Los Alegres del Barranco and Narcocorridos: What’s Next for the Group Charged with Apologia of Crime

Web Editor

May 11, 2025

a man with a hat and a cigarette in his mouth and a cigarette in his mouth with a hole in the middle

Background on Los Alegres del Barranco

Los Alegres del Barranco is a well-known Sinaloan group that has been performing traditional Mexican music, including narcocorridos, for decades. Narcocorridos are a subgenre of corrido music that often depict the lives of drug cartels and their leaders. The group gained attention for their energetic performances and unique style, making them a staple in the regional music scene.

Charges and Controversy

In March 2023, Los Alegres del Barranco faced charges of apologia of crime after displaying images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the powerful Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), while performing “El del Palenque” during a concert in Zapopan. The band’s members, their representative, and the concert promoter were all implicated.

As a result, a judge issued restrictive measures, including a ban on leaving Jalisco and the payment of a 1.8 million pesos bail. The hearing to decide if they will be formally charged is scheduled for May 12.

Continued Performances Amidst Investigations

Despite the controversy, Los Alegres del Barranco continued to perform at public events. In April, during Jalisco’s Piña Fair, they performed “El del Palenque” again, sparking further investigations by authorities.

In Michoacán, where a decree had previously banned narcocorridos, a federal judge granted an amparo to the band, allowing them to continue their performances in the state. The judge argued that the ban violated constitutional rights to freedom of expression and work.

Apologia of Crime: A Growing Debate

This case is part of a broader debate in Mexico regarding narcocorridos and their relationship with apologia of crime. In response, Arturo Ávila Anaya, a federal deputy and spokesperson for Morena’s Parliamentary Group, proposed reforms to the Federal Criminal Code.

Ávila Anaya’s initiative aims to add Article 208 to the Federal Criminal Code, imposing sanctions on media expressions that promote apologia of crime. The proposed legislation seeks to limit content deemed harmful, particularly in contexts where violence is a daily reality.

Several states have already implemented restrictions or outright bans on narcocorridos, while artists and freedom of expression advocates argue that such measures could be counterproductive and infringe on fundamental rights.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is apologia of crime? Apologia of crime refers to expressions that glorify or justify criminal activities, which is the basis for the charges against Los Alegres del Barranco.
  • Who is Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (“El Mencho”)? Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” is the leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations.
  • What are narcocorridos? Narcocorridos are a subgenre of Mexican folk music that often depict the lives and activities of drug cartels and their leaders.
  • What is the proposed reform to the Federal Criminal Code? The proposed reform aims to add Article 208, which would impose sanctions on media expressions promoting apologia of crime.
  • What are the arguments for and against restrictions on narcocorridos? Supporters argue that restrictions can help curb glorification of criminal activities, while opponents claim these measures could infringe on freedom of expression and be counterproductive.