opportunity awaits for mexico and the...
TRANSCRIPT
Summer Edition 2012
VOL 35
NEWSLETTER OF THE EMBASSY OF MEXICO IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
BILATERAL COMMUNITY CULTURE
Just in...
In the wake of the G20 Leaders Summit in Los Cabos, Prime Minister David Cameron led a business delegation comprised of 25 companies on an official visit to Mexico City, where he was welcomed by President Felipe Calderon. During the Prime Minis-ter’s two day stay, a diverse array of bilateral issues were addressed, with particular emphasis in further exploiting the many commercial opportunities that are yet to be tapped by both countries . This is the first visit of a British Head of Government to Mexico in over a decade. Since then, trade between both countries has doubled, reaching £2.1 billion in 2010; however, as both Prime Minister Cameron and President Calderon acknowledged, this is far below the bilateral trade relation’s potential. Although the U.K. is Mexico’s fifth largest investor, it only holds 1% of its trade. In light of this fact, both leaders renewed the commitment to increase twofold this figure by 2015, a target that was set during Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s visit to Mexico early last year.
G20 finds safe
harbor in
Los Cabos
Concrete agreement emerge from Leaders Summit
After many months of consistent multilat-eral efforts, Mexico hosted the culmina-tion of its Presidency of the G20. The Leaders Summit took place on the 18th and 19th of June in Los Cabos. This event marks the climatic point of an in-tense diplomatic process, in which Mex-ico pushed forward five key points re-garding the most pressing global issues, such as economic growth, the interna-tional financial system, food security and climate change. Addressing the Summit´s attendants, President Calderón highlighted the work of the G20 members, guest countries and heads of international organizations. He also commended the important con-tributions to the Group´s dialogue by academics, businesspeople, trade un-ions and young people at several parallel forums such as the L20, Y20 and B20. > page 3
First visit of a British Prime Minister to Mexico
in over a decade
> page 2
> page 7
Opportunity awaits for
Mexico and the UK
FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS!
Mexican Olympic wins gold
in a historic match
(vs Brazil 2-1)
that kept the fans on the edge
of their seats, one day before
the games closure
BILATERAL
As President Calderon remarked at a press conference during the Prime Minister’s visit,
Mexico is becoming a prime location for foreign investment, due to its increasing competitive-
ness as a global player, robust economic fundamentals and positive demographic features.
Mexico has an average growth rate of almost 4.5 per cent; the median age of its population is
26.7 and it graduates 115,000 engineers annually.
“Mexico exports 60 per cent of Latin American and Caribbean manufactures goods. In other words, Mexico exports more manufactured goods than all of Latin America, including Brazil together. We are the world’s leading exporter of flat screens, refrigerators, certain cell phones and smart phones […] We are now the fifth largest automobile exporter, up from ninth only six years ago.”
The second main issue on the agenda was tourism. Notwithstanding that the UK is the European country from which most visitors come to Mexico; both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism, prioritizing luxury travel, adventure, nature, beach, sport and cultural tourism. It was a most timely coincidence that this was shortly preceded by the inauguration of Virgin Atlantic’s new flight from Gatwick to Cancun. Additionally, both Prime Minister Cameron and President Calderon pointed out that in parallel to these growing links, Mexico and the United Kingdom are united by their unwavering commitment to liberal and democratic values. President Calderon also congratulated the UK for the hard work it put into the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games and for Her Majesty Elizabeth’s II Diamond Jubilee.
The Prime Minister’s visit sets an important landmark in the bilateral relation, not only because of the longstanding friendship between
both countries, but more importantly, because it casts light on the fact that what truly lies between both countries is an ocean of opportu-
nity.
The Embassy of Mexico in the United Kingdom is pleased to inform that on the 1st of June, President Felipe Calderón promoted this Embassy´s current Deputy Head of Mission, Alejandro Ives Estivill Castro, to the rank of Ambassador, alongside nine other distinguished Mexican diplomats. Ambassador Estivill has been a member of the Mexican Foreign Service since 1994 and was promoted to the rank of Minister in 2008. Throughout his diplomatic career he has held posi-tions such as General Director for North America and General Director of Cultural Affairs. He has also served at the Embassy of Mexico in Costa Rica. Ambassador Estivill has a Masters
degree and Ph.D. in hispanic literature from El Colegio de México.
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> Front Page
Alejandro Estivill promoted to the rank of Ambassador
BILATERAL
Mexico assumed the Presidency of the group amidst a highly turbulent global economic landscape; however, as the Summit came to a close, various agreements were reached in order to address these international challenges: • The Los Cabos Action Plan for Growth and Employment was signed. The plan established commitments to deal with the eurozone, strengthen sustainable economic growth and financial systems, ensure the fiscal consolidation of advanced economies and maintain trade liberalization. To this end, an innovative Accountability Mechanism for G20 Objectives was implemented. • The IMF’s financial resources were increased to over $450 billion USD. This constitutes the greatest capitalization in the history of the Fund, thus increasing its capacity to support countries hit by economic crises. • Trade facilitation measures were adopted in order to reject protectionism, in order to prevent their escalation from leading to further reces-sion. The main agreement established in this subject was to extend the Stand Still Clause to 2014, which involves abstaining from imple-menting protectionist measures, providing certainty to international markets. • Progress was made in improving the regulatory framework in order to strengthen financial systems. In this sense, one particularly important step was creation of the Financial Stability Council, with new statutes to enhance its operations and governance. • In regard to financial inclusion, the President Calderon declared that agreements were reached for the Global Alliance for Financial Inclu-sion, which will measure the progress in the extension of financial services to the population with least resources. • In regard to food security, the G20 agreed to promote greater public and private investment in order to promote agriculture, develop tech-nology and increase the productivity of the sector. The president announced that Mexico will host the G20 Agricultural Chief Scientists in September. An Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) will be created to prevent worldwide food price speculation. • For the first time ever, the environmental issue has been put at the forefront of this forum´s concerns and will serve as a legacy to its future dialogue. Mexico promoted the discussion of topics such as green growth, the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies and measures to increase fuel efficiency, among others. Foremost among these is the launching of the Dialogue Platform on Inclusive Green Investments, which brings together several sectors in order to identify private investment opportunities in green projects that will create growth and employment and at the same time, help preserve the environment. As delegates returned to their countries, Mexico began the second half of its Presidency of the Group, which will be handed over to Russia in December. Although there is much work to be done, the G20 surpassed many obstacles that lay in the road to Los Cabos, thus making the case that the complexity of global challenges will only admit solutions that are worked out by multilateral dialogue.
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> Front Page
Mexico Through Your Senses features designer Valentina Gonzalez Wohlers
BILATERAL
For the second chapter of the 2012 edition of Mexico Through Your Mexican designer, Valentina Gonzalez Wohlers showcased sam-ples of her unique line of furniture. The selection evinced the way in which Valentina´s creativity permeates every aspect of her work, from the concept behind the piece, down to the techniques and crafts used to create it. Among the most popular pieces of the night was Valentina´s "Ghost of a Chair". Made out of polyester sheets, this chair´s phantomlike quality, ironically, makes it a commanding presence in any room. As a counterpoint to this futuristic and haunting piece, Valentina also presented “The Wild Botched Chair”, inspired in the idea that by way
of blending sustainability with design, we can extend the narrative of nature. Valetina´s strong Mexican rooting was also laid bare in her ac-claimed “Abstract Tenoch”, a table that mimics the outline of Teno-chtitlán, the capital of the Ancient Aztec empire, now Mexico City. During the event, Valentina held a public conversation with Piers Roberts, Director of the prestigious design show Designersblock. Valentina explained the principles that underlie her work, as well as recounting the path that led her from graduating in industrial design from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City to having her work showcased in Milan, Paris and London. As Mr. Laura Perez de Medina Mora remarked at the event´s inau-guration, Valentina´s strikes the perfect balance that design must reach between functionality and beauty. Mexico Through Your Senses is a series of events organised by the Embassy of Mexico in the UK, in which select British audiences are invited to explore contemporary Mexican culture. This occasion was focused on the sense of touch.
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Second edition for 2012 themed around the sense of touch
www.valentinagw.com
BILATERAL
A good dose of Mexico
Mexico is a becoming an ever more important player in the international pharmaceutical indus-try. Currently it is the 11th largest international market for this sector, which holds a 6.9% stake in Mexico’s booming manufacturing GDP. So far, it has generated 78,500 direct jobs and 330,000 indirect jobs in the country, making it an important artery for growth. According to Mexico’s National Statistics Institute (INEGI), the estimated market value of the pharmaceutical industry in Mexico for 2011 amounted to £7.758 billion. This is the result of a solid 4.8% annual growth from 2005 to 2011, with high profit margins thanks to revenues reach-ing £7,033 billion. It should be noted that more than 60% of the products sold in the Mexican market are generic and their growth has been exponential in the last few years. An important chapter in this success story took place in 2008, when the Mexican Government eliminated mandatory manufacturing requirements, thus allowing new firms to establish opera-tions in the country. Nowadays, there are over 400 laboratories in Mexico, including all the world leading brands. These have mostly concentrated in Mexico’s City metropolitan area and
the states of Morelos, Mexico, Puebla and Jalisco. In terms of trade, pharmaceutical exports accounted for only 14% of the value of production and grew 5% in 2005-2009, while imports showed a growth rate of 66% during the same period.
Mexico offers excellent investment opportunities for multinational pharmaceutical companies, especially in the generic medicine and pat-ented drug sectors. Total market for generics is projected at £1.407 billion and the major therapeutic segments are cardiovascular, diabe-tes and HIV/Aids. With domestic consumption and FDI consistently growing more each year, it seems that Mexico has all the right ingredients to continue developing not only a healthy, but a very profitable pharmaceutical industry.
The Embassy of Mexico and Promexico held a reception for the Mexican delegation that took part in Farnborough International Airshow. The event also served as a plat-form for the official launch of the 3rd version of "Mexico´s Flight Plan", a document drafted by the Ministry of the Economy that details the national strategy for the aero-space sector. The event preceded the announcement of new investments in Mexico by JJ Churchill LTD and Ellison Surface Technologies, which will total $11 million USD. In his inaugural speech, Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Alejandro Estivill, pointed out that both countries have committed to doubling their levels of trade by 2015, in order to reach £4.2 billion. The aerospace sector is a top priority for the bilateral commercial relationship, due to its enormous potential and Mexico´s increasing prominence as a global hub for manufacturing. Among the reception´s attendants were Carlos Guzmán, General Director of Promexico; Marcelo Funes, President of Mexico´s Aero-space Industry Federation, as well as the Secretaries for economic development of the seven states representing Mexico at Farnbor-ough, namely, Sonora, Baja California, Chihuahua, Nuevo León, Coahuila, Jalisco y Querétaro.
Mexico Aerospace Industry continues to increase its mileage
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BILATERAL
Up and coming Mexican textile designer, Israel Parra-Zanabria, has been selected as one of the 24 recent graduates comprising the pres-tigious Texprint programme 2012. Israel Parra-Zanabria was selected from over 200 candidates put for-ward by their colleges for one of 24 places in the mentoring programme that helps to launch the careers of the most gifted new designers to graduate from UK art schools and colleges each year. The programme
is sponsored by leading names in the industry such as Marks & Spencer, Pantone and The Woolmark Company. Israel's vibrant floral collection combines traditional silk-screen techniques and digital proc-esses resulting in a colourful, Mexican inspired collection of fabrics. Originally from Mexico City, Israel studied at Glasgow School of Art, specialising in printed textile design. Israel will be attending Indigo at Premiere Vision this September as part of the Texprint scheme. Texprint is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing the best British-trained graduates in textile design.
As part of the Embassy´s consistent engagement with the aca-demic community in the U.K., Ambassador Eduardo Medina Mora visited the University of Sussex on the 6th of June. During the visit, the Ambassador was welcomed by the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Farthing and held meetings with sen-ior managing staff, in order to discuss further options of exchange and collaboration between the University of Sussex and its various Mexican counterparts. Professor Chris Marlin, Pro Vice-chancellor for Interna-tional Affairs and Mr. Martin Hookman, Head of International Li-ason provided the Ambassador with a detailed overview of the Uni-versity’s future plans in Latin America, particularly in Mexico. In this context, Ambassador Medina Mora highlighted the role of the Na-tional Council of Science and Technology of Mexico (CONACYT) in supporting Mexican Students to come to British universities, whilst
remarking that the transfer of knowledge between industry and academia is an area in which British expertise could highly enrich Mexi-can institutions. As part of the walking tour along the campus, the Ambassador visited the Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects and an exhibition on the University´s 50th anniversary. Additionally, the Ambassador met with Mexican students completing postgraduate degrees, with whom he discussed issues regarding Mexico’s current challenges. The visit was a most fitting event, considering that since its foundation, the University of Sussex has been driven by an international outlook that underpins its wide range of academic activities. The University at-tracts staff and students to its campus from over 120 different countries across the world. Nearly a third of its staff comes from overseas.
Ambassador Medina Mora in the University of Sussex
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Visit sheds light on future areas of cooperation for the University with Mexican institutions
A new Mexican fashion star shines in the U.K.
Pic
ture
s by J
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McC
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Embassy hosts reception for Mexico´s London 2012 Delegation
Ambassador Eduardo Medina Mora welcomed members of the Mexican Dele-gation taking part in the XXX Olympic Games London 2012, at the Official Resi-dence of Mexico in the United Kingdom. The occasion for the event was to pub-licly acknowledge the work done by Mexico´s athletes during and in preparation for London 2012. During the event´s inauguration, Ambassador Medina Mora was accompanied by the President of the Special Commission for London 2012 and Jaime Cada-val Head of Mission of the Delegation. Ambassador Medina Mora commented that Mexican athletes represent what is best of their country, which is why it was such an important motive of pride for the Embassy to host this event.
“You have proven that when a person believes in themselves, when they persevere, when they put all their passion and push their tal-ents to the limit, the objective can be obtained.” Carlos Padilla took the occasion to thank the Ambassador, on behalf of Mexico´s Olympic Committee, for all the support he gave the delegation upon their arrival and stay in London, a remark that was seconded by Jaime Cadaval. The latter also remarked that the results obtained by Mexico thus far, are the consequence of a long preparatory process; albeit, he also pointed out that the final evaluation of Mexico´s performance in the Games must be done when these have concluded. Guests –such as Olympic rower Debora Oakley- enjoyed Mexican traditional dishes and beverages. During the event, attendants cheered enthusiastically when diver Laura Sanchez won Mexico´s fifth bronze medal for London 2012.
Route of Peace visits London 2012 Since Atlanta 1996, Dr. Claudio Anaya and Fernando García, two mexican automotive enthusiasts, have visited all the Olympic Games in a Ford pick Up 1928, sending a message of peace to the world. For London 2012 this initiative, known as "The Route of Peace", travelled hundreds of miles, in order to bequeath the Embassies of the 174 countries participating in the Olympic Games a medal comme-morating the V Route of Peace. Additionally Dr. Anaya and Mr. García were also greeted at the Great London Authority by Carolina Arriagada, Head of EMEA & Latin America, who received a medal on behalf of the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. The Embassy supported this project, which serves as a reminder to the world of Mexican´s naturally friendly character and of a phrase coined by Benitio Juarez -one of Mexico´s most important historic figures- namely, "among individuals as among nations, the respect to other people's rights is peace."
LONDON 2012
Pict
ures
: M
ex sp
orts
The Embassy of Mexico and this
publication congratulate the United Kingdom for the organisation of the
Games and praises the Mexican athletes that competed
in London 2012. They are a model of self-confidence,
courage and perseverance. Viva Mexico!
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LONDON 2012
Get
ty Im
ages
AFP
Aviso a la comunidad Mexicana: El Consulado de México en Reino Unido elaboró un paquete informativo para su estancia durante el verano, que podrán consultar en la siguiente dirección: http://www.sre.gob.mx/images/stories/doceventos/2012/marzo/olimlondres.pdf
As Mexican athletes were getting ready to compete for glory in London 2012, another group of distinguished figures represented Mex-ico in the torch relay preceding the games. The Official Residence of Mexico welcomed this group in an event organised by Samsung, in order to celebrate the occasion. Although they all come from very different professional backgrounds –such as acting, science or football- they all coincided in asserting that it was a terrific honour to represent their country in such an event of global significance. Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Alejandro Estivill welcomed the group, which was comprised by astronaut José Hernandez, women´s rights´activist Sylvia Sanchez, actress Ana de la Reguera, explorer Fatima del Ángel, animal rights´activist Paty Ruiz, legen-dary rockstar Alex Lora and football player Gerardo Torrado. Each one was honoured with running 300 metres on a route that spanned across Aylesbury, Stoke Mandeville and Bletchley. During the press conference at the event, astronaut José Hernandez remarked that the experience of carrying the Olympic flame re-minded him of the time when he was able to look at the Earth from space, due to the fact that it is a symbol that transcends national borders. In line with the event´s festive mood, rock star Alex Lora -who has been galvanizing audiences for 44 years- argued with this character-istic hollering that rock and roll is also a sport -one that must be practiced by all. As the eyes of the world fall on London, these torchbearers laid down the first stepping stone in the way to Olympic glory for Mexican athletes.
Mexican Olympic torchbearers stop by at the official Residence
Ambassador Medina Mora welcomed Olympic torch bearer Philippa Vernon at the Embassy of Mexico on the 30th of May. Philippa Vernon was acknowledged with this honour, due to her work at the helm of her UK charity New Life Mexico, which reaches out to children and young people through an array of social programmes.
Ambassador greets torchbearer Philippa Vernon
LONDON 2012
Cultural travels through Mexico
Mexico’s colonial heritage is a rich and diverse tapestry composed of European and indigenous roots, combining old traditions with modern practices, and which offers foreign travelers an opportunity to experience the unusual among the familiar. Mexican colonial cities evoke images of streets paved in cobble or flag stones, meandering alleyways which break out into sun-drenched courtyards, copious varieties of bright-colored bougainvillea, majestic cathedrals, restored haciendas with magnificent landscaped gardens and beautiful architecture, elegant fountains, and shaded nooks where one may rest and take quiet contemplation in the late afternoon… The country’s colonial cities are also vibrant, and alive with activity. Many are cultural centers in their own right and each one has a series of local events and festivals which are fervently celebrated and diligently attended by local residents, national visitors, and foreign tourists. Mexico’s colonial wealth was originally founded upon silver mining and the development of local haciendas between the 16th and 19th centuries. Today, they are centers where culture, art and crafts, farming and livestock, tourism, and knowl-edge-based industries thrive. Attractions in Mexico’s colonial cities are as diverse and intimate as the cities themselves. Here is a highlight of some of the main attractions you can enjoy:
By Matthew Harrup
Cultural Centers: Most of the larger colonial cities in Mex-ico have at least one cultural center offering a range of events and activities including local history studies, dance and costumes, and specialist cultural activities related to the local indigenous heritage of the region.
Language Study: Learning Spanish by attending a residential Spanish course is the best way to learn the language and colo-nial cities are the premier location for language schools and language study here as increasing numbers of visitors choose to mix learning with pleasure in Mexico’s colonial cities.
Arts and Crafts: Mexican artisans are extremely talented craftspeople and they sell their art to locals and visitors in Mexico’s colonial cities: sometimes via street stalls, and sometimes at craft markets specially set up by the local gov-ernment or other organizations dedicated to promoting Mexi-can art and culture.
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BILATERAL
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mexico as a destination is the colossal choice and diversity of experiences it offers visi-tors. While Mexico is often associated with its world-class beaches and resorts, delve deeper and you’ll also find a rich colonial heritage, archaeology centers offering unique insights into important ancient civilizations, a breath-taking capital city, and an abundant choice of destinations which offer inspiring nature and adventure activities amidst the backdrop of this country’s out-door landscapes which are at once dramatic and beautiful. Every day of the year, Mexico’s diversity gifts life-memorable travel experiences to its visitors: experiences which people keep talking about, with many of them returning time and again to recapture
Matt Harrup founded Mexperience.com, a web site dedicated to sharing experiences about travel, living, and culture in Mexico. Mexperi-
ence is celebrating its 10th year online this summer.
Festivals: Some of Mexico’s most exciting festivals take place in colonial cities. For example, the Guelaguetza in Oaxaca, and the Cervantino festival in Guanajuato are both world-class events; Day of Dead is particularly poignant in Patzcuaro and Oaxaca. Whatever time of year you visit Mexico, you will find an ample choice of festivals and events to attend and enjoy during your stay.
Local Markets: Mexicans have long been keen traders—the Spanish were amazed by the markets of Tenochtitlan—and today, the traditions of tianguis remain alive and vibrant across Mexico. Attending the marvelous variety of local markets is a highlight of any visit to Mexico, and one that should not be missed. You’ll find a rich assortment of markets in Mexico’s principal cities offering a panoply of products including arts, jewelry, crafts, silver, local foods, herbs and spices, fine stones, and much more.
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BILATERAL
From 29 June till 28 July, Mexico's National Theatre Company (Compañía Nacional de Teatro) presented A Soldier in Every Son – The Rise of the Az-tecs, a play for which the CNT and the Royal Shakespeare Company joined forces in the staging of this epic production. Late 14th century in the Valley of Mexico and a small, unknown tribe called the Aztecs propel themselves from nomadic mercenaries to rulers of a great empire. Passion, power and intrigue played out in this epic political thriller which charted the history of an ancient civilisation. Spanning a century and based on true events chronicled in the Aztec codices, A Soldier in Every Son – The Rise of the Aztecs was inspired by Shakespeare’s history plays and was commissioned for the World Shakespeare Festival.
Mexico’s National Theatre Company at
the Royal Shakespeare Company
Juana in a Million: a Mexican Play at the
Edimburgh Fringe Festival
MEXFEST
Juana in a Million is a powerful new one-woman show exploring true stories of immigrants to the UK. Emergent Mexican author-performer Vicky Araico Casas brings vividly to life a colourful cast of characters, rendering a stunning portrayal of her own experience as an immigrant and that of many others. Directed and co-written by Nir Paldi (of multi-award-winning Theatre Ad Infinitum), and informed by new social research, Juana in a Mil-lion weaves a moving tale of survival, betrayal and hope. Intensely physical, darkly comic and ultimately heart-breaking, Juana in a Mil-lion is a tour-de-force.
The play tells the story of a young Mexican woman arriving in London,
her single suitcase filled with little more than dreams of security and
happiness. Juana’s encounters in this strange foreign land shed unex-
pected lights on her identity as a woman and as a Mexican.
Where? Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh
When? 1-26 August (except, 8, 15 & 22)
Where?
RichMix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road London
E1 6LA
When?
17-19th August
Ticket prices: £7 adult / £5 concession Day pass: £15
As Mexico's contemporary culture continues to gain international acclaim, it only seemed right that London should also join the wave. This is why the Shoreditch Fringe festival will see the launch of LondonMexfest, a three day fiesta, starting on the 17th of August, of live music, contemporary, award winning films in-cluding features, documentaries, sci- fi classics, shorts and an-imations, alongside exhibitions, food – and wrestling!
CULTURAL AGENDA
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On this year’s edition, the Hay-On-Wye Festival was proud to present Mexican writers Alvaro Enrigue and Valeria Luiselli as two of its guest speakers. Alvaro Enrigue held a conversation entitled Drugs – Without the Hot Air with HE Ambassador Mauricio Rodriguez Munera, Colombian Ambassador to the UK, David Nutt and David Aaronovitch. This discussion focused on ways in which policies can minimize the harms of legal and illegal drugs for individuals and society. Meanwhile, Valeria Luiselli was a member of the panel entitled Fiction – Time, which also had writers Nell Lyeshon and Angharad Price as members and was moderated by Gaby Wood. During the conversation Valeria was able to explore the notion of time as a resource for fiction literature through her novel Faces in the Crowd.
CULTURE
A place to live when we are old
The third edition of PINTA, the Modern and Contemporary Latin Ameri-can Art Show in London, showcased Design Mexico, a special space dedicated to four designers that represent the inventiveness and com-mitment to sustainability that characterizes contemporary Mexican de-sign. This space featured work by Valentina González Wohlers, Thierry Jeannot, Liliana Ovalle and Rodrigo Solorzano. Ambassador Eduardo Medina Mora took part in the official opening of Design Mexico, which was a collaboration between PINTA and the Mexico Tourism Board.
PINTA – Design Mexico
Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art presented from 9 until 15
June A place to live when we are old, an inter-generational, dance-based
piece that saw Concepción Marván, Lucio Rojas y Ofelia Martínez, three
mature, amateur dancers from Mexico offering demonstrations and lessons
of danzón, a typical Mexican dance, to members of the public.
This project by Argentinian artist Ana Gallardo in collaboration Ramiro Gal-
lardo and Mario Gomez Casas, brought people of all ages together through
dance at Bishops Square, in the heart of London’s Spitalfields.
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Ambassador Medina Mora took part in the presentation of an Olmeca head replica at
the Hay Festival on Sunday 3rd of June. This replica, which was placed at the entrance
of the Hay-on-Wye Festival, celebrates 25 years of relationship between Mexico and
the Hay Festival. It will also be a permanent image of Mexico, where Hay Xalapa will
host its second edition this year.
Olmeca head replica becomes permanent presence of Mexico at Hay-on-Wye Festival
Alvaro Enrique and Valeria Luiselli at Hay-on-Wye Festival
BILATERAL
Viva la Fiesta! Mexico was vividly represented at “Viva la Fiesta”, a social gathering on the 23rd of May, organised by the dynamic association of Young Diplomats in London (YDL). Latin American Embassies enthusiastically displayed the best of their typical products and shared their culture and traditions with diplomatic and international guests at the Hyatt Churchill in Mayfair. Along with the Embassy of Mexico, the Embassies of Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala not only participated in the celebration of their regional culture, but they also came together with the noble cause of rais-ing funds for education in less privileged communities in Central America. The spirit of collaboration between all the above mentioned Central Ameri-can countries was an important factor behind the event’s terrific success.
The Mexican stand was particularly popular, due to the delicious Palomas, the traditionally refreshing drink made of lime juice, grapefruit soda and a splash of tequila (sponsored by Cabrito for the event) and a hint of salt on the rim of the glass. Amathus Drinks, our main spirits sponsor enabled the Mexican team to work in a jovial atmosphere and to cheerfully carry on the Fiesta!
Good news for all those seeking to get away to the stunning Mexican Caribbean! On the 7th of July, Richard Branson led a celebrity packed entourage on the inauguration of Virgin At-lantic’s Heathrow-Cancun flight. Ambassador Medina Mora took part in the event, which was greeted with great acclaim by the British and Mexican press alike. This new route offers two flights per week at very com-petitive prices, thus building yet another bridge for the UK to enjoy the best of Mexico’s vast cultural and touristic offer. Branson, who donned a mariachi outfit for the occasion, was welcomed at Cancun airport by Secretary of Tourismo, Gloria Guevara. True to his flamboyant and enthusiastic style, upon landing Branson marched on to the wing of the plane whilst posing with X Factor winner Alexandra Burke and TV person-ality Keith Lemon. This initiative was supported by the state of Quintana Roo and the UK office of the Mexico Tourism Board, who’s Direc-tor, Manuel Diez Cebrian, was publicly acknowledged by Vir-gin Atlantic. The United Kingdom is currently the European country from which most tourists come to visit Mexico, a fact that will be further cemented with the estimated 30,000 passengers that will fly with Virgin to Cancun during 2012.
Virgin Atlantic launches new London-Cancun flight
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For the picture (from left to right side): Eduardo Gomez, Brand Sales Marketing Manager, Amathus Drinks, Nora Kabli Palacios ,Multilateral Affairs Assistant , Joel Palma Perez, Administrative Support, Susana Garduño Arana, Third Secretary in charge of Multilateral Affairs and Alternate Permanent Representative to IMO.
MEXICO TODAY
A publication by:
The Embassy of Mexico in the United Kingdom.
16 St. George Street
London W1S 1FD
www.sre.gob.mx/reinounido
Contributors :
Lupita Ayala, Jose Manuel Castañuela, Ana Christlieb, Manuel Diaz Cebrian,
Susana Garduño, Laura Garcia Querol, Mario González
Design & photography : Adela Murillo
Deputy Editor: Jerónimo Mohar
Editor: Ariel Moutsatsos
BILATERAL
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With the spectacular Riviera Maya as a backdrop, the launch of the Americas chapter of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) took place with great success at the Mayacobá Fairmont Hotel on the 13th of July. The ILTM is a yearly event organised by Reed Exhibitions, that for 2012 will take place in Cannes, Shanghai and the Rivi-era Maya from the 1st till the 3rd of October. The launch was attended by Simon Mayle, ILTM Manager, Alison Gilmore Director of Marketing for ILTM, Dario Flota, Gen-
eral Director of the Riviera Maya Fund, Manuel Diaz-Cebrian, Director del Director of Mexico´s Tourism Board in London,
as well as multiple members of the Hotel Association of the Riviera Maya.
Rivera Maya takes centre stage
in international luxury tourism