Veracruz Authorities Seek to Curb Drug-Related Advocacy at Tuzamapan Carnival

*In the carnival of Tuzamapan, Veracruz, costumes that make apology for organized crime are prohibited.

For the carnival in Tuzamapan, Veracruz, local authorities decided to ban any costume that alludes to or glorifies organized crime. The measure was taken following the appearance of a group of young men who paraded dressed as members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG): tactical vests, military-style pants, balaclavas and fake weapons.

The scene occurred during the traditional Quema del Mal Humor (Burning of the Foul Mood), an event that usually brings together dozens of people in a variety of costumes to kick off the festivities. However, the group of young people attracted the attention of both the public and security elements present.

Valentín Hernández, president of the Junta de Mejoras de Tuzamapan (Tuzamapan Improvement Board), explained that they were local youths who joined the parade without having been previously registered. Their attire imitated the aesthetics of criminal groups, something that was neither planned nor authorized.

The municipal police intervened when they noticed the CJNG hitmen costumes, not only because of the image they projected, but also because of the risk of generating confusion or panic among the attendees.

An official approached the town authorities to make the observation and a dialogue was held with the young men disguised as CJNG hitmen. They were asked not to use that type of clothing again, said Hernández.

The intervention didn’t go beyond a warning, but it did result in a measure: the use of costumes that promote the figure of organized crime is prohibited during the remaining days of the carnival.

What will happen if someone insists on wearing such costumes?

Local authorities were emphatic: whoever wears costumes related to criminal groups may be detained by security forces.

The decision seeks to prevent these images, which in some contexts become aspirational for young people, from becoming normalized in public and festive spaces.

“That issue is going to be checked. It will not be allowed and if someone uses it, it will be under their own responsibility,” reiterated the president of the organizing committee.

The Tuzamapan carnival, to be held from May 1 to 6, will continue with its cultural and traditional activities, such as papaquis, comparsas and parades, but under new rules of coexistence, which set clear limits to the representation of organized violence.

Source: Imagen del Golfo