, the IEPS, and the Value Added Tax, which make the product more expensive.

Regular gasoline in Mexico is currently 50% more expensive than in the United States, a reduction compared to the gap of more than 60% that existed at the beginning of the year, thanks to the fact that the Mexican federal government once again granted fiscal stimuli to fuel.

However, the situation is far from what it was in mid-2022, when in the midst of the aggressive increases in energy prices internationally due to the war in Ukraine, gasoline became cheaper in Mexico than in the neighboring country to the North.

This was even presumed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who even claimed that on the country’s northern border, American motorists crossed into Mexico to fill up their tanks at a lower price.

Currently, in Mexico, regular or Magna gasoline is priced at 23.26 pesos per liter on average nationwide. In the United States, it is sold at 15.64 pesos for the same unit, hence in our country the liter of fuel is 48.74% or 7.62 pesos more expensive.

These prices were calculated based on data from the Mexican platform PETROIntelligence (which monitors gasoline prices nationwide) and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the United States.

According to specialists, the difference in price between both countries is due to different factors, but mainly because in Mexico consumers must pay many more taxes for gasoline.

At the current price, in the United States, 2.50 pesos in taxes are paid nationwide for each liter of regular gasoline. While in Mexico 9.11 pesos in taxes are paid, that is, more than three times what is in the northern neighbor.

It must be remembered that in Mexico, the government charges two taxes on gasoline: the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) and the Value Added Tax (VAT). From IEPS, 5.39 pesos per liter are paid and VAT, 3.72 pesos.

Currently, the federal government provides a fiscal stimulus to Magna gasoline and does not charge the full IEPS fee. As at the beginning of 2024 there were no fiscal stimuli and the entire IEPS was collected, the difference in the retail price between Mexico and the United States was greater.

9 Unusual Mexican Foods You Should Try Once

Mexican gastronomy is a worldwide favorite, beloved enough that it’s been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Outside of Mexico, it is easy to find guacamole, al pastor-style meat, chilaquiles and tacos of all kinds, as well as other lesser-known foods like pozole or mole. But none of these are unusual kinds of Mexican food.

In Mexico, there are some ingredients considered strange and exotic, even by locals. Some of these were eaten in pre-Hispanic times, while some have been created more recently. Nevertheless, they all are a part of the longstanding artform that is Mexican cuisine. Don’t be afraid to try these!

Chapulines

Grasshoppers are the most widely known of what could be considered “exotic” Mexican cuisine. There are many different types of edible chapulines found all around the country, but they’re traditionally associated with the state of Oaxaca. One of the most popular ways to eat them is on a traditional Oaxacan tlayuda. Although small, chapulines are high in vitamins and minerals. They’re acidic and crunchy, and delicious on their own.

Iguanas

If you’ve gone to a Southern Mexican beach, there’s a high chance that you have seen an iguana trotting around. They are especially common in the southeast, the region that took to also eating them. Some people say it tastes like chicken.

Maguey Worms

If you’re a mezcal enthusiast, you’ve probably seen one of these little guys lying at the bottom of a bottle. Maybe you’ve even eaten it with your last shot! But you might not know that maguey worms are eaten outside of mezcal, too.

There are actually two types of maguey worms. The red ones are moth larvae that infest magueys and eat them, while the white ones are butterfly caterpillars that grow onthe leaves and roots of magueys. They are expensive because you can only get three or four out of a maguey, which dies after the harvest. They are most commonly consumed in Hidalgo, but also eaten in other states like Tlaxcala. Eat them fried, with butter or olive oil, in a taco.

Escamoles

Some people call it the Mexican caviar: ant eggs. Delicious and strange at the same time, escamoles have been eaten here all the way back to pre-Columbian times, which is why they can be easily found in areas closer to historic ruins, like Teotihuacán. The dish’s name actually comes from the Nahuatl words for “ant” and “stew.”

You can find escamoles in soups and tacos, or cooked with butter, onion and garlic. They’re packed with protein and are quite nutritious.

Huitlacoche

Once upon a time, France discovered moldy cheese was actually delicious. Mexicans realized the same thing about corn. Huitlacoche, known as corn smut to English speakers, is a very dark, greenish-blue fungus that grows on ears of corn infected with a pathogenic fungus. It is considered a “manjar” — a delicacy — and is most commonly eaten inside quesadillas or tacos.

Scorpions

Scorpions are found in many places in Mexico, especially areas that are hotter or more humid. This is especially true for Durango, a northern state that has become known for serving these somewhat terrifying arachnids. Although they’re not necessarily a traditional dish, Durango is the place to go for them. Scorpions can be served fried, inside a taco, or on a stick.

Chicatana Ants

Chicatana Ants are another Oaxacan delicacy. These huge ants — they grow to between 1.8 and 3 centimeters — are toasted in hot pans and develop a crunchy consistency. Although they can be eaten straight after toasting, one of the most common ways to eat them is to grind them into a salsa. Like many of the other items on this list, they are high in vitamins and minerals. You can find them mainly in Oaxaca, but natives of Veracruz and Tabasco enjoy chicatanas as well.

Jumiles

These are a typical dish of the Pueblo Mágico of Taxco, in Guerrero. They are flying insects that are eaten either inside a sauce or with lime and salt, and — you guessed it — in tacos. Some say they taste like cinnamon, which could be because Jumiles eat the branches and sticks of oak trees. Either way, it’s a strong taste that you either love or you hate.

Collecting jumiles is quite difficult, as they live quite high in the canopy and are fast fliers. Apart from a delicacy, they are also considered sacred by some people in Taxco, as they are considered to be dead loved ones that fly in to visit.

Cuetlas

Another pre-Columbian meal, cuetlas — also known as chiancuetla and tepolchichic — are butterfly larvae. These larvae grow on a select few types of trees during the rainy season. They are eaten mainly in Puebla, but you’ll also find them in Guerrero and Veracruz. Their taste is delicious and similar to that of chapulines. Plus, they are rich in protein, iron and vitamin B.

The best way to enjoy cuetla is grilled and inside tacos with guacamole.

Of course, the list does not end here. With some names more eye-catching than others, things like eye tacos, rattlesnakes, pejelagarto fish, rat soup, lake shrimp and brains can also be found in different parts of the country. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a little trip around, do some research and try one — or all!

The Etiquette of the Sobremesa, Mexico’s After Dinner Artform

The etiquette of the Sobremesa, Mexico’s After Dinner Artform

Sobremesa is a cultural tradition ingrained in Mexican culture. The word is derived from the Spanish words “sobre” (over) and “mesa” (table).

When you get together for a meal in Mexico, the experience is rarely limited to just eating. Many stay at the table and engage in meaningful conversation, sharing life updates long after dessert. This after-meal moment can stretch for hours and is devoted to strengthening social bonds.

The rich history of sobremesa

Historically, it’s not hard to find antecedents to the sobremesa tradition. In the ancient world, Roman emperors and guests indulged in lavish banquets, after which, reclining on their divans, they were entertained by acrobats, actors and poets.

During the Renaissance, bourgeois etiquette escalated among the great families of Italy, including the Medicis and the Sforzas. This era saw Leonardo Da Vinci captivate guests after dinner by presenting his intricate machine models and works of art.

During the French Revolution and the opulent reign of the Napoleonic Empire, sobremesa emerged as a core aspect of gatherings. Aristocrats showed their lavish lifestyle and sophistication by hanging out long after the meals.

The ritual as it is practiced in Mexico originated in Spain in response to heavy three-course meals and hot weather, especially in the south of Spain, where there would be little incentive to end a comida quickly and go back outside. As it would be wildly inappropriate to have a siesta right at the table, sobremesa became a delightful alternative to allow for healthy digestion.  

The wellness benefits of this tradition

Apart from its cultural significance, sobremesa appears to offer health benefits. Taking time to relax before and after a meal has been linked to improved digestion and overall well-being. By allowing the body to properly digest food in a relaxed state, sobremesa promotes better nutrient absorption and reduces the likelihood of digestive discomfort.

Sharing stories, laughter and insights with loved ones can uplift spirits and nourish the soul.

Sobremesa etiquette at restaurants

When you go to a restaurant and find a waiting line, you’ll probably get a strange look if you ask for an estimated waiting time. That’s because there’s no way to predict how long guests will stay and chat at their table once they’ve finished their meal.

Other cultures may think it’s rude to keep people waiting for their table, but a Mexican may find it rude to get up and leave as soon as they’re done with the food.

The art of lingering

So, dear amigos, remember this when dining out in Mexico: if your plates are quickly cleared, the waiter is inviting you to stay and enjoy your sobremesa. Waiters will bring you the check only when you are ready to leave.

This fast-paced world is calling us to slow down and savor the moment. Sobremesa is considered one of the barometers of joy in Mexican culture.