Yucatán Governor’s Lavish Inauguration Budget Revealed

The upcoming inauguration of the newly elected governor of Yucatán, Joaquín Díaz Mena, could potentially cost between $15 and $20 million, according to estimates from anonymous event organizers. This figure only includes the cost of the actual event and does not account for additional expenses such as mobilizing supporters and party members to the Plaza Grande, where the ceremony is set to take place.

Typically, the cost of transportation, food, and drink for supporters is covered by the political party and the incoming governor, often with assistance from local mayors. The estimated cost also does not include the expense of commercial advertising and broadcasting of the event.

A significant portion of the inauguration budget for Díaz Mena, who was elected as a representative of the Morena party and its allies the PT and Green Party, is expected to go towards a performance by the band El Recodo. The band's fee was nearly $2 million per performance two years ago, but with increased operation and transportation costs, it is expected to be over $2.5 million now.

A Twitter user, Alberto Rojas, suggests that the band charges 1.6 million pesos per hour, in addition to costs for airfare, accommodation, meals, transfers, and any requested catering services. The band, one of the largest in the country, requires a significant logistical operation, including a sound team and stage setup.

Additional expenses for the inauguration include the rental of metal structures with canopies, special lighting and sound systems, decorative ornaments, and a stage. Seating for the 35 local representatives, special guests such as governors and federal government officials, and around 1,000 members of the public also needs to be arranged. The construction of the stage for El Recodo's performance would also be an additional cost for the event organizers.