| Mexico Current News and Mexico Current Events, all the Latest News on Mexico Today

UFC expected to Expand In Mexico

Wed, June 19, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

UFC to capitalize on Latin American market with expansion to Mexico in 2014

The UFC, a popular Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports organization, is considering expansion to Mexico in 2014. Expansion to Mexico would greatly enhance their booming Latin American market, which is already thriving in Brazil. With an enormous MMA following, a growing circuit of regional fight… promotions and great local talent, Mexico has the essential pillars in place.

UFC President Dana White said he would like to take full advantage of this spike in MMA interest; he believes there is a great culture of Mexican MMA fighters who have developed a unique style of Mexican fighting.

These bright local talents include Mexican-American Cain Velasquez, the defending heavyweight champion, and Erik Perez, a rising bantam-weight contender. The success of the expansion efforts depends on whether the UFC is able to build and nurture these rising stars to bolster community support.

However, for now, the UFC is relying on a similar model it presented in Brazil--a joint-venture deal with a television network--to increase its TV presence in Mexico. This strategic partnership with Televisa Networks will give the organization a way to disseminate free UFC programming on existing channels. According to media reports, it could launch as early as September 2013.

Plans are also in the works to add a Spanish -language version of "The Ultimate Street Fighter" to the network, tentatively titled: "The Ultimate Street Fighter: Latin America." UFC executive Marshall Zelaznik, chief of international development, believes that having a regionally specific series and a live event in Mexico City would spearhead the UFC's business efforts in Mexico.

If the UFC can implement successful expansion efforts in Mexico in 2014, perhaps, a blueprint will be laid for future endeavors to help make the UFC a global sporting heavyweight!

Thu, June 13, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

China expected to consume 10 million liters of tequila from Mexico in next five years

Thanks to an agreement signed by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and Chinese President Xi Jinping, China will reduce trade barriers on the sale and import of Mexican tequila. Mexico is expected to export 10 million liters of tequila to China over the next 5 years. …

Ramón González, President of the Consejo Regulador del Tequila, predicted that by 2018 China will be the world’s second largest importer of tequila, behind only the United States. “China represents a golden opportunity for tequila and agave.”

The “tequila pact” was one of a series of trade agreements signed by the two presidents at a bilateral meeting in Mexico City. The accords span industries like food, energy, mining, tourism, infrastructure and education. As part of the education initiatives, China invite 100 Mexican youths to summer camps on Chinese soil and offer 300 government grants over the next three years to Mexican youths who want to study abroad there.

Avocados_From_Mexico_Inc._Exotic_Everyday

Mon, June 10, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Avocados From Mexico Inc. Looks to Move Avocados From Exotic to Everyday

We have all seen them; the curious looking pear shaped green fruit that is sold in the produce isle of most grocery stores. That fruit, most likely to have come from Mexico, would be an avocado. Mexico contributes not only 60 percent of the US supply of avocados, but is the only producer to export… avocados year round.

The avocado industry has steadily increased over the past five years with sales climbing to a whopping 11% percent between 2010 and 2011 alone. While these numbers are impressive, there are still many consumers who do not buy avocados. Recently, a campaign led by Avocados From Mexico (AFM) has allocated $36 Million dollars to grow and brand avocados from Mexico. AFM carefully selected Arnold Worldwide and Ketchum to creatively market the avocado. Tasked with a unique market campaign; AFM alongside Arnold and Ketchum, aim to brand the avocado from exotic to everyday. A promising quote from Arnold’s president, "Engaging the hearts and minds of people and inspiring them to use avocados everyday is an incredible creative challenge. We're thrilled to get started and channel our passion into fueling the growth of the avocado marketplace.” Get ready for some creative market campaigns for the delicious green fruit!

0.000000

0.000000

See video

Wed, June 05, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Pati Jinich Discusses her new cookbook of Mexican cuisine at Google Talks

Mexican chef Pati Jinich, host of Pati’s Mexican Table on PBS, discussed her inspirations behind Mexican cooking in a recent interview at Google. Jinich is the author of a new cookbook "Pati's Mexican Table: The Secrets of Real Mexican Home Cooking." …

You can hear the excitement in her voice and the light in her eyes whenever she mentions the indescribable taste of chipotles in adobo sauce or poblano peppers that she affectionately calls "vegetables with a load full of personality."

Jinich is packed with personality.

Realizing that she has strong roots to both countries, Jinich stated she is "happily torn between the United States and Mexico."

In fact, it was her nostalgia for Mexico while living and studying political science in Texas that awakened her insatiable desire to experiment with cooking. She admits at first, she was terrible, but that the process of rediscovering Mexican ingredients in her new country gave her a warm and cozy feeling.

Jinich toiled with the idea of cooking full time, but continued her academic studies relegating cooking to a hobby, until she finally enrolled in cooking school a second time to explore this burgeoning passion.

"It's funny because people say that you should do what you love and [cooking] is really taking over," Jinich said.

With cooking, Jinich is able to reconcile her two roots and with her book you will find these. She tried to show Mexican home cooking with recipes and ingredients familiar to Americans and reinventions of Mexican recipes to satisfy her diverse palette.

To Jinich, cooking "helps to find those links that are sometimes missing from [the] chain."

When talking about the power of cooking, Pati mentions she is humbled by how much she does not know about her new country's food and vice versa. The important thing she noted is that food tells a story and it is that story, she says, that makes things beautiful.

And, when asked about her children's favorite foods Jinich said she always likes to compare food of a place to its people. French food is a little bit fussy and the people are similar to that. Mexican food, she told the audience member, is "super versatile and accommodating, like us Mexicans!"

In her book, Jinich describes ingredients to give people knowledge and believes connecting to the ingredients is different.

"[It is the] legends and the stories...that make the cooking experience more magical," Jinich said.

Puerto_Vallarta_Restaurant_Week_2013_Lifestyle

Wed, May 29, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Puerto Vallarta Lifestyles Sets Restaurant Week 2013 in Motion

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board has announced that the 9th annual edition of the Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week will again take place from May 15 to the 31st. Cities around the world, from New York to London, set aside a week or two each year to encourage visitors and locals to experience the taste and ambiance of their… restaurants.

For this year’s edition the Restaurant Week will enjoy the participation of 35 restaurants, with seven of them participating for the first time. Established in 2005 by Grupo Editorial Vallarta Lifestyles, Restaurant Week is a two-week event in which during the festival all participant restaurant of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will introduce a special three-course menu, with three options to choose from for each course, at a reduced price.

This year’s participating restaurants are Cafe des Artistes, Le Kliff, La Leche, La Palapa, Vista Grill, Barcelona Tapas, Archie´s Wok, Trío, Vitea, Blanca Blue, Coco Tropical, Daiquiri Dicks, De Santos, Boca DOS stk, El Arrayán, Cocos Kitchen, Hacienda San Angel, La Bodeguita del Medio, Rancho 3 Puertas, Las Casitas, Ginger Garden Lounge, Porto Bello, River Cafe, Taste Restaurant, Prime 169, Nicksan, Tratoria Michel, Sí Señor, and The Blue Shrimp. Each restaurant assigns a price for their meal, and it will range from $199.00 to $299.00 pesos, depending on the restaurant.

$189 pesos

$299 Pesos

20.615845

-105.230256

Puerto Vallarta

2013_Chrysler_Town_&_Country

Tue, May 14, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Chrysler launches Mexican-inspired luxury minivan for first time in history with Tanya Moss

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.

Mario Gutierrez of Veracruz won the 2012 Kentucky Derby

Fri, May 03, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mexican Jockey Mario Gutierrez Reflects One Year After Winning 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.

Mexico is the World's Largest Exporter of Fresh Mangoes

Wed, May 01, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mangoes from Mexico Lead Explosion of Fruit Exports

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.

Adventurer_Abraham_Levy_Spain_Mexico_Aficionado

Mon, April 22, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Adventurer Abraham Levy to Row from Spain to Mexico

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.

19.432608

-99.133208

Mexico City

See video

Wed, April 17, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Baja California wine country takes center stage

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.

32.361779

-117.056772

Rosarito

Mexico_International_Boat_Show_Deep_Sea_Fishing

Wed, April 10, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Mexico's International Boat Show & A Day of 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.

22.890533

-109.916737

Cabo San Lucas

See video

Sun, March 24, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Female Sailor Galia Moss Makes History Again

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.

Culture_Tourism_Mexico

Fri, March 01, 2013 Brooke

Brooke
Joined: 23.10.2012

Cultural Tourism Shines in 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.”

0.000000

0.000000

Golf_Channel_Big_Break_Mexico_19th_Season

Fri, March 01, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Golf Channel's Big Break series heads to Mexico for 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.

20.765000

-86.970000

President Enrique Peña Nieto

Tue, February 26, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

President Enrique Peña Nieto unveils national tourism policy for Mexico

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