Crackdowns, cartel threats, and the massacre of Grupo Fugitivo fuel fear across Mexico’s regional music scene.
The controversial narcocorrido group Los Alegres del Barranco canceled a highly anticipated concert in Tziritzícuaro, Maravatío, just days after Michoacán passed a reform to its Penal Code categorizing the glorification of crime—commonly seen in narcocorridos—as a serious criminal offense.
The cancellation was first announced by event promoter Chilangos Grill, which issued a brief statement citing reasons “beyond the control of the company and the band” and promising a new date would be announced later. While no official cause was given at the time, the band’s accordionist, Pavel Moreno, later clarified the real reason in a radio interview: growing insecurity and violence in the region.
“We’ve been performing there for several years, and this is the first time an event has been postponed,” said Moreno. “The organizers told us things were getting a bit rough in the area and advised against going ahead with the show.”
He denied that the cancellation was directly linked to their lyrics, pointing instead to a broader climate of insecurity across the country.
Despite the rising pressure on narcocorrido performers, Moreno emphasized that Los Alegres del Barranco are simply musicians. “We’ve been making music for 20 years. We don’t agree with the restrictions, but we respect the law,” he said, adding that the band avoids dedicating corridos to specific individuals and only performs where legally permitted.
The cancellation comes amid mounting legal pressure on the group. Earlier this month, Los Alegres del Barranco faced formal charges for allegedly promoting criminal activity (apología del delito) during a hearing at the Control and Oral Trial Courts in Puente Grande, Jalisco. Authorities allege the band projected images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, a.k.a. El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during live performances.
As part of the court’s precautionary measures, the group:
- Is prohibited from leaving Jalisco without judicial approval
- May only perform at three pre-authorized shows (May 30 in Durango, June 16–17 in Michoacán)
- Must report weekly to the court
- Was ordered to pay a 1.8 million peso bond (300,000 pesos per member)
The cancellation also comes amid a wave of fear gripping Mexico’s regional music scene, particularly among narcocorrido performers, following the massacre of members of Grupo Fugitivo, another musical group allegedly targeted for their lyrics. The brutal attack has sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting many artists to reconsider shows in high-risk areas or to revise their setlists to avoid references to cartels or criminal figures.
Behind the scenes, some promoters and musicians now describe a chilling effect taking hold, as the line between musical storytelling and criminal provocation grows increasingly dangerous. While legal reforms aim to stem the glorification of criminal groups, some artists argue they are being unfairly blamed for societal violence they did not create.
“It’s not just about what we sing anymore—it’s about where we sing it, and who might be watching,” said a regional promoter who asked not to be named due to safety concerns.
Debate Over Censorship vs. Safety
The group’s performance style—often featuring lyrics that praise drug lords and visuals with cartel imagery—has made them a focal point in the national debate over artistic freedom versus public safety. While critics argue that narcocorridos glamorize violence and criminal lifestyles, supporters claim the music reflects real social conditions and shouldn’t be censored.
Michoacán’s new legislation signals a stronger government push to suppress cultural expressions linked to organized crime. But the question remains: Can censorship curb violence, or will it simply silence artists caught in the crossfire?
Despite the backlash, Los Alegres del Barranco have confirmed upcoming shows in Jalisco and Durango, with the band encouraging fans to attend and “see what we really sing.” Meanwhile, no new date has yet been announced for the postponed Michoacán concert.
The band and its promoters reiterated that audience and artist safety remains the top priority, and updates will be posted on their official social media platforms.
