Pablo Maya, Executive Director of the Historic Center of Mexico City Festival, talks about all of the big acts that come out for the festival and also about working to promote the city’s culture and heritage via events that bring artists and entertainment to the city. He then discusses Mexico City’s historic gems like the Plaza of Bellas Artes and the Diego Rivera Mural.

Beto Estúa, Chef at Casa Jacaranda in Mexico City, explains the different variety of Mexican food across the country’s regions and the dozens of ingredients people don’t even know exist. He also shares the story of mole, going all the way back to the Aztec Empire, and its evolvement after the Spanish colonization as well as how some regions will use up to 28 ingredients in their moles.

Ximena Jordan, Project Manager of Frida Kahlo and the Anahuacalli Museums, discusses the history, symbolism and political statements of Frida Kahlo. Ximena shares the mixed origins cultural identity that fomented Frida Kahlo’s artwork and what surprises visitors the most about the museum when they visit.

David Lida, American Expat, Writer and Author of First Stop in the New World: Mexico City, The Capital of the 21st Century, discusses his hidden gems of Mexico City and the dream that led him to move there in the first place. He then talks about how the city compares to other American and European cities, his favorite lunch and dinner spots and how after 30 years, he still doesn’t get bored.

Peter Davies, Senior Writer at Mexico News Daily, talks about living in the Mexican capital and what brought him over from Australia. He shares his experience exploring Mexico City’s more than 170 subway stations and talks about a fermented prehistoric drink only available in the city. Plus, he dishes his favorite neighborhoods and food places around town – and don’t forget about Mexico City’s craft breweries!

Anuar Layon, Creative Director and Fashion Designer, speaks about the message behind his famous “Mexico is the Shit” jacket and what it symbolizes for a country becoming a serious competitor in the fashion world. Anuar then speaks about the movement the jacket has created and why it’s sparking conversations around the world and at home.

Jaime Hernandez, Co-Founder of Design Week Mexico and External Affairs Director for World Design Capital CDMX 2018, discusses Mexican architecture from 300 years ago to present time. He talks about Mexico City becoming the World Design Capital of the World in 2018 and taking advantage of that opportunity while promoting Mexican design and heritage. Jaime speaks about the more than 300,000 people that show up for Design Week Mexico and the 2,500+ designers that are presented.

Esteban Volkov Bronstein, the Director of the Leon Trotsky Museum & Institute of the Rights to Asylum, shares the story of Russian revolutionary and politician Leon Trotsky, the asylum Mexico offered him and the assassination that ended his life. Esteban is Trotsky’s grandson and as one of the last people who saw him alive, he shares some insight into the Joseph Stalin biography that Trotsky was writing before he passed.

By Alessandra Taryn Bea for PeterGreenberg.com