This month, Imagine-Mexico.com is featuring a variety of articles to help tourists and residents in Mexico. We include articles about the traditional holidays that are celebrated this month, like Dia de la Raza and the Day of the Dead. (Our featured photo is by Margaret Reid of Zihuatanejo)

Everyone should know about the recent changes in telephone calls and the new ID requirements on long-distance bus trips. We’ve included information on medical evacuation services and absentee voting for US Expats. Also, last month on the International Day of Peace, Mexico called for an international summit of Spanish-speaking nations. We hope you find this issue informative!

Dia de la Raza: Rather than Columbus Day, Spanish-speaking countries celebrate “Dia de la Raza” to teach respect, honor, and the dignity of all people. See the videos.

Also, read the related article below.   

It’s Time to End the Myth of Columbus – Decolonize your Minds! One of the first stories still taught to schoolchildren is the “discovery” of America by Columbus and the seizure of its lands under the doctrine of manifest destiny. Stories refer to the Indigenous as “heathen” and “barbaric” and teach that some people are superior to others. It’s time to teach our kids to respect all cultures.  

Altars, Masks, and Parades for the Day of the Dead in Mexico: Rather than Halloween, Mexicans celebrate the tradition of the “Day of the Dead.” See the videos and learn more about this special day for the families of Mexico. Most cities have events – join in the tradition.

New Dialing Instructions for Calls To and Within Mexico: Mexico is in the process of changing to a 10-digit dialing system, like that used in the USA and Canada. This article will give you the new dialing instructions for calling Mexico, and for calling within Mexico, including toll-free numbers. You can download a copy for your use.

Official ID Now Required on Long-Distance Bus Trips in Mexico: In an effort to curtail migration from Central America to the USA, Mexico now requires official identification to purchase a ticket and travel on long-distance bus trips. Foreigners are advised to carry a passport (original). Read about the new requirements.

US Expats – Your Vote Counts in State and Federal Elections: Travelers and foreign residents in Mexico can vote in the upcoming elections. Many states allow voting online or by email.

Check this article about the voting requirements for your state – and REGISTER to vote!

New Laws Require Payment of Social Security Taxes for Home Workers: Health care is a human right. A new law requires that employers pay Social Security taxes to provide health care for their domestic personnel. This also applies to gardeners and condominium workers. Protect your workers and yourself from liabilities.   

In a Medical Emergency: “What’s Your Plan?: Skymed provides medical evacuation services for all areas of Mexico including travel restricted zones. Click on this article to get more information and to receive a special discount not offered on the corporate website.

Mexico Plans Summit to Respond to Attacks on Latinos in the US: On September 21, the UN International Day of Peace, the Mexican government called for an international summit of Spanish-speaking countries in response to the rise in hate crimes and the recent mass shootings of Latinos in the USA.