Sheinbaum’s mañanera in 60 seconds
- 🕯️Sheinbaum reflects on Mexican beliefs ahead of Day of the Dead: The Treasury Hall of the National Palace was decorated with cempasúchil plants and Catrina figures for Friday’s mañanera, which included a live cross to Day of the Dead celebrations in Fort Worth, Texas. Asked about her “conception of death,” Sheinbaum said the Mexican view, unlike the Western one, comes from Indigenous peoples and sees “death as part of life.” She said Halloween had diminished the “national vision of Day of the Dead” in the past, but that observance has “recovered,” partly thanks to movies like Coco.
- 🕊️ Tribute to Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas to be held at Bellas Artes: Sheinbaum said a public tribute to the three-time presidential candidate, who died this week at age 92, begins at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, with his coffin present. She said she would attend if time allows, as she is scheduled to be at the Felipe Ángeles International Airport before traveling to Hidalgo.
- 🚆 7 Mexicans injured in Spain train crash, 1 missing: Sheinbaum read a note on Wednesday’s rail accident in the province of Toledo, which has left 68 people dead and 180 injured, 21 of them seriously. Eight Mexicans were aboard the trains involved in the crash: seven suffered minor injuries and have been discharged from hospital, while a person from Aguascalientes is missing. The Mexican Embassy in Spain has filed a missing persons report and is in contact with the family.
Why today’s mañanera matters
The Treasury Hall of the National Palace was adorned with cempasúchil plants and Catrina figures for President Sheinbaum’s Friday morning press conference.
At the start of the mañanera, Sheinbaum noted that the room was elaborately decorated for Day of the Dead, which is observed annually on Nov. 1 and 2.
Her press conference included a live cross to Day of the Dead celebrations and preparations in Fort Worth, Texas, adding to the seasonal atmosphere of the mañanera. In addition, Sheinbaum spoke about Mexicans’ views on death and the importance of preserving Day of the Dead traditions.
This year’s Day of the Dead celebrations will take place just days after the death of three-time presidential candidate Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas. They will also follow a fatal train crash in Spain, in which seven Mexicans were injured.
On Friday morning, Sheinbaum noted that a public tribute to Cárdenas will be held in Mexico City, and once again lamented the fatal rail accident.
‘Death as part of life’: Sheinbaum reflects on Mexican beliefs ahead of Day of the Dead
Noting that “Mexicans see death very differently from other cultures,” a reporter asked the president about her “conception of death in terms of what it means” for the people of Mexico.
“Our vision [of death], in contrast to the Western vision, comes from the Indigenous peoples,” she said.
“It’s a conception of death as part of life,” Sheinbaum said.
“And every Day of the Dead, our ancestors come to visit us, to be with us. It’s a completely different perspective — a much more holistic view of what life is and what comes after life. And it’s very beautiful,” she said.
“… I feel that it’s truly beautiful to recognize this tradition that comes from the past, from the peoples who gave rise to what we know today as Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.
She acknowledged that “the United States culture of the famous Halloween” had spread into Mexico, leading to what she described as a diminishment of the “national vision of Day of the Dead.”
However, observance of Day of the Dead has “recovered” in recent years, said Sheinbaum, who partially credited Day of the Dead-themed movies — “Coco” is a prime example — for the resurgence.
Asked how important it is for “new generations” to preserve Day of the Dead traditions, Sheinbaum said it was “very important.”
“It’s the link between the people [of the past] and the present,” she said.
“… The pride of being Mexican is related to this celebration, among other things,” Sheinbaum said.
Sheinbaum may attend tribute to Cárdenas at Palacio de Bellas Artes
Sheinbaum noted that a tribute to Cárdenas will be held on Friday at the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) in the historic center of Mexico City.
“[Cárdenas’] family and Culture Minister Claudia prepared it,” she said.
Sheinbaum — who will attend an event at the Felipe Ángeles International Airport on Friday before traveling to Hidalgo — said she would attend the tribute if time allows.
She said the tribute, at which Cárdenas’ coffin will be present, will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas, who helped end decades of one-party rule in Mexico, dies at 92
7 Mexicans injured in rail crash in Spain; 1 Mexican missing
Sheinbaum read out a note about the train accident on Wednesday in the Spanish province of Toledo.
“There are currently 68 fatalities and 180 people injured, 21 of whom are in serious condition. Eight Mexicans were traveling on one of the trains involved in the incident,” she said.
“Seven sustained minor injuries; they were taken to a hospital and have since been discharged. One person from Aguascalientes is reported missing. The Mexican Embassy in Spain has filed a missing persons report and is in constant contact with the family,” Sheinbaum said.
