After the start of the wave of violence in Sinaloa from the September 9, musicians y waiters have been one of the most affected sectors due to the lack of events, which is why this Thursday, November 21, the Jalemos con la Banda festivalin the vicinity of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, Culiacán.
With this initiative, where more than 150 local musicians and four mariachis gathered, we sought to support more than 800 families of the restaurant union, temporary and unemployed, affected by the violence in the entity, since only from November 9 to 20 Sinaloa has exceeded 500 missing people due to clashes between rival drug trafficking groups, according to the count carried out by the newspaper Northwest.
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The invitation was made on social networks by the businessman and chef Miguel Taniyama, who urged the population to donate food to support the affected people. The event took place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in front of the Cathedral, where the chef, in a team with gastronomy students from the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS) prepared a huge aguachile that they sold to benefit those affected.
For his part, Sergio Álvarez Torres, president of Canacintra Culiacán, He said that “the recovery of public spaces lost due to the violence that has affected the entity since September depends largely on the active participation of citizens.”
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DISCONFORMITY WITH THE EVENT, BEFORE THE HUNGER STRIKE
A photo was released on social networks in which a group of citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the event, since it took place next to where Rosa Lidia is located. Felix Camacho a mother who protests with a hunger strike with the intention of raising awareness among the authorities and the people who have her son, Jesús Tomas Félix Félix, who carries 21 days missing.
According to the latest report from the State Prosecutor’s Office, since the dispute between the criminal groups began, Sinaloa has accumulated 425 murders and 501 private persons of freedom. The three most relevant forms of violence for Sinaloa are homicides, deprivation of freedom y rvehicle shipment.
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What role do local leaders play in fostering community support during crises related to violence in Sinaloa?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on the Impact of Violence on Local Communities in Sinaloa
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the recent surge of violence in Sinaloa and its impact on local communities, particularly the music and restaurant sectors. With us is Dr. Alejandro Ruiz, an expert in social dynamics and community resilience in conflict zones. Dr. Ruiz, thank you for being here.
Dr. Alejandro Ruiz (AR): Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to talk about the human side of such crises.
TNE: Absolutely. We’ve seen a dramatic rise in violence, especially reported missing persons in Sinaloa, with over 500 cases in just a few weeks. How does this kind of violence affect daily life for residents, particularly in sectors like music and hospitality?
AR: The impact is profound. Music and hospitality are often the heartbeat of communities; they bring people together. With the recent violence, events have been canceled, leading to significant economic strain. Musicians and waiters, for instance, rely heavily on gatherings for their income. When fear overtakes the community, it stifles social activities and, consequently, livelihoods.
TNE: You’re right. We recently learned that the ”Jalemos con la Banda” festival was organized to support these sectors, gathering over 150 local musicians and four mariachi groups. What does this initiative signify in terms of community resilience?
AR: The festival represents a powerful form of community solidarity. It’s not just about music; it’s a statement of resistance against the violence. By coming together, the local population not only uplifts those directly affected—like the 800 families in the restaurant sector—but also fosters a sense of hope and normalcy.
TNE: It must have been an uplifting event amidst such challenging circumstances. It was initiated by chef Miguel Taniyama, who encouraged people to donate food. How important is leadership from figures like Taniyama in these situations?
AR: Leadership is critical. Figures like Taniyama can galvanize the community to take action. When someone uses their platform to organize support, it inspires others to rally around the cause. Social media also plays a crucial role in spreading awareness and mobilizing resources quickly, enabling collective action during crises.
TNE: With the fear of violence looming, what can communities do to maintain their cultural identity and support their local economies?
AR: Communities can focus on grassroots initiatives like festivals, workshops, and local markets to promote cultural identity while supporting local businesses. It’s vital to create safe spaces where people can gather, express themselves, and enjoy art, music, or food. Moreover, collaborating with local authorities to ensure safety during such events can facilitate the continuity of cultural practices.
TNE: That’s an insightful point. Despite the challenges, what does this say about the spirit of Sinaloa and its residents?
AR: It speaks volumes about resilience and hope. The desire to maintain cultural traditions and support one another in the face of adversity demonstrates the strength of community bonds. People are willing to come together to challenge the narrative of violence and find ways to support each other—this spirit is what will ultimately pave the way for recovery.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz. Your insights into the complex relationship between violence, community, and culture are invaluable. As we keep an eye on Sinaloa, let’s hope for continued resilience and unity among its people.
AR: Thank you for shining a light on this issue. It’s vital that we continue to support these communities and recognize their efforts to stand together against adversity.
TNE: Thank you again, Dr. Ruiz, and thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We’ll continue to monitor the situation in Sinaloa and share updates on how the community is responding to these challenges.