Tampico’s Alien Obsession: A Mexican City’s Fascination With The Extraterrestrial

In the northeastern Mexican city of Tampico, Tamaulipas, a peculiar phenomenon has taken hold. The city’s residents and visitors have become enamored with all things extraterrestrial. Vendors at municipal markets and Miramar Beach have reported a surge in sales of alien-themed merchandise, including green hats, plush toys, and T-shirts. This craze has led some to wonder: could a UFO museum be in the city’s future? The city’s affinity for aliens began to take shape with the annual Marciano Fest, which drew an estimated 20,000 people in late October. The weeklong celebration featured a multitude of UFO- and extraterrestrial-themed activities, culminating in 947 people dressing up as aliens.

This event has become a testament to the city’s growing fascination with the unknown. At the heart of this movement is researcher Nembra del Carmen Jiménez, who has been documenting alleged spacecraft and mysterious spheres over Tampico and neighboring municipalities since the 1980s. Her archive of images and materials has become a treasure trove of extraterrestrial intrigue.

Jiménez’s work includes coordinates tied to a supposed underwater, magnetic, extraterrestrial base off Miramar Beach, which local legend credits with deflecting hurricanes for the past 70 years.