Queretaro's Governor imposes a ban on "Narco Ballads"
In a bid to protect public peace and morals, particularly the influence on children and adolescents, the government of Querétaro has issued a decree banning the performance and playback of narcocorridos, a music genre that glorifies crime and violence, at public events and spaces.
The decree, announced by Governor Mauricio Kuri González on August 17th, applies to public spaces such as fairs, plazas, stadiums, auditoriums, and performance centers. It also urges Querétaro's 18 municipalities to adapt their regulations to extend this restriction to private establishments like bars and entertainment centers.
Governor Kuri emphasized that the measure is not about silencing voices but about protecting values. He stated, "We are committed to decency, life, and values, and we will not allow violence to be encouraged or criminals to be celebrated." Kuri also called for civic responsibility, stating that freedom does not exist without responsibility.
The ban is part of a broader movement in Mexico where some states have enacted similar bans in response to increased violence linked to drug cartels and the content of narcocorridos, which often praise organized crime figures. The government justifies the ban referencing limits to freedom of expression established by Mexico’s Supreme Court when expression violates public morality or incites crime.
Reactions to the decree have been mixed. While authorities and business groups have expressed support, the ban has sparked nationwide controversy. Critics argue that the measure could be seen as censorship or ineffective in addressing root causes of violence. High-profile violence connected with narcocorrido musicians, such as the recent murder of Ernesto Barajas of Enigma Norteño, highlights the risks involved and fuels the urgency for such measures.
Despite the controversy, Kuri maintains that there are limits when an artistic expression normalizes violence or incites crime. He recognizes the value of music as a cultural expression but believes that it should not glorify crime.
As Querétaro moves forward with this ban, it remains to be seen how it will impact the community and the broader music industry in Mexico. The decision aligns with a trend in Mexican states taking legal actions against violent music content amid the country’s struggles with organized crime.
In other news, Valle de Bravo is under curfew amid a security operation, and TechWeek 2021 begins in Queretaro. Two individuals were reported dead and 17 were wounded after an armed attack in San Miguel de Allende. Meanwhile, Ulises "N," second-in-command of La Barredora in Tabasco, was arrested in Jalisco. Governor Kuri was recently recognised as the best qualified in the country according to a survey.
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