Mexico’s economy relies on a positive trade balance to maintain growth and social peace.  Limiting importations remains at the heart of its global policy and dodging the World Trade Organization rules has become an art form.

The majority of the country’s practicing Catholics initiated Lent by attending church on Ash Wednesday (Miercoles de Cenizas) when a priest – or in some cases a nun – stamped the sign of the cross on their foreheads while reciting a familiar spiritual admonition such as “Repent and believe in the Gospel” or “You are dust and to dust you shall return.”

From September, electronic appliances sold in Mexico that use a “sleep” or “standby” mode will be subject to new federal regulations.

Like folks all around the globe, most Mexican people will bid farewell to 2013 with spirited social gatherings, sharing goodwill hugs and raising a glass of bubbly as they welcome the new year.

Mexico loves a party. And the biggest party of the year is held New Year’s Eve. What to do and where to go is the subject of speculation among friends and relatives throughout the land.