Black market diesel fuel (Huachicol) grips Mexican society and impacts traditional practices.
In Mexico, the cultural sector continues to face significant challenges, with budget cuts and ongoing issues affecting various institutions. According to the Federal Expenditure Budget Project (PPEF) for 2026, the sector is allocated 13,097 million pesos, representing a 13.16% reduction compared to 2025.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL) are among those most affected by the budget cuts, facing a 20% reduction when accounting for inflation. This has led to closures of museums, such as a dozen INBAL museums in Mexico City, due to disagreements over union-demanded uniforms.
Other institutions feeling the pinch include the Churubusco Studios, Channel 22, the National Institute of Indigenous Languages (INALI), and the National Film Library. Theaters at the Bosque Cultural Center are experiencing a shortage of essential supplies like nails, gaffer tape, eyelets, and paint cans. Workers in the cultural sector are also awaiting pending payments, indicating increasing precariousness in the sector.
Despite these challenges, the cultural sector remains a significant contributor to the economy. In 2023, it generated over 1.4 million jobs and accounted for 2.7% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Breaking down the sector's contributions, audiovisual media contribute 17.6%, design and creative services 13.6%, digital contents and internet 18.1%, and crafts 19.1%.
However, the sector's potential is overshadowed by the ongoing issue of fuel theft, which is estimated to cost the Mexican government approximately 25,000 million dollars, according to energy specialist Francisco Barnes de Castro. This annual loss due to fuel theft is equivalent to six times the culture budget for 2026.
Vicente Lenero, a cultural advocate, finds it strange that legislators, state secretaries, and governors are not focusing on cultural activities, given their potential economic and social benefits. Carlos Villaseñor, on the other hand, urges UNESCO member states to allocate at least 1% of public spending to Culture.
Despite the setbacks, progress is being made. The new National Film Library in Chapultepec, the National Warehouse, museums on the Maya Train route, and recently created units in the Ministry of Culture are still in progress. However, concerns remain about the state of some cultural facilities. For instance, the Vasconcelos Library lacks water in the bathrooms and has insufficient lighting in some areas.
As Mexico navigates these challenges, it's clear that a balanced approach is needed to support the cultural sector and address issues like fuel theft, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable cultural landscape for the future.
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