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Cultural Complex Los Pinos
 Articles, Baja Norte, National

Free Baja Festival Brings Food and Dance to CDMX

A Weekend of Dance, Storytelling, and Smoke-Kissed Flavor

CDMX – August 2–3, 2025 — This weekend, Baja California is packing its books, spices, dancers, and legends—and heading straight to Mexico City with “Cocinas de humo”.

“Baja California en Los Pinos” lands at the iconic Complejo Cultural Los Pinos, giving chilangos a taste of the state’s rich, spicy, colorful culture. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, entry is free, and so are the vibes.

Part of the ongoing series “México en Los Pinos,” the event features a full lineup of music, theater, dance, traditional food, crafts, and family-friendly workshops. Basically, it’s a cultural road trip without the highway miles.

#Smoke Kitchens: Traditional Baja Cuisine

What’s Happening?

You’ll find everything from oral storytelling to rock-pop concerts, folk dance to mask-making workshops.

  • Lizeth Marcela will share Baja’s legends out loud. Expect mysterious whispers of the desert and tales from the borderlands.
  • Dancer Alejandro Chávez performs “Manuel,” a modern piece full of emotion and movement.
  • Rock-pop vibes arrive with Jesús Bautista and his show “Me verás subir.”
  • And for theater lovers? Minerva Velasco brings Frida Kahlo’s life to the stage in a solo monologue with heart and paintbrush.

Folkloric rhythms hit hard when dancers from the Escuela Nacional de Danza Folklórica light up the stage with calabaceado—a high-energy northern dance that’s part cowboy, part fiesta, all grit.

Books, Smoke, and Handmade Treasures

Not into the stage stuff? No problem. You can still soak up the essence of Baja.

The Nortestación collective is bringing a literary pop-up filled with independent publishers, book giveaways, and author meet-and-greets. Expect some Baja-flavored stories and maybe a free read or two.

Kids get their own fun too. There’s a mask-making workshop where they’ll create creatures and characters inspired by Baja’s cultural roots.

And for foodies? Oh yes—this is where Baja shows off.

The Cocinas de Humo (literally “smoke kitchens”) will fill the air with slow-cooked dishes straight from the ocean and desert. Traditional cooks from Baja are bringing their best firewood game: think grilled seafood, salsas with a bite, and maybe even a cactus surprise.

Meanwhile, artisans and producers will take over Plaza Jacarandas and El Tejabán de Cencalli to offer handcrafted textiles, carved wood, and local agro-products—aka stuff that smells, feels, and tastes like Baja.

If You Go

Here’s the full scoop on what you can experience this weekend in Los Pinos, Mexico City’s historic cultural center, as Baja takes over!
#Here’s the full scoop on what you can experience this weekend in Los Pinos, Mexico City’s historic cultural center, as Baja takes over!
  • 📍Location: Complejo Cultural Los Pinos Molino del Rey 252, Bosque de Chapultepec, CDMX
  • 🗓️ Dates: Saturday and Sunday, August 2–3
  • 🕙 Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • 🎟️ Price: Free! Just bring curiosity (and maybe stretchy pants).

GGNorth Pro Tip:

If you’re from Baja and in Mexico City this weekend, you’ve got no excuse. And if you’ve never had Baja-style food cooked in real smoke by women who learned from their grandmas? This is your moment.

Los Pinos will smell like salt air and carne asada. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

No Bad News. Just Good Culture.

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 National, USA/MEX

Sheinbaum Steps In to Delay U.S. Sanctions on Mexican Banks

Mexico’s new president scores a diplomatic win—but the accusations are still on the table

In what’s being called a behind-the-scenes lifeline, President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed Thursday morning that Mexico’s Ministry of Finance (SHCP) was directly responsible for securing a 45-day reprieve from U.S. sanctions against three Mexican financial institutions accused of laundering cartel cash.

CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector Casa de Bolsa were set to be effectively cut off from the U.S. financial system on July 21 after being labeled as “primary money laundering concerns” by the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The charges? Allegedly helping Mexican cartels move dirty money used in the fentanyl trade.

But thanks to a last-minute intervention from Hacienda, those sanctions won’t take effect until September 4. According to Sheinbaum, the extension was granted “at the request of our Ministry of Finance… we’re working closely with the banks and brokerage firm to resolve this.” One of the banks, she added, is having its trust operations temporarily taken over to prevent further problems.

Hacienda Calls It “Respect for Our Sovereignty”

Mexico’s Finance Ministry didn’t just pull diplomatic strings—they issued a formal thank-you to Washington, calling the delay the product of “dialogue and collaboration… within a framework of respect for our sovereignty.”

The U.S. side confirmed the extension in a July 9 press release, noting that Mexico had taken “further steps” to address concerns, including assuming temporary control of the three institutions. FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki described the move as “necessary to protect the U.S. financial system from abuse by illicit actors.”

So far, the joint efforts appear to be holding. But make no mistake: the accusations haven’t disappeared.

No Proof, Says Sheinbaum

Back in June, President Sheinbaum flatly denied the money laundering claims during a morning press conference, saying: “There’s no proof—only statements. If there is proof, we will act. But without proof, we can’t.”

Despite that, the accusations have already triggered fallout. Several U.S. and Mexican companies have suspended business with CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector while the legal dust settles.

Treasury’s orders were issued under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act—two tools increasingly used by the U.S. government to hit cartels in the pocketbook by choking off their financial lifelines. According to FinCEN, the three firms were instrumental in laundering proceeds that helped manufacture and traffic fentanyl across borders.

Still on the Watchlist

With the clock now ticking toward the new September 4 deadline, both governments are scrambling to show compliance—or at least enough good faith—to avoid a full financial blacklisting.

Mexico’s financial authorities say they’re reinforcing oversight and internal controls at the institutions. Meanwhile, FinCEN is watching closely and has made it clear they’ll “consider all facts and circumstances” before deciding whether to grant any further delays.

As for Sheinbaum, this may be her first big international test as president. And while she’s bought some time, the real challenge lies in what happens next.

Stay tuned. This story’s far from over.

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 Economy, National, USA/MEX

Border Slams Shut Again on Mexican Cattle Over Livestock Pest

If you blinked, you missed it. Just two days after the U.S. began reopening ports to Mexican cattle, the border has slammed shut—again.

On July 9, 2025, Brooke L. Rollins, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ordered the immediate suspension of live animal imports—including cattle, bison, and horses—from Mexico. The reason? A fresh case of the dreaded gusano barrenador, or screwworm, was confirmed in Veracruz.

And that’s all it took.

No Moo-ving Past This

The U.S. had just started easing a nearly two-month-long embargo, beginning July 7 with a partial reopening at the Douglas, Arizona port. But with this new case, USDA hit pause on the entire plan. Upcoming reopenings in Columbus, Santa Teresa, Del Río, and Laredo are now in doubt. The ports were scheduled to resume trade throughout July and into September, depending on sanitary conditions.

According to Rollins, trade won’t restart until Mexico shows real progress in screwworm eradication. That includes strict quarantine measures, traceable cattle movement, and aggressive fly control.

Million-Dollar Maggots

The May 11 shutdown has cost Mexico dearly. The Mexican Meat Council estimates $700 million in losses due to 650,000 cattle being held up. That’s a lot of steaks and burgers stuck in limbo.

To contain the pest, Mexico and the U.S. have been deploying a weird but effective strategy: releasing over 100 million sterile flies per week. It’s pest control by overwhelming romance failure—and it’s been working. At least until now.

A new sterile fly facility is being built in southern Texas with an $8.5 million budget, and another in Metapa, Chiapas is being upgraded with $21 million. It’s a binational battle of bugs.

Mexico Responds

Mexico isn’t taking this lying down. Since July 7, new rules prohibit moving livestock from infected zones without a clean bill of health. SADER, Mexico’s agriculture department, is working closely with USDA and APHIS to stabilize the situation.

Still, President Claudia Sheinbaum isn’t thrilled. She’s expressed her government’s commitment to U.S. cooperation—but also criticized unilateral moves from the north. “Mexico isn’t anyone’s punching bag,” she’s said before. Apparently not even for maggots.

As of now, over 1,400 cases of animal screwworm infections and six human cases have been confirmed in Chiapas and Campeche. With health risks on both sides of the border, both countries know they’ve got more at stake than just lost exports.

So, when will the cattle flow again? Not until those worms stop burrowing and the flies stop flying—or at least, start dying without descendants. Stay tuned.

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 Articles, Crime, National

Sheinbaum Fires Back at Treasury: Show Us the Receipts

Mexico demands evidence after U.S. accuses three banks of laundering cartel cash

MEXICO CITY — Just days after the U.S. Treasury called out three Mexican financial institutions for allegedly laundering cartel money linked to fentanyl trafficking, President Claudia Sheinbaum clapped back with a clear message: “No hay pruebas, solo dichos.” Translation? “No proof, just hearsay.”

In her signature morning press conference, Sheinbaum addressed the accusations leveled against CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector Casa de Bolsa—which the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) declared part of the fentanyl money machine. But according to Mexico’s top leader, the Treasury’s claims came without actual evidence. No bank statements, no names, no smoking gun. Just a memo and a very public naming and shaming.

And Sheinbaum didn’t mince words: “Mexico is no one’s piñata.”

The Mexican Government’s Response? Investigate—But Don’t Jump to Conclusions

Sheinbaum says Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) received a confidential heads-up from FinCEN weeks ago, but that tip-off lacked the “why.” As in: why exactly does the U.S. think these banks are laundering drug money?

Since then, Mexico has formally asked for more details. Sheinbaum emphasized that the Chinese companies mentioned in the U.S. report are legally registered and that $139 billion in trade between China and Mexico isn’t built on crime—it’s built on commerce.

As for the alleged dirty transfers? “Just regular business,” Sheinbaum says, pointing out that thousands of similar transactions occur every day between Mexican and Chinese companies.

But Didn’t the U.S. Mention Cartels, Opioids, and Even García Luna?

Yes. And that’s where things get a little murky.

The FinCEN statement didn’t just throw shade—it dropped full-on accusations. The report linked the banks to the Sinaloa Cartel, Gulf Cartel, and CJNG. It even claimed that Vector helped launder $2 million and processed $40 million tied to Genaro García Luna, Mexico’s former top cop, who’s now sitting in a U.S. jail cell over cartel connections.

But Vector’s CEO, Eduardo Cantú, fired back on the radio: they checked their records, and neither García Luna nor his companies were ever their clients. And those Mexican firms tied to the alleged schemes? “Not our clients either,” said Cantú. Vector claims it’s been in touch with regulators and is happy to cooperate—just waiting for actual receipts from the U.S.

Intercam and CIBanco also denied any wrongdoing. In nearly identical statements, they said they comply with all Mexican and international financial rules and stand ready to work with both governments to clear things up.

Is This Just About Banks?

Not quite. The U.S. accusations have turned into something bigger—a potential political flashpoint.

One of the three institutions under fire, Vector, has ties to Alfonso Romo, a powerful businessman and close ally of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. That connection didn’t go unnoticed. Critics say the Treasury’s move may carry a hidden message aimed at figures within the current Mexican ruling party, Morena.

Meanwhile, canceled U.S. visas for other Mexican officials, including Baja California’s governor, have fueled speculation about wider investigations into cartel links at high levels of government.

Sheinbaum’s Bottom Line?

If there’s proof, Mexico will act. If not, don’t expect them to roll over.

“We’re not covering for anyone,” Sheinbaum said. “But we won’t act on speculation either.” She pointed to past U.S. missteps, including the high-profile arrest—and quiet release—of General Salvador Cienfuegos in 2020, as evidence that Washington can sometimes jump the gun.

While Mexican financial regulators have found minor administrative infractions at the banks in question, no signs of money laundering have surfaced so far.

Sheinbaum insists Mexico will keep asking for solid evidence and keep investigating. But until then, her stance is firm: “We are a free, sovereign country. We collaborate, but we don’t take orders.”

Let’s see if the Treasury’s next move comes with more than bold headlines.

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 Crime, Economy, National

Three Mexican Banks Busted for Fentanyl-Linked Money Laundering

FinCEN calls out CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector for helping cartels move dirty money

It’s not every day the U.S. Treasury drops the financial equivalent of a mic. But that’s exactly what happened this week when they named and shamed three Mexico-based financial institutions—CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector Casa de Bolsa—for allegedly helping drug cartels clean up their mess. And by mess, we mean millions of dollars linked to fentanyl trafficking.

Yep, according to the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), these institutions aren’t just looking the other way—they’re playing an active role in moving money for some of Mexico’s most notorious drug cartels. Think Sinaloa, CJNG, Beltrán-Leyva, and the ever-charming Gulf Cartel.

This move marks the first-ever use of new powers granted under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act—which, if nothing else, win the award for most dramatic legislation names of the year. These laws give FinCEN the green light to cut financial lifelines tied to opioid trafficking. And CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector? They just got their financial passports revoked.

Dirty Money and Clean Hands? Not Quite.

Let’s break it down:

  • CIBanco, a commercial bank with over $7 billion in assets, is accused of processing more than $2.1 million in payments between Mexican companies and chemical suppliers in China—specifically for ingredients used to cook up fentanyl. FinCEN says a CIBanco employee even helped create an account to launder $10 million for a Gulf Cartel member. That’s not exactly in the job description.
  • Intercam, another commercial bank (with a cool $4 billion under management), also allegedly helped cartels wire cash to Chinese chemical companies. Even worse? Executives at Intercam reportedly met face-to-face with CJNG members in 2022 to chat about how to shuffle money around discreetly. Bold move, considering FaceTime exists.
  • Then there’s Vector, a brokerage firm managing close to $11 billion in assets. FinCEN claims Vector facilitated multiple payments for chemical imports and let a Sinaloa Cartel mule launder $2 million through them over nearly a decade. Maybe that’s what they meant by “diversified portfolio.”

What Happens Now?

These banks are now under the financial version of house arrest. U.S. institutions are banned from sending or receiving any money to or from them—including via cryptocurrency wallets. The restrictions take effect 21 days after the official notice is published in the Federal Register. (So, mark your calendars. Or don’t—it’s not like you were planning to send money to a cartel anyway.)

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent didn’t mince words: “Financial facilitators like CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector are enabling the poisoning of countless Americans by moving money on behalf of cartels.” In other words, don’t let their sleek bank branches and business attire fool you—FinCEN says they’re just as dangerous as the guys with guns.

And What About Mexico?

Here’s the diplomatic twist: the Treasury insists this crackdown was done with Mexico’s full cooperation. Both countries, according to the official line, are committed to protecting their citizens from the financial tentacles of transnational criminal networks. (Let’s hope the cooperation lasts longer than a tequila hangover.)

Bigger Picture

These designations come on the heels of a January 2025 executive order from President Trump, declaring that certain cartels should be treated like Foreign Terrorist Organizations. And yes, several major cartels—including CJNG and Sinaloa—are now officially on that list. So today’s bank smackdown? Just part of the larger crackdown.

Bottom line? If you bank with one of these three institutions, now might be a good time to double-check where your money’s going. And if you’re a cartel? Well, looks like it’s back to stuffing cash in duffel bags.

—

Got questions about your bank? Ask your teller if they’ve been sanctioned today. If they say yes—run.

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Read and help
 Articles, Arts & Literature, Ensenada, National

World Book Day 2025: Read, Share, and Make a Difference

World Book Day 2025

Today, April 23, is World Book Day, and there’s no better excuse to open a book—and help someone in the process.

📚 Join the 2025 Reading Marathon

Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial has launched its annual Reading Marathon to promote literacy and support vulnerable communities. It’s simple: for every 20 minutes you read or listen to a book and log at maratondelectura.com, a book gets donated to a child in need.

Penguin Random House Publishing Group
Penguin Random House Publishing Group

🗓️ Active until April 30, 2025, the campaign features:

  • Dozens of eBooks and audiobooks.
  • Categories like Must-Reads, LGBTQ+, Inspiring Authors, and even Horror or BookTok picks.
  • Featured titles include Matilda, The Fault in Our Stars, La Tumba, and Game of Thrones.

Over 61,000 minutes have already been logged, turning reading time into real impact.

How to join:

  1. Register on the site.
  2. Choose a book.
  3. Read or listen for 20+ minutes.
  4. Log your time.
  5. Share it on social media to inspire others.

📖 Baja Celebrates Too

The Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), one of the region’s top public universities, is hosting local events in Ensenada.

  • 📍 April 23 at 1:30 PM – Valle Dorado campus
  • 📍 April 24 at 11:00 AM – Biblioteca Central Ensenada, UABC Campus Sauzal (There’ll be a book-themed quiz and even some Starbucks. Yes, please.)
  • UABC is hosting local events in Ensenada
    UABC is hosting local events in Ensenada
  • UABC is hosting local events in Ensenada
    UABC is hosting local events in Ensenada

🎉 How to Celebrate

  • Join the Marathon – Your reading minutes can donate books.
  • Attend a Local Event – Book fairs, quizzes, and more.
  • Spread the Word – Share your favorite reads using #DíaDelLibro and #MaratónDeLectura.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we love a good book. Especially when it gives something back.

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 Articles, Music, National

No Entry for Narco Cheerleaders

U.S. and Mexico Pull the Plug on Banda That Praised “El Mencho

Looks like the U.S. and Mexico are finally singing the same tune—and it’s not a narcocorrido.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Christopher Landau, who also served as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, confirmed on April 1 that the U.S. has revoked both work and tourist visas for all members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco. Why? Because they thought it was a good idea to glorify El Mencho—one of Mexico’s most wanted drug lords—during two concerts in Jalisco and Michoacán.

The shows featured songs and video tributes to Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” leader of the CJNG cartel—one of the most violent criminal organizations in the region.


Screenshot taken during the concert video

Landau made it crystal clear in his post on X: “Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. We’re not rolling out the welcome mat for anyone glorifying criminals and terrorists.”

And Mexico isn’t sitting this one out either. President Claudia Sheinbaum called for an investigation, saying, “That shouldn’t happen. It’s not right.” But it didn’t stop there.

The mayor of Zapopan confirmed that a formal complaint was filed with the Jalisco State Attorney’s Office—against both the venue (the University of Guadalajara Auditorium) and the band itself. On top of that, the City of Zapopan announced a fine of 300 Unidades de Medida y Actualización (UMA), which comes out to 33,942 pesos. So yes, real consequences are happening on both sides of the border.

Whether you’re in a cowboy hat or a business suit, praising a cartel boss just got a whole lot more expensive—and a whole lot less welcome.

Zero tolerance is the name of the game now. U.S. or Mexico—narco worship is out of tune

2 641
 Articles, Breaking News, National

USA Issues Alert for Spring Breakers Traveling to Mexico

The United States has issued a travel alert for citizens traveling to Mexico during Spring Break, urging them to take precautions against potential risks such as violence, drugs, and unregulated alcohol, particularly in the beaches of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo.

The government warns that while thousands of US citizens travel to Mexico during this period safely each year, they should consider these recommendations when planning their trip.

The government advises that violence can occur anywhere in Mexico, even in tourist destinations, so travelers should remain vigilant of their surroundings, avoid areas where illegal activities occur, and quickly distance themselves from potentially dangerous situations.

“US citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break vacation destinations, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,” the advisory states.

It emphasizes that the possession and use of drugs, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and can result in a lengthy prison sentence.

“US citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills,” the alert warns.

The government advises that all firearms and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico. Violations related to firearms and other weapons can result in an extended period in jail.

The advisory notes that unregulated alcohol can be contaminated, and US citizens have reported losing consciousness or being injured after consuming potentially contaminated alcohol.

In addition, it points out that counterfeit drugs are common and can be ineffective, have the wrong concentration, or contain dangerous ingredients, so they should only be purchased at regulated establishments.

There have been cases where US citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault, the alert notes, and that perpetrators may target intoxicated or isolated individuals or use drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.

0 397
 Breaking News, National

Friday Holiday Alert!

Contrary to what lots of foreigners think, this coming Friday, September 16, Mexican Independence Day is celebrated and not on 5 de Mayo. This will be an official holiday countrywide, which means that you should expect most banks and government offices to be closed.

Employees will get the day off by law, and if they are called to work that day, they must be paid double their usual salary.

The Mexican federal work law states that any employee that has to work on an official holiday has to be paid double, and if said holiday falls on a Sunday, they have to be paid triple their usual salary. This year the only holiday that needs be paid triple is December 25.

0 475
 Articles, National

Visiting Guanajuato

BY RICARDO GARCIA CHAVEZ

First point, closest to the Airport.

In planning holidays, we chose a point where we could take a domestic flight from Cabo and enjoy cultural diversity, gastronomy, architecture and fun. We chose Silao Guanajuato airport and started by visiting the cubilete hill just 27 kilometers away from the airport, whose attraction is the church that has a Christ right on the top of the mountain.

Typical dish in Guanajuato

The next point is Guanajuato city where we find its colonial architectural beauty as a symbol of the Bajío area. There, it is a must to eat some delicious “Guacamayas,” which are hard pork chicharrón inside a bolillo bread (similar to a baguette but smaller), accompanied by pickle bowls, avocado, tree sauce and pico de gallo which is green, white and red salad made with serrano chili, onion and tomato.

View from the top to the city

We took pictures of the monument to the “Pípila” Juan José de los Reyes Martínez who, in the taking of the gran alhondiga, played an important part in the struggle for the independence of Mexico. He carried a stone on his back to be able to cross without being shot by bullets.

Guanajuato City downtown

Then go down to the famous underground tunnels that cross the city. Also visit the market with its extensive assortment of jackets, footwear, bags and leather goods, and then the obligatory visit to the famous mummies of Guanajuato, perform collejoneadas with the students, visit the University of Guanajuato, the Juárez theater and finish in the alley of the kiss, a famously romantic place. 

To enjoy each place, it is recommended to stay all day long in each one. The best hotel offer is in Guanajuato, so you can stay there, rent a car and drive around the nearby cities recommended here.

The historical Dolores Hidalgo

The next obligatory stop is Dolores Hidalgo, the birthplace of Mexico’s independence and where the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla carried the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe and gave the call of freedom and independence in 1810. It is also the place where the famous Mexican composer, José Alfredo Jiménez, was born. There is a museum very close to the church of Dolores and in the municipal pantheon is his iconic tomb.

Celaya and his Painter

One of the reasons we wanted to go to Guanajuato is for one of my favorite painters, Octavio Ocampo, whose birthplace is Celaya. The municipal palace welcomes us with these magnificent works painted by him. It is a beautiful town with restaurants, art galleries and museums within walking distance in downtown.

To finish with honors, we visited San Miguel de Allende. San Miguel de Allende is historically and culturally famous and a safe place to travel. It’s a favorite destination for tourists, with regional and international gastronomy, boutique hotels, art galleries and art stores, the iconic church with gothic design, arts and crafts stores, and traditional food restaurants. It’s a calm place with the perfect climate to walk around.

Enjoy Mexico!

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