Posts tagged Mexico Mexico
Top Ten Attractions in Mexico
Oct 10th
Mexico is known for its special events and festivals. Fail to check out the local happenings in the area you plan to visit and you may miss a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Not sure what types of events to expect while visiting? Here is a list of the top ten attractions in Mexico when it comes to the country’s special events:
1. The Regional Fair, in León, Guanajuato is one of Mexico’s largest fairs and features parades, theater, craft exhibits, music, and dance. It is held during the month of January.
2. Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas), is a national holiday celebrated on Feb. 2 that is held to mark the end of winter. Celebrations are especially festive in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz.
3. Carnaval, held the 3 days preceding Ash Wednesday is similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, featuring an true party atmosphere with endless parades and party-like celebrations in just about every city and town in the country. Of course the larger celebrations are found in Mexico’s main cities.
4. Festival de México en el Centro Histórico (Annual Mexico City Festival) in Mexico City is a two-week festival that is often considered as Latin America’s most vibrant celebrations of art and culture. For a detailed schedule and more information, visit fchmexico.com.
5. The San Marcos National Fair is Mexico’s largest fair, and lasts a whopping 22 days. During the fair, visitors can see bullfights and rodeos as well as ranchera music and mariachis. IT usually begins in mid to late April.
6. The National Ceramics Fair and Fiesta, held in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco can be great fun for the entire family featuring craft demonstrations and competitions as well as mariachis, dancers, and colorful parades. It is usually held in June or July.
7. The Guelaguetza Dance Festival, in Oaxaca is considered one of Mexico’s most popular events, drawing villagers from all seven regions to participate in this pre-Hispanic times event. Participants dress in traditional costume, complete with formal dancing masks. Due to its popularity, advance registration is required by calling 800/446-3942.
8. The International Chamber Music Festival, in San Miguel de Allende has been drawing in music enthusiasts since the early 1980′s, featuring international award-winning classical music ensembles to perform.
9. Independence Day, is a nationwide celebration that celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain. It is held in September and features numerous parades, picnics, and family reunions.
10. In early December, León, Guanajuatoholds its Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, considered the largest festival in Latin America, with more than 60 balloons and pilots from all over the globe participating.
Although this top ten attractions in Mexico list is geared toward the country’s most famous festivals, it does offer a glimpse into the wonderful cultural opportunities Mexico has to offer tourists.
Real Estate Investing In Mexico
Oct 8th
Mexico is CHEAP! But its getting more expensive. As property values rise, especially in resort areas, investors wonder how they can profit from this.
Compared to major US cities, Mexico is still very very cheap. But compared to 5, 10, or more years ago, values have really risen.
There are some particulars to pay attention to with Mexican property purchases. For instance, Mexico forbids foreigners from owning land in resort areas. This is worked around by shares in a development, partnerships, or strata arrangements.
Foreign ownership is limited only in the “restricted zone,” land located within 100 km of the Mexican borders, and within 50 km of the coastline.
Instead, a real estate trust must be set up to hold title for the foreigner. Since foreigners are not able to enter into contracts in buy real estate, they must have a bank act on their behalf, much as a trust is use to hold property for minors because they also can not contract. Potential buyers should always get advice and have all real estate transactions overview by a licensed Mexican attorney.
Mexican real estate transactions are not carried out in the same manner as United States real estate transactions. The buyer must retain professionals to assist in the transaction. Mexico has yet to regulate real estate transactions. Real estate agents and brokers are not legally licensed in Mexico. Consequently, a foreign buyer cannot always depend on the normal safeguards that would be applied to real estate transactions in the United States. The old saying “let the buyer beware” is very appropriate. Anyone can set up a real estate company in Mexico. There are no special requirements or brokerage licenses to obtain. A would-be real estate agent merely has to establish a Mexican corporation, obtain a work visa, and he is in business.
As a rule, a foreigner should assume nothing. Was THAT enough of a warning to make sure to get good legal assistance in your transactions??
The best part about investing in Mexico is the proximity to North American investors. You can vacation and view your property, even stay in it if it is not occupied. Mexico has become North America’s playground, so it is likely that you would return every few years.
Anywhere in Mexico that there are tourists, there are vacation properties and property management companies. And realtor’s to re-sell your property when you wish to take your profits!
Your best bet is to travel to Mexico, find an area that YOU really like, and will return to again and again, happily. Then you get a two fold benefit from your investment – it draws you back to your version of paradise as well as hopefully making you money!
