(Watch live stream video below)

Mexican presidential candidates will have a first debate this evening (May 6, 2012) at 20:00 CST. Some of the topics expected on the debate are economic growth strategies, monopolies, and national security. The debate will be televised in Mexico and it will be streamed through the internet via IFE. 

Regional Transformation in a New Global Context
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 16-18 April 2012

“We would like to align different stakeholders in recognizing the region’s powerful potential, understanding its risks and finding innovative ways to respond adequately to Latin America’s current and future challenges.” - World Economic Forum’s Senior Director, Head of Latin America, Marisol Argueta de Barillas

A few days past we posted a photo of a plant on our Facebook Page with the following question.

Trivia question: What plant is this, and how does it relate to Mexican culture?

We got some great answers from our readers!

Here is our response:

Yes, it is a Nopal! It is the cactus depicted on the Mexican flag and it’s symbolism dates back to the Aztec people.

The Mexicas or Aztecs started their 165 year migration in the XII century from their place of origin AZTLAN, in search of a sign from their God Huitzilopochtli, an eagle devouring a snake perched on a cactus.

The Aztecs found this sign in the lake of Texcoco and settled there and founded the city of Tenochtitlan in present day Mexico City.

AZTLAN, or “place of herons” is considered the crib of Aztec civilization. Most historians place it in the state of Nayarit. There is evidence that points to the island of Mezcaltitan as the exact location for the origins of the Mexica culture. Mezcaltitan is located on the northern part of Nayarit about a 3-4 hour drive from the PVR area past Tepic. Mezcaltitan is well known for their dry shrimp.

The nopal cactus is edible and it was an important staple of Aztec diet, and it is still very much a part of the Mexican culinary experience. Try sampling nopales in salsa, with eggs, or on the grill.

According to the USGS a 6.5 Magnitude Earthquake hit the state of Michoacan Mexico 62 km (39 miles) SW (233°) from La Mira, Michoacán, Mexico at 5:55 pm.

A mild shake was felt in Puerto Vallarta today (April 11, 2012 ). There are no reports of damage or injuries. Residents in Mexico City report having felt the a earthquake as well. 

Don’t miss the next edition of Aguas Abiertas Riviera Nayarit 2012 this April 21st at Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Over 300 swimmers from various categories will participate in this exciting event.

PUNTA MITA, RIVIERA NAYARIT, Mexico – Located within Mexico’s most exclusive beach community along the shores of Riviera Nayarit, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort and Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in conjunction with DINE, the developer of Punta Mita Resort, Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau, and American Airlines announced today the second annual Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic. 

According to both the regional tourism director Ludwig Estrada Virgen and the President of the Hotels Association of Puerto Vallarta, Miguel Andres Hernandez, as of today (Thursday April 05.2012) occupancy in the region will reach 100%.

This spike in occupancy is attributed to the large amount of national tourists that are here to celebrate Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Semana de Pascua (Easter Week).

According to Aurelio Lopez Rocha, secretary of tourism for the state of Jalisco, the New Los Muertos Pier is to be completed this year. Addressing the sluggish progress of this project which has been “in development” for over a year, the secretary made this statement expressing his commitment to both the local authorities and business owners. 

A stranded Pygmy Sperm Whale was rescued by Dolphin Adventure’s Staff Thursday March 22nd. The 2.6 m male was reportedly stranded on the beach in Bucerias and was stabilized by Dolphin Adventure Veterinarian, Dr. Paola Smolensky with assistance from trainers Ricky Rebolledo and Carolina Vasquez. As directed by PROFEPA, Mexico’s environmental agency the animal was to be released after being stabilized.

As part of the Regatta Copa Mexico Olympic Edition 2012, March 10th marks the beginning of an eight day (10th-17th) Kitesurfing competition. Featuring some of the world's best kitesurfers this event promises to light the bay with excitement, adrenaline, and color. For the best viewing head to the shores form La Cruz to Bucerias. Enjoy and send us your favorite pictures.