| Keyword |
Description |
| Infrastructure |
The basic structures and systems a city needs to function, such as roads, bridges, electricity, and water services |
| Tourism |
Travel and activities related to visiting places for leisure, culture, or recreation, which often bring money and jobs to a region |
| Responsibility |
The duty to take care of people or situations and to make sure things are done correctly and safely |
President Claudia Sheinbaum will spend her Christmas vacation in Acapulco, Guerrero, from December 25 to 27, in what will be her first official break since taking office. Her choice is symbolic because Acapulco is still recovering from Hurricane Otis, which hit the city in October 2023, killing dozens of people and causing serious damage to infrastructure and tourism. By spending Christmas there, the president sends a message that the city remains important and that its recovery is still a national priority. Even during her vacation, she plans to stay informed about what is happening in the state of Guerrero.
During her morning press conference on December 22, Sheinbaum announced that her daily briefings would be suspended from December 24 to 29 so that journalists could also have time off. She explained that while she will be in Acapulco, she will keep an eye on events such as the “Paseo del Pendón” festival in Chilpancingo, which attracts large crowds. Federal authorities will coordinate with state officials to provide security if needed, showing that government responsibilities continue even during the holidays. Her comments highlight a balance between taking a personal break and maintaining responsibility for public safety.
The president also clarified that there are no longer exclusive presidential vacation houses in places like Cozumel or Acapulco. The properties that still exist now belong to the Defense Ministry or the Navy and are not reserved just for the president’s use. This detail reflects a different attitude toward power and public resources, aiming to appear more modest and closer to ordinary citizens. It also suggests that official privileges once taken for granted are being reconsidered.
On a lighter note, Sheinbaum shared that she will eat romeritos, a traditional Mexican Christmas dish with a local herb, mole, and potatoes, which she called her favorite food for the holiday. At the end of her December 23 press conference, she led those present in singing “Feliz Navidad” and thanked reporters and viewers for following her morning conferences. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas and hoped that Santa Claus would bring many gifts to children across Mexico. These gestures present a more personal and approachable image of the president.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Infrastructure |
Infraestructura |
| Reporter |
Reportero |
| Conference |
Conferencia |
Time to discuss
- Should presidents spend their vacations in areas that have suffered natural disasters? Why or why not?
- Is it important for political leaders to appear close to ordinary people during the holidays?
- Do you think public officials should keep working, at least a little, even when they are on vacation?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Describe how a president’s choice of where to spend holidays can send a political or social message.
- Write about how you think governments should support cities recovering from natural disasters like hurricanes.
