Historically, Indigenous populations such as the Zapotec and Maya have long accepted sexual fluidity, and same-sex sexual acts were decriminalized in the country in 1871. Today, same-sex unions are federally recognized and same-sex marriages are performed in 18 of Mexico’s 31 states. LGBTQ+ couples are also free to adopt children. Thanks to a pair of rulings in 2015 and 2016 by Mexico’s highest judicial body, laws banning gay marriage and gay adoption in Mexico were declared unconstitutional. This year, Congress voted to ban so-called “conversion therapies.”

Although Mexico is generally very gay friendly, it should be noted that some regions are more so friendly than others. Mexico City’s Zona Rosa — which spans 16 blocks and is home to more than 200 gay-owned businesses — rivals San Francisco’s Castro District. Other parts of Mexico, such as Guadalajara, Monterrey, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Tijuana, are also considered extremely welcoming.

Nowadays, a trip to Mexico often means visiting the country’s capital, so it’s worth asking: is Mexico City safe for LGBTQ+ travelers? The answer is yes. In fact, it may be one of the most gay-friendly cities in the Americas. The city’s annual Pride festival, which debuted in 1978, attracts several hundred thousand people, while other cities and towns also draw large crowds for annual festivities.

Mexico is the sixth most visited vacation destination in the world, and most of the country is very LGBTQ+ friendly. But to make your gay vacation even more special, stay in a gay-friendly space. In Mexico, there are several cities and destinations known for being welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. We’ve included some of the best below.

Mexico City 

Mexico’s capital is recognized as one of the most open and progressive cities in Latin America in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. There are many bars, clubs, restaurants and events aimed at the LGBTQ+ community in neighborhoods such as Zona Rosa and Condesa. Here are a few of its more famous bars: 

• Tom’s Leather Bar: A gay men-only bar with dance music, cocktails and a late-night party atmosphere. It has a leather aesthetic and a cozy atmosphere for the leather community.
• El Almacen: One of the oldest gay bars in Mexico City, it continues to attract guys who look like they could handle heavy machinery with themed parties, drag nights and events.
• Guilt: Perfect for dancing, this place is only open on Saturday nights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tip: Say  “Vania” when paying the entrance fee for a discount.

Guadalajara 

This Bajío city has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene and is famous for its annual Pride march, which attracts thousands of people. Zona Chapultepec and Zona Rosa are popular areas for LGBTQ+ nightlife and events. Visit in February to get involved with Guadalajara’s month-long Carnival celebrations marking the start of Lent.

• California’s Bar: A favorite bar for locals that attracts a diverse crowd, from cowboys to college students. Housed in a historic Spanish colonial building the thick concrete walls are packed each weekend with Guadalajara’s dancing gays amongst giant video screens.
• Voltio: Catering exclusively to men, this lounge has soft lighting and nice decor to boot. Voltio is known for its energetic underwear parties, leather scene and strippers — who bare all!

Puerto Vallarta 

Jalisco’s Pacific coast hub is a tourist destination known for its acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. The Romantic Zone is the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene in Puerto Vallarta, with a wide variety of gay-friendly bars, clubs and restaurants. The city’s gay clubs are outstanding and always busy. 

There’s a huge variety of establishments, so you can enjoy everything from relaxed cocktail bars to strip clubs. Many bars also sell Purple Hand, a domestically produced beer marketed to the LGBTQ+ population. Winter sees Puerto Vallarta at its busiest, with top drag performers from Provincetown escaping the chill of the U.S. northeast and descending on the city’s myriad gay-run venues, bars and clubs.

• La Noche: One of the largest and most popular clubs in Puerto Vallarta, with multiple floors, varied music and drag shows.
• CC Slaughters: Offers a mix of pop music, themed events and drag shows in a lively and festive atmosphere.
• Reinas Bar: This bar is known for its drag shows and its festive and cozy atmosphere.

Mérida 

Although more conservative than the other cities on this list, Mérida has been developing an active and visible LGBTQ+ population in recent years. Neighborhoods such as Santiago and Santa Ana are known for being more welcoming. As for the gay bars Merida has in store, most are located downtown, on Calle 60, but it’s easy to meet like-minded people in the many cantinas, restaurants and bars around town, you’ll find acceptance and friendly tour operators to help ensure your time is memorable for all the right reasons.

• Casa Chica: This relaxed, queer-friendly eatery offers a laid-back space to grab brunch by day and a few cocktails after sundown! Enjoy a decadent slice of chocolate mousse while sipping on an Aperol spritz before hitting the dance floor. 
• Casa Pompi: A queer-friendly underground dance club offering a unique space to party til the sun comes up! Enjoy a drink on the rooftop patio before heading below to boogie the night away. 
• Mezcaleria La Fundación: Start your night off by getting a drink at this local cantina specializing in mezcal. They often feature live bands playing anything from funk to reggaeton and DJs that spin into the night.  

Playa del Carmen 

This Riviera Maya tourist destination has gained popularity among the LGBTQ+ population due to its relaxed and tolerant atmosphere. Quinta Avenida is the main place for nightlife and has several gay-friendly bars and clubs. This street is also home to the annual Playa Pride festival, a week-long celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and rights.

• Club 69: A bar and club with electronic music, drag shows and a vibrant atmosphere. The club is a popular spot for drag performances.
• Habana Night Club: This gay bar in Playa del Carmen is closer to the federal highway than to the beach. It is distinguished by its good music, good cocktails, food options and, above all, lots of local people looking for fun.

These are just a few examples, but in general, most major cities and tourist destinations in Mexico tend to be quite inclusive and welcoming towards the LGBTQ+ community. The scene can vary by city and season, so it’s always a good idea to do some research before heading out and connecting with the local LGBTQ+ population by contacting local LGBTQ+ organizations or online communities to get insider tips on the best LGBTQ+ friendly establishments and events.

Camila Sánchez Bolaño is a journalist, feminist, bookseller, lecturer, and cultural promoter and is Editor in Chief of Newsweek en Español magazine.

The post A guide to Mexico’s hottest LGBTQ+ vacation destinations appeared first on Mexico News Daily

“Beyond academic development, reading creates emotional connections and fosters positive relationships with other human beings. It is an opportunity to generate empathy and unforgettable memories,” explains Ariadna Trapote, founder and CEO of Little Bookmates and 311 Literacy. Alongside a team of experts, she has created an international bilingual reading tournament for boys and girls that will take place from March 1st to 23rd of this year.

With over 4,000 books available online, the tournament offers access to a wide variety of texts, recording the minutes that children spend reading, thanks to digital platform LightSail. This allows participants to monitor their progress and compete with each other in a fun and educational way. “We believe that if children start reading a lot, they will develop a love for reading and through that, they will be able to learn anything,” Trapote says.

But how does the tournament work? It’s simple: children read books online through the platform, accumulating reading minutes. The challenge lies in seeing which country – Mexico or the United States – accumulates the most reading minutes across the 23 days of the competition.

“We need children to create positive relationships with reading, not just academic ones, so they enjoy reading and can read to learn,” adds Trapote.

Books are categorized according to the reading level, making it easy for participants to find the texts best suited to their abilities. Although schools in the U.S. assign a reading level to each child (called Lexile), there is no such system in Mexico, so participants are placed corresponding to their school grade. The tournament is open to children in both elementary and high school in Mexico and the U.S.

“It is important to note that registration must be done by the school or teacher, ensuring that participants are real children committed to reading,” says Ariadna. Anyone who wishes to register after the Feb. 20 deadline that appears on the portal will be able to do so by sending an email to organizers through the 311 Literacy platform. Entry to the tournament is free, and organizers hope more than 10,000 children will sign up.

Mexican pupils in Guanajuato, Tlaxcala, México state and Jalisco have already taken up the challenge, with U.S. schoolchildren in Chicago and Philadelphia joining the tournament too.

The contest will culminate in awards ceremonies at the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores in Mexico and at a separate venue in the United States that is yet to be confirmed. Three different prizes will be awarded in both countries: the child who has read the most minutes, the classroom that has read the most minutes (teachers will also be awarded), and the school with the highest reading average.

Individual first-place finishers will receive an Apple MacBook, with the winning teacher scooping a new MacBook of her own as well. For the winning Mexican group, participants will receive tickets to the Six Flags theme park. 

Winning participants will also see their schools awarded new books for their library.

Organizers hope that this competition can greatly bring children closer to reading, in addition to fostering bonds between two countries with a closely shared heritage. 

Camila Sánchez Bolaño is a journalist, feminist, bookseller, lecturer, and cultural promoter and is Editor in Chief of Newsweek en Español magazine.

The post Mexico vs US tournament aims to promote more reading in Hispanic communities appeared first on Mexico News Daily

The Mexican fashion industry is experiencing significant growth, and a considerable portion of its consumer base is concentrated in younger, digitally savvy generations. Reaching them through the online platforms they frequent, including YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, is becoming considerably easier. 

With this in mind, here is are five of Mexico’s most-followed fashion influencers and trendsetters. Through their content, these Mexican fashionistas inspire creativity, self-expression and confidence, encouraging individuals to explore their personal style and embrace fashion as a form of self-expression:

1. Karem Vizcarra: Passionate about aesthetics, conceptualization and graphic arts. On Instagram and TikTok, Karem shares her lifestyle, travels and plenty of fashion content, specifically tips on how to elevate very basic outfits. She is also an amazing photographer and visual artist; which you will see by scrolling through her social media. 

 

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A post shared by Karem Vizcarra (@karemvizcarra)

2. Manu Castillo: Fashion editor for various media outlets and a fashion history enthusiast. Manu shares fashion facts and provides tips for looking incredible. His content is smart, fun and very useful if you are trying to understand what drives new fashion trends. 

@manustyling1 Respuesta a @victorivanlopez #fyp #aprendeentiktok #escuelacreativatiktok #moda #escuelatiktok #soycreador #sabiasque #aprendeentiktok #tikrokmoda #tiktokcultura #parati ♬ Stylish Jazz HipHop – Future Oriented Triad

3. Alexis Solis: A fashion influencer from Puebla, advocate for sustainable fashion and the CEO of the brand Tlocpan México. Alexis shares fashion tips and advice for purchasing affordable clothing from street markets nationwide.

@alexis.solismx #bazar #puebla #centro #tianguis #paca #marca #mexico #ropa #moda #ropaaesthetic #ropavintage #vinilo #antiguedades #alexissolis #viraltiktok #lodescubrientiktok #tiktokviral #fashiontiktok #donde #ubicacion #travel #aventura ♬ sonido original – Alexis Solis

4. Marysol Cortés: The Guadalajaran is known for her athletic career and prowess as a soccer player. Marysol showcases her elegant, casual and delicate side as a fashion and beauty enthusiast on Instagram. Sports and loungewear are becoming very popular even among people who don’t play, and Marysol’s social media shows followers how to combine street style and sportswear at the same time. 

 

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A post shared by Sol Cortés (@marysolcortes)

5. Humberto Reséndiz: Humberto is a young professional from Villahermosa, Tabasco who, while working as a filmmaker, editor and community manager, has risen to internet stardom thanks to his photos featuring a variety of outfits suitable for various occasions. 

 

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A post shared by Humberto Resendiz (@humbertoresendiz)

Beyond the world of social media influencers, Mexican street style is a significant influence in the country’s fashion scene. Influencers and trendsetters often showcase unique and innovative approaches to clothing, drawing inspiration from their surroundings and heritage. 

Now you know where to go if you are looking for Mexican street style recommendations or who to dress if you own a fashion brand and are looking to expand to Mexico!

Let us know what you think about these influencers and who to follow next! 

Camila Sánchez Bolaño is a journalist, feminist, bookseller, lecturer, and cultural promoter and is Editor in Chief of Newsweek en Español magazine.

The post Street fashion in Mexico to level up your style with ease appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Many resorts in Mexico offer wedding packages that include the wedding ceremony and reception venues, catering, decorations, flowers and entertainment. Mexico is known for its rich cultural heritage, and having a wedding there allows you and your guests to experience it firsthand. You can arrange group outings for snorkeling, exploring ancient ruins, nightlife fun, or simply relaxing in a luxury spa. 

In addition, Mexico is recognized as one of the most same-sex-friendly destinations to tie the knot. LGBTQ+ couples are welcomed especially in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City and the Riviera Nayarit.

What are the top places for destination weddings in Mexico? 

1. Riviera Maya: From stunning beach backdrops to luxury all-inclusive resorts or small hotels hidden in a lush jungle, the Riviera Maya is one of the most popular places in the world for a destination wedding. The tropical climate offers warm temperatures year-round, making it the perfect setting for outdoor ceremonies. In addition to its beaches, Riviera Maya is home to natural attractions such as cenotes, ecological parks and Mayan Ruins. In 2023, Tulum, a small town in Riviera Maya, ranked among US News’ top five most affordable destination wedding locations worldwide.
2. Ensenada: This Baja California town is home to an amazing picturesque coastline, colorful sunsets, and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal setting to exchange vows in a vineyard surrounded by the sounds of the ocean. Ensenada also offers snorkeling, zip-lining, and exploring the Valle de Guadalupe Wine Route. 
3. San Miguel de Allende: The cobblestone streets and historic architecture create an atmosphere that captivates couples. Getting married in San Miguel provides entertainment, from exploring local artisan markets to savoring Mexican cuisine. 
4. Cozumel: Located just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, weddings in Cozumel provide the perfect blend of adventure and beauty. Add some group activities to your celebration like scuba diving in the coral reef and exploring Mayan ruins.
5. Mazatlán: Known as the Pearl of the Pacific, couples can take a romantic walk along its shores. Mazatlan offers water sports, eco-tours, and cultural experiences for the adventurous. If your wedding overlaps with the annual Carnival, join in with the party as locals dance to the Tambora in the streets.

How much does a destination wedding in Mexico cost?

It’s no secret that weddings are expensive most of the time. According to NerdWallet, the average couple spends almost $29,000 on a traditional wedding close to home. Destination couples spend an average of $6,700 on their wedding experience, which often includes the honeymoon. They will pay about $1,000 for airfare, $2,284 for accommodation (usually for around 7-10 days), and $3,417 for the wedding package. All-inclusive resort venues help to keep these costs low, as your hotel stay, décor, food and otherwise high-ticket items are rolled into one bundled price.

However, prices will vary depending on the region, the size of your guest list, and the wedding package you choose.

What are the legal requirements to get married in Mexico?

Knowing how to get married in Mexico is critical when planning a Mexican wedding because different states have additional marriage requirements. Here is what’s typically needed when having a legal wedding in Mexico:

• You must be 18 years of age or older. If younger than 18, parental consent is required.
• Proper documentation: You must present a birth certificate, passport, and tourist visa. Death and/or divorce certificates may also be required if applicable. If you’ve been previously married, you may need to wait a certain number of days before being legally allowed to re-marry in Mexico.
• Early arrival: many Mexican states require you to arrive a few days before the wedding date to get a chest x-ray and blood test locally – to confirm that you are healthy and are not attempting to defraud your partner.
• Witnesses: Four witnesses are needed to stand with you at the ceremony. Some resort venues can provide witnesses for you.
• Marriage certificate: To be valid outside of the country, you’ll need to submit an applicable marriage form to your relevant Foreign Office/State Department. If having a religious ceremony, you must also partake in a civil service for your wedding to be legally recognized.

Once you’re officially married in Mexico, the next step is to ensure your marriage is legally recognized back home. To simplify things, many couples will hold a symbolic ceremony in Mexico and legalize their marriage in the United States/Canada afterward.

Camila Sánchez Bolaño is a journalist, feminist, bookseller, lecturer, and cultural promoter and is Editor in Chief of Newsweek en Español magazine.

The post Everything you need to know before planning your destination wedding in Mexico appeared first on Mexico News Daily

In 2020, The New York Times highlighted “The Adventures of China Iron” by Argentine writer and activist Gabriela Cabezón Cámara as one of the best Ibero-American fiction books of the year, a work that made her a finalist for the International Booker Prize. 

One year prior, author Valeria Luiselli was the first writer from Mexico and the fifth woman ever to win the Dublin Literary Award for her book “Lost Children Archive.”  The Guadalajara International Book Fair, the largest book fair in the Americas, has awarded the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz prize to Latin American storytellers for the past five years straight. 

Accordingly, most of the books listed below were written by women, as it is an open secret within the literary world that women are the ones leading contemporary Latin American literature today. 

Fernanda Melchor, “Hurricane Season,” translated by Sophia Hughes

(4 Goodreads stars)

The Witch is a woman who hosts parties at her isolated home, helping the women of the town when they need abortions – always refusing their money when they try to pay her. When she dies, the town enters a storm of darkness.

Melchor’s novel is raw and overwhelming with emotions. The story is separated into eight long monologues where the characters recount their stories of rage, violence, madness, suffering, abuse, fear and death. “Hurricane Season” takes place in a world where real violence seeps into the soil, poisoning everything around.

A reader wrote on Goodreads: “That was so far removed from my comfort zone, I now need to watch the Disney channel for a month.”

Yuri Herrera, “Signs Preceding the End of the World,” translated by Lisa Dillman

(3.9 Goodreads stars)

Francisco Goldman has called Yuri Herrera “Mexico’s greatest novelist.” In this book, Herrera has written a lyric novel: the story of Makina, a young Mexican woman who crosses the United States border hoping to find her brother – and to deliver a package from the Mexican underworld. It is a surrealist, strange tale that interrogates issues of immigration, language and translation. The book is fast and will leave you feeling thoughtful and slightly unsettled.

The book must have been a difficult challenge for the translator, so much so that she felt she had to explain some of her word choices in an afterword. Herrera uses a mixture of slang and allusive poetic descriptions and often uses words in strange new ways. As a result, Lisa Dillman’s choice of English words often seem very odd.

Jazmina Barrera, “On Lighthouses,” translated by Christina McSweeney

(3.8 Goodreads stars)

This memoir-of-sorts consists of six chapters, all centered around a different lighthouse – the oceanfront towers the author has visited, researched, read about and pondered. Barrera expresses her love for, or “collection,” of lighthouses using personal anecdotes, history and quotes from other books featuring lighthouses. 

Barrera visits the Montauk Lighthouse, talks to the children of lighthouse keepers and analyzes literary works by Virginia Woolf and Edgar Allan Poe. What do lighthouses stand for in history and our collective consciousness? Barrera creates a thoughtful, reflective melding of memoir, history, travel writing and literary inquiry, linking her reflections to her fears, her experiences living in a city and the way she looks for a guide in the form of a lighthouse.

Laia Jufresa, “Umami,” translated by Sophia Hughes

(3.7 Goodreads stars)

“Umami” is one of my favorite novels of all time – a multi-voice story about grief, loss and missed opportunities told by the people living in the same building in Mexico City. This story takes place in a middle-class Mexican neighborhood and unfolds via the interactions of its inhabitants after tragedy strikes. Jufresa’s writing forces you to pay attention; voices and timelines change without any warning, so you must be present to fully enjoy the literary treat that is “Umami.” 

Cristina Rivera Garza, “The Iliac Crest,” translated by Sarah Booker

(3.6 Goodreads stars)

Cristina Rivera Garza is a Mexican journalist who writes about injustice, gender violence and forced disappearance. 

“The Iliac Crest” is a short poetic novel about the disappearance of several women over many years. On a stormy night, two mysterious women invade the narrator’s house, where they proceed to question their host’s gender and identity ruthlessly, both refusing to leave the narrator’s house. Here, Rivera Garza plays with gender fluidity and identity. It is sure to spark a lot of thought.

Valeria Luiselli, “Faces in the Crowd,” translated by Christina MacSweeney

(3.5 Goodreads stars)

Like most of Luiselli’s work, this novel is a study in fragmentary feeling. In Mexico City, a woman writes a book about her life as a translator in New York. In Philadelphia, Gilberto Owen recalls his friendship with the Spanish poet García Lorca and the young woman he saw in the windows of passing trains. In Harlem, a translator is desperate to publish the works of Gilberto Owen, an obscure Mexican poet. 

“Faces in the Crowd” is a book of overlapping fictions and timelines; a story of a woman who, while translating others’ stories, may also be telling her own. Valeria Luiselli speaks to the nature of reality, identity, memories and time in this book. 

Camila Sánchez Bolaño is a journalist, feminist, bookseller, lecturer, and cultural promoter and is Editor in Chief of Newsweek en Español magazine.

The post Books by Mexican writers to take you out of your comfort zone appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Here is a list of our top three designers who you need to check out for your 2024 interior renovation project. 

Héctor Esrawe, the Mexican designer you need to watch

Héctor Esrawe is a Mexico City-based industrial designer who fuses different trades into his designs. His products range from furniture to interior architecture and museography, all created under a multidisciplinary dialogue that he has passed on to his design studio – Esrawe Estudio. 

Design that transcends time: Meet Karima Dipp

Karima Dipp has opened three design store locations in San Miguel de Allende under the name Atemporal. This embodies Dipp’s approach, focusing on “all that is eternal and transcends time” when working on the design of a home interior. Karima’s work is celebrated for crossing cultural boundaries by collaborating with a diversity of artists, integrating design elements from Asia, Europe and Latin America.

An international business that flourishes in Mexico

Jeffry Weisman and Andrew Fisher of Fisher Weisman never expected Mexico to ignite their artistic and business pursuits to the level they have reached. Discover their inspirational expat story and work in our expanded video coverage, with an inside look into their exotic design world.

Two sisters are shooting to stardom in the construction and design industry

RA diseño+arquitectura, founded by sisters Paola and Karla Rodríguez Arango, has gained recognition and industry accolades, having completed around 180 projects consisting of homes and apartments, restaurants, spas and other commercial projects for both Mexicans and foreigners.

Their work has expanded from Mexico City to Puebla, Cuernavaca, Valle de Bravo, Toluca, Acapulco, Querétaro, Morelia, San Miguel de Allende, León, Guadalajara, Mérida, Tulúm, Puerto Escondido and San Luis Potosí, and always reflects the regional environment, culture and work of the local artisans.

But how did this story of female success in a male-dominated environment begin?  

The post 2023 roundup of interior designers in Mexico appeared first on Mexico News Daily

From the turquoise shores of the Yucatan Peninsula to the colonial charm of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico’s diverse geography and culture translate into varied property options—beachfront villas, urban condos, or rustic haciendas. Each region, from the buzzing streets of Mexico City to the tranquil shores of Baja California, offers distinct advantages and challenges for buyers. Here is a round-up of our best articles on buying properties in Mexico. 

For those looking for a life by the beach, here is everything you need to know about buying a beachfront property in Mexico.  

If you are inclined more towards buying a home in a colonial, beautiful small city, San Miguel de Allende might be the best place for you. Here is a guide to buying in San Miguel from a team of experts.  

Mexico has a vast landscape of real estate opportunities, and you might want to live close to the beach in one of the country’s safest cities. Learn all about buying properties in Mérida. 

In recent decades, many residential developments in Mexico have adopted sustainability practices. Here are some eco-friendly places to live in Mexico. 

Foreign buyers must comprehend the intricacies of ejido lands, restricted zones along coastlines, and the importance of a fideicomiso (trust) for secure ownership in these areas. Awareness of visa requirements, local customs, and community dynamics is also essential. Here is a Q&A with one of Mexico’s top real estate agents. 

Buying property in Mexico is exciting but demands meticulous attention to legalities, financial intricacies, and cultural nuances. With the proper guidance and understanding, investing in Mexico’s real estate market can offer an entry into Mexican life.

The post Navigating Mexico’s real estate landscape 2023  appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Types of rental properties

Expats often find themselves choosing between apartments, houses, vacation rentals, or individual rooms within shared accommodations. Each option has unique advantages and considerations, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.

Renting in Mexico? What to know before and just after arrival

For different rental locations in Mexico City read here 

Navigating the rental process and understanding the legal aspects

From lease agreements to security deposits, navigating the rental process in Mexico requires a clear understanding of local customs and legalities. Expats might encounter requirements such as proof of income, Mexican guarantors, or specific documentation. Understanding tenant rights and obligations is vital.

What to check before you rent that really cool place in Mexico

Renting in Mexico as a foreigner presents an exciting opportunity to immerse in a rich and diverse culture. You can find your ideal home in this beautiful country with proper research, understanding the local rental market, and being mindful of legalities and cultural nuances.

The post Everything you need to know before renting in Mexico 2023 appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Mexican fashion design is a vibrant reflection of a country that is geographically diverse and rich in heritage, where ancient traditions and contemporary creativity merge seamlessly.

In this exploration of Mexican fashion design, we will meet three remarkable designers who are elevating Mexico to the global stage. 

Alexia Ulibarri: Embracing Mexican folklore in high-end women’s fashion

Alexia Ulibarri has carved a niche for herself, placing Mexican folklore at the heart of her brand, catering to the contemporary luxury market for women. Her journey from a young enthusiast to a designer dressing global celebrities is a testament to her passion for fashion.

Alexia Ulibarri hails from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and discovered fashion early in life. This fascination led her to pursue studies in pattern-making in her hometown, but her ambitions pushed her to explore the world. In 2003, she ventured to London to gain professional training in fashion design at The London College of Fashion, the Instituto Marangoni, and Central Saint Martins. These formative years abroad shaped her vision, and in 2009, she launched her brand, ALEXIA ULIBARRI. 

She describes the women who wear Alexia Ulibarri’s creations as confident, feminine, proud of their roots, and elegantly comfortable. Her designs blend contrasting elements, incorporating androgynous cuts and loose silhouettes without sacrificing the celebration of the natural beauty of the feminine form.

Fashion enthusiasts and clients can explore Alexia Ulibarri’s exclusive boutiques in Mexico City, Cancún, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Israel. An appointment at her boutique is an option for those in Los Angeles. Additionally, her collections are available for purchase on her website, making her unique designs accessible to a global audience. 

Rafaella Clo: Embracing the essence of play and music in fashion

In the fashion world, some designers stand out not just for their creativity but for their commitment to infusing their culture and passion into their work. With her designs, Rafaella Cortes speaks of art, music, and the spirit of play. With a strong belief in the power of self-expression through clothing, her brand, Rafaella Clo, is making waves in the fashion industry by embracing uniqueness and the joy of being true to oneself.

Rafaella Clo’s ethos centers around the idea that play is an accessible way of learning culture and identity. Just as children play dress up and experiment with colors and textures, adults can use fashion as a canvas for self-expression. For Rafaella Clo, fashion is more than just clothing, “it’s an art form that allows people to have fun while discovering their unique styles.”

Drawing inspiration from various movie and music icons, particularly punk rockers, Rafaella’s designs celebrate rebellion, self-expression, and pushing boundaries. These influences are evident in her collections exuding a sense of edginess, boldness, and individuality.

You Can find Rafaella Clo’s clothing in exclusive boutiques in Mexico City and on her website, making her designs accessible worldwide. 

Maison Quintanar Nicolete: Nurturing identity and craftsmanship in fashion 

Maison Quintanar Nicolete (MQN) is a fresh and innovative fashion brand based in Mexico City, founded in 2020 by designer Nicole Quintanar. This unique venture is not just about clothing: it’s a deeply personal project reflecting Nicole’s upbringing along Mexico’s border with the United States and the multicultural dialogues surrounding her family’s heritage.

MQN is rooted in the belief that clothing and objects are extensions of one’s identity: “What we choose to surround ourselves with, we ultimately become.” The brand is driven by exploring the profound connection between context and identity, drawing inspiration from artifacts, spaces, cultural legacies, textures, and everyday gestures. These elements are woven into the fabric of MQN’s products, making each piece a testament to meaningful craftsmanship for the beautiful moments of everyday life.

In an era of fast fashion, the brand is committed to a slower, more conscious approach, so each piece is meticulously designed as an independent object by Nicole herself in her studio. Clients can find her designs on her website. 

A timeless elegance and a modern revival

Mexican fashion design is a journey through history, a celebration of cultural heritage, and a statement of resilience. It tells the world that the essence of Mexico is not only found in its landscapes but also in the stitches of its garments, the patterns of its textiles, and the creativity of its designers. Also, Mexican fashion designs are infused with the vibes of a multicultural country and it goes way beyond folklore and traditional garments. 

Camila Sánchez Bolaño is a journalist, feminist, bookseller, lecturer, and cultural promoter and is Editor in Chief of Newsweek en Español magazine.

The post 3 Mexican fashion designers you need to wear appeared first on Mexico News Daily

During mushroom ceremonies, a shaman, known as a curandero or curandera, guides participants through the experience, providing a safe and sacred environment. One of the most famous Mexican curanderas is María Sabina, who gained international recognition for her work with prominent individuals seeking profound insights and healing through traditional mushroom ceremonies. Her unique abilities and connections with the spiritual world attracted notable figures, including scholars, artists, and even celebrities, who traveled to her remote Oaxacan village to partake in the ancient rituals involving psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Sabina’s interactions with these prominent personalities contributed to the growing fascination with entheogenic experiences and their potential impact on creativity, spirituality, and personal growth. 

The mushrooms are often consumed ritualistically, such as being ingested with specific chants, prayers, or offerings. The curandero facilitates the journey, helping individuals navigate their inner landscapes, confront fears, gain insights, and experience profound spiritual connections. We spoke with Fernanda, a Mexican practitioner of psilocybin treatments (name changed for safety), about her work combining her knowledge of curanderismo, allopathic medicine, and psychology in her practice. 

How does psilocybin work on the body? 

Psilocybin is metabolized in the liver, transformed into psilocin (the “molecule of happiness”), and then acts on serotonin receptors, explicitly regulating mood. Psilocybin stimulates neurogenesis, which is the generation of new neurons. It is extraordinary for neuroplasticity -the brain’s ability to recover, restructure, and adapt to new situations. Additionally, it stabilizes moods and allows for a higher level of consciousness.

What do psilocybin treatments consist of?

Treatments can be administered in microdoses or macro doses, stimulating neurogenesis and offering extraordinary potential for neuroplasticity, mood stabilization, and heightened consciousness. A microdose contains approximately 0.010 to 0.5 grams, and although the doses are taken daily, they are so small that they are indistinguishable in everyday life. On the other hand, macrodose therapies contain 0.6 grams and above and are conducted in sessions of approximately five hours; you can do it as often as once a month. 

How should I prepare before the psilocybin ceremony?

Compared to micro-dosing, before a macro dose session, the patient must avoid consuming fats, red meat, and pork for at least one week in advance. The approaches to psilocybin treatments must be individualized, with patients having various intentions and goals in mind. 

What are the most popular things people seek in psilocybin treatments? 

Mostly, people look for this medicine to overcome loss, explore the inner depths of their personality, enhance concentration, or heal trauma. Psilocybin therapy bridges the conscious and subconscious realms, providing new perspectives and understanding of life.

Is psilocybin for everyone? Is psilocybin safe? 

Natural medicine provides what you need. Therefore, anyone can consume psilocybin if they do not take antidepressants, anxiolytics, or antiepileptic drugs. This treatment is also unsuitable for people with a family history of dementia or psychosis. 

Indigenous cultures in various parts of the world have used psilocybin-containing mushrooms for centuries in their spiritual and healing practices. It’s fascinating how these natural substances have been woven into cultural traditions, often seen as tools for gaining insights and connecting with the spiritual realm. And now, they are gaining popularity in less traditional contexts where people seek healing with natural substances and inner practices. 

*This article is part of a series about psilocybin and its uses, both traditional and modern. We will also discuss its legal status worldwide and explore the physical and mental health benefits these mushrooms offer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Individuals should always consult with qualified professionals regarding using psilocybin or any other substance for medical purposes, considering their jurisdiction’s applicable laws and regulations.

Camila Sánchez Bolaño is a journalist, feminist, bookseller, lecturer, and cultural promoter. She is the Editor in Chief of Newsweek en Español magazine and is the features editor for Mexico News Daily.

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