2013_Chrysler_Town_&_Country

For the first time in its history, Chrysler has launched its luxury Town & Country minivan with an exclusive limited edition for the Mexican market. Chrysler, in collaboration with Mexican jeweler Tanya Moss, will produce 150 limited edition 2013 Town & Country Minivans featuring unique design elements created especially for the vehicle.

Tanya Moss is one of the most important jewelry designers in Mexico. She studied graphic design at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City and specialized in design and manufacture of jewelry at Southern Illinois University. After completing her studies in 1993, she began her career as a professional designer and business woman.

In 1995, after several years of selling his pieces "door to door", Moss opened her first boutique in Mexico City. Tanya’s jewelry creations exclusively use silver and gold, alone or combined with stones, pearls and diamonds. The pieces are unique and exclusive design. In 2003, Moss designs her iconic butterfly, which represents Tanya’s freedom in her designs and becomes the symbol and identity of the brand.

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Mario Gutierrez of Veracruz won the 2012 Kentucky Derby

In 2012, jockey Mario Gutierrez of Veracruz rode into the record books as the winning jockey of the Kentucky Derby. One year after his victorious race aboard the horse I'll Have Another, Gutierrez will be watching the 2013 Kentucky Derby from the sidelines.

“It will be nice,” Gutierrez told Yahoo! Sports last week. “I get to watch it and not have any pressure.” 

Nevertheless, winning the Kentucky Derby changed Mario Gutierrez’s life. He appeared on late-night talk shows and threw out the first pitch at a Los Angeles Dodgers ballgame.

“When people ask who won the Kentucky Derby in 2012, my name will be right there,” he said. “I can always say I went there for the first time and won the Kentucky Derby.”

Gutierrez was born in Veracruz, Mexico but built his professional jockey career in Canada.  Since 2006, Gutierrez has been one of the leading riders at Hastings Race Course in Vancouver, winning riding titles in 2007, 2008 before coming up short for a third on the final day of the meeting last year.

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Mexico is the World's Largest Exporter of Fresh Mangoes

Thanks to an explosion of mango exports from Mexico, your next mango recipe can be sweeter and more authentic. One out of 20 mangoes consumed in the world is now grown in Mexico. Last year, 300,000 tons of mangoes were exported from Mexico, mostly to the United States. Mexico is the world’s largest exporter of fresh mangoes. 

Because of their proximity to the U.S. market, Mexico mango growers have lower transportation costs than their competitors in Asia. As a result, mango growers in Mexico can allow the fruit to ripen longer on the mango tree. According to Jorge Armando Celis, president of Mexico's mango exporters, the more time a mango ripens on the tree, the sweeter the fruit will be.

Has this post made you hungry? If so, please enjoy this mango salsa recipe from Pati Jinich, host of Pati’s Mexican Table.

FRESH MANGO SALSA

Makes 4 1/2 cups

INGREDIENTS

1/2 medium red onion, cut into very thin slivers (1/3 cup)

Juice from 2 limes (4 tablespoons)

2 1/2 pounds ripe mangoes (about 4), peeled and cut into large dice

1 large jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons, or more to taste)

Leaves from 4 stems cilantro, finely chopped (3 tablespoons)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt, or more to taste

TO PREPARE

Combine the onion and lime juice in a mixing bowl; toss to coat and let sit for 10 minutes. Combine the mango, jalapeno, cilantro, oil and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add the onion-lime juice mixture when it's ready and toss to mix well. Taste and add salt or jalapeno as needed.

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Mexico adventurer Abraham Levy will attempt to row it alone from Puerto de Palos, Spain, to Cancun, Mexico, in a sixth-month journey inspired by Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the Americas.

Levy, whose trip will begin on October 12, said “I want to do what the great explorers did and set out from the Old World, leaving Puerto de Palos en route to Mexican Lands.”

The adventure aficionado will travel via a boat that is equipped with navigation gear, GPS, satellite phone, a desalinization plant, a stove and solar panels to charge the lithium batteries. He will also have land-based support from a group of doctors, trainers and meteorological experts. The carbon fiber boat weighs 400 pounds, measures 24 feet long and 5 feet abeam, has a hermetic cabin and 10-foot oars of the same material.

This is not the first major voyage for Levy. He kayaked 6,800 miles along the coasts of his country in 2008.

"The trip will take about four months, but I'm going prepared to spend six months at sea," said Levy, who will set out on his journey in October because at that point hurricane season is over on his route, which follows the trade winds to the Canary Islands, continues on to the Caribbean, and then changes course to Mexico.

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Mexico City

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Though you may be able to place Cancun or Puerto Vallarta on a map, can you locate a wine region within Mexico? Likely not. Often revered for its world-class sun and beach destinations, the country offers a world of possibilities: from colonial cities to the vineyards of Baja. Last month at Tianguis Turistico, in Puebla, the wines of the Baja took center stage as the region promoted their rich grapes.

Just south of the U.S. border, the state of Baja California stretches south from continental Mexico onto the Baja Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California on either side. The peninsula is home to two states, Baja California and Baja California Sur, the second of which is predominantly known for sun and beach. To the north, in Baja California, rests a plethora of vineyards that make up Baja California wine country. Start in Rosarito and work your way south to the Valle de Guadalupe experience some of the finest grapes in the region. Be sure to stop at Santo Tomás to enjoy their wine and chocolate pairing; each wine has a specific chocolate made to accentuate the flavors. The vineyard also makes one of the world's finest olive oils, having won the title years ago at the world championship. See a map of Baja California wine country.

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Mexico_International_Boat_Show_Deep_Sea_Fishing

Boating enthusiasts will flock to Cabo San Lucas in May to celebrate the third annual Mexico International Boat Show and Marine Products and Services Fair at its new location – the IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas in front of the Wyndham Cabo San Lucas Resort.

A new lineup of exhibitors reflects a growing segment in Mexico’s robust nautical tourism, boating and yachting market. The show, which takes place May 1-4, 2013, is the only boat show and marine products and service fair on the Baja California peninsula and Mexico’s entire West Coast.

To celebrate its arrival, Lux Penny Vacations has partnered with Pisces Sport-fishing and Playa Grande Resort to promote a six-day deep sea fishing excursion. The fun-filled package includes $250 off of your deep sea fishing trip on the Sea of Cortés, six nights at the luxurious Playa Grande Resort, and limo service to and from the airport.

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Cabo San Lucas

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Mexico’s brand ambassador Galia Moss, the first female in Latin America and Mexico to travel solo across the Atlantic Ocean, is currently sailing her third solo trip. This time, her adventure takes place in Latin America.

On November 6, 2012, Galia embarked on an expedition that would make history. She started her journey in Xcaret located in Riviera Maya – one of the most popular beach destinations for American and Canadian tourists – and is making her way around the tip of Argentina. After approximately 180 days, Galia will finish her trip on the sunny shores of Acapulco.

The sailboat carrying this female pioneer was built in France and designed by architect Marc Lombard fit to Galia’s needs. It was named “El Mas Mejor II” and is a 35-foot vessel with its own kitchen and living area to help Galia feel at home during her six-month journey. As a Mexico brand ambassador, Galia’s sailboat also has the Mexico Today logo on it.

After covering nine thousand miles in 41 days on her first trip across the Atlantic Ocean, Galia has gained considerable mention in the news. She was even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for her first solo trip.

As a representative of Mexico and women in Latin America, Galia strives to promote education in her home country. She supports “Just Raise Your Hand” alliance, which improves school infrastructure and provides resources to children in need. For every 1.813 nautical miles, the Alliance improves the infrastructure of 1-8 schools and for every 10 miles, one child receives financial support and school supplies.

For updates on Galia’s sailing journey, visit her website at http://galiamoss.org, which features a blog, maps and images from her trip.

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Culture_Tourism_Mexico

Mexico’s vast and diverse cultural heritages have made it a unique destination for cultural tourism. Between the historic architecture, unique culture, delicious food, and friendly people; it is apparent why Mexico remains high on the list of places to visit.

In addition to the beautiful beaches and resorts, Mexico has amazing villages. Comala, Real Del Monte, and Valle de Bravo are just a few that everyone should see. Each village presents its own distinctive experience. When visiting the magical village of Comala, tourists fall in love with hiking to Volcán de Fuego; Mexico’s most active volcano. Other popular activities include: horseback riding, camping, fishing and watching dancers perform their seasonal routines while wearing hand carved Suchitlán (animal) masks. The mining town of Real del Monte is one of the highest populated places in Mexico and a trendy location for vacation homes. It is known for its steep streets, high sloping roofs, and considered to be the home of the ‘paste’ (Cornish pastry stuffed with a variety of fillings; sweet and savory). Valle de Bravo, located on the shore of Lake Avándaro, is a common getaway for those who live in Mexico City because it is a short two-hour drive. The main attraction is the Municipal Boardwalk and Dock. On the weekends artists sell their work and tourists rent boats and go on the lake. In addition to enjoying the relaxing day, there are a number of restaurants to choose from when hungry.

Mexico is not only a great place to visit; it is the home of two men who are leaders in their fields. The first is world famous Mexican chocolatier José Ramón Castillo and the second is renowned ballet dancer Isaac Hernández. José Ramón Castillo was recently the first Mexican to be selected for the most prestigious international chocolate guide, “Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat!” and owns the famous chocolate shop “Que Bo!” located in Mexico City. Isaac Hernández began dancing at the young age of 12 and has dominated the industry ever since. He currently dances for the San Francisco Ballet and hopes to revolutionize ballet in Mexico. Both men are stars and proud to call Mexico “home.”

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Golf_Channel_Big_Break_Mexico_19th_Season

Beginning its 19th season on May 13, Golf Channel’s Big Break is set to take place in Mexico this year. The reality competition will take place in Riviera Maya at the Playa Paraiso Golf Club and nearby Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso.

Big Break Mexico, which was produced in partnership with the Mexico Tourism Board, will highlight the breathtaking aspects of the par-72 golf course rising out of the Mayan jungle. Such features include narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and hazards characteristic of the local surroundings.

The most popular of The Golf Channel’s original series, Big Break stars amateur, albeit talented, six men and six women golfers pitted against each other in mixed teams. Whoever wins after several challenges testing their mental and physical prowess will be offered an opportunity to play alongside the greats in an actual LPGA or PGA tournament.

Throughout the show’s history, several golfers have been had the good fortune to break into the world’s top tours after appearing. This season is no different as the female champion will play in the 2013 Lorena Ochoa Invitational, while the male champion will play in the 2013 OHL Classic at Mayakoba.

Certainly, if all goes according to plan, this season will be a hole in one for both Mexican tourism as well as the players themselves.

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President Enrique Peña Nieto

President Enrique Peña Nieto unveiled a new national tourism policy for Mexico in a recent speech in Nayarit

"We will open Mexico to the world, and the world will visit Mexico. Tourism is a fundamental component of our economy and a key driver of national development" Peña Nieto said.

Claudia Ruiz Massieu, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, highlighted Mexico as a trendsetter in the global tourism industry. "I have no doubt that tourism is the future of Mexico. Under the President's leadership, tourism will be used as an engine to drive development for all Mexicans," she said.  

Tourism accounts for 9 percent of the gross domestic product of Mexico and salaries in the tourism sector are 30 percent above the national average.

President Peña Nieto praised Mexico’s strategic advantages in the global tourism market. “We have a privileged geographical location, great potential for connectivity, a broad inventory of natural, historic and cultural attractions, but, moreover, our country has demonstrated a great ability to generate quality tourism products,” Peña Nieto said.

Mexico’s National Tourism Policy is based primarily on four guidelines -- planning and sectoral transformation; innovation and competitiveness; development and promotion; and sustainability and social benefit. 

Guideline One: Planning and Sectoral Transformation

Guideline Two: Innovation and Competitiveness 

Guideline Three: Development and Promotion

Guideline Four: Sustainability and Social Benefit

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Mexico_FireGod_Figure_Pyramid_Sun

Archaeologists recently announced that they unearthed a 418 pound, volcanic stone figure of the god Huehueteotl from inside a 15 foot deep covered pit at the top of the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, just north of Mexico City.

Fittingly, Huehueteotl is the god of fire and most frequently pictured as a bearded old man with a beaked nose and a crown of fire atop his head. Though it has yet to be confirmed, this finding indicates that ritual offerings were made to the god in a temple at the top of the pyramid.

How can there still be more to discover at the site after nearly 100 years of government archaeological work? The scientists have suspected that Leopoldo Batres, who restored the pyramid to the form seen today, covered the platform at the top of the pit without taking the time for proper excavation protocol.

While, representatives from the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History have declared the found objects are being examined, it has not been released whether they will be put on display for the public any time soon.

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Rally Car through Guanajuato Mexico

This spring, Mexico will be hosting third round of the World Rally Championship as the first gravel event. The WRC consists of 13 3-day events held in various countries such as Australia, Spain, Finland and France.  Mexico will be holding the competition March 7th to March 10th and will have 23 stages that will span over a distance of 397 kilometers.

Their Guanajuato stage will be the longest of the rally at 54.9 kilometers.  The new tests are the SS2 Parque Bicentenario and the El Chocolate.  The test through Guanajuato’s Bicentennial Park was built through the cities of Guanajuato, Leon and Silao 2 years ago to celebrate 200 years of Mexican independence.  The El Chocolate test is the newest at 31 kilometers with some of the best views of the entire rally. On the last day of the rally a 5km footrace will be held called the “Carrera Atletica Rally Guanajuato Mexico” a few hours before the SS23 Super Special Stage 5. 

The Rally Guanajuato Mexico will kick off with the new and tough Shakedown/Qualifying Stage in Llano Grande on March 7th.  Tickets to the rally are available via the website.  The rally, with beautiful scenery in the mountains surrounding the cities of Leon, Silao, Irapuatio and Guanajuato, is an extremely popular attraction usually placing within the Top 5 rallies of the world.

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Mexico Avocado Super Bowl Festivities

Regardless which team reigns supreme at the Super Bowl, you can be sure that Mexico’s avocados will dominate party festivities. As fans cheer on both teams, there is a good chance they might be munching on guacamole made from these avocados.

“Mexico, by far is the largest supplier of avocados for the Super Bowl,” said Phil Henry, president of Henry Avocado Corp. In fact, there has been a dramatic increase in the Mexican product and a decrease in Chilean product for the Super Bowl.

So, just how many avocados does Mexico ship to the United States? Well, APEAM marketing director, Eduardo Serena, projects about 986 million pounds for 2012-13. That’s a lot of guacamole to go around.

In order to keep up production for international demands, specialists from the Institute for Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock (INIFAP) are conducting a research to implement strategies for avocado sustainability. This research highlights the fundamental role of forests and other environmental resources in generating water supply and soil conservation. These efforts will help secure avocado flows for many more Super Bowls to come.

On February 3, teams on both coasts – the 49ers and Ravens – will battle it out for the title of NFL champion, but it seems the real winner of Super Bowl XLVII is the Mexican avocado.

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Downtown Real del Monte Pueblo Magico

Nestled between canyons and peaks in the state of Hidalgo, lies the town of Real del Monte.  At an altitude of 8,900 ft, making the weather cool and the air crisp, it is one of the highest inhabited places in Mexico.  Real del Monte is popular place for vacation homes, as it resides near the capital city of Hidalgo, Pachuca.  

The town breathes an air of colonial architecture rooting from its history as a famous mining town.   Mining started after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, was later abandoned, and then reopened in the late 1730s. The town hit a peak in the industry in 1824 when an English company started to operate the mines.  The English company was a Cornish firm, who certainly left their mark on the town from the high slopping roofs to the “pastes” which are baked in the town and surrounding areas.  If you really fall in love with the pastes, you can attend the International Paste Festival held by Real del Monte every October.

If you can’t make it in October, there are still plenty of attractions to catch all year round in Real del Monte.  Churches, such as the Nuestra Señora de Belen parish and Guadalupe Church, each have their own historical attributes.  The Nuestra Senora de Belen parish contains a Christ effigy that was brought from Spain 500 years ago, while Guadalupe was built in the mid 18th century just as a new cemetery had to added due to a widespread epidemic.  

For something a bit more adventurous, you can visit old mines, such as Mina de Acosta, where you can take an underground tour.  The Museo de Medicina Laboral is a former hospital you can visit that used to care for injured or sick miners where you can now view the medical paraphernalia used.  Another attraction is the Cactus Museum where over 60 species of cacti are exhibited.  

Real del Monte boasts treasurers from another era from the old mines, to the 18th century building and the red-tile roofs.  The town is alive with the memory of the English, even earning the nickname “Mexico’s little Cornwall” from the Mexican Embassy in London.

The Pueblos Magicos program identifies towns that reflect “the culture of Mexico” through attributes like architecture, traditions, customs, music, gastronomy, festivities and handcrafts. There are currently 52 destinations throughout Mexico that have earned the Pueblos Magicos classification.

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On January 15-20, 2013, Mexican rally racer and MexicoToday Brand Ambassador Ricardo Triviño will be the only Americas rally driver to participate at the upcoming Monte Carlo Rally in Monaco which is considered the most difficult rally in the world. His participation in this prestigious event is how he will kick off the World Rally Championship (WRC) 2013 season worldwide.

The WRC FIA-NACAM 2012 champion Triviño, who is also featured together with co-pilot Alex Haro in the newly launched WRC3 videogame, will be among the very few participants willing to challenge those tough tracks following five intense days of driving in the highest mountains and elevations in Europe. 

The Monte Carlo tracks are very tough as drivers will need to manage racing with snow and ice on the asphalt tracks using studded tires. For drivers to be successful on those tracks they need to have the lead with expertise and highly focused.

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