Los Alegres del Barranco report song censorship in Mexico City

The musical group Los Alegres del Barranco has accused authorities of censorship following a performance in Mexico City where several songs were omitted from their repertoire. Vocalist José Pavel Moreno stated that government representatives arrived before the concert to specify which tracks could not be performed.

The group's legal troubles began in March 2025 after a concert in Zapopan, Jalisco, where images related to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, were displayed during the song ‘El Dueño del Palenque’. This incident led to investigations for alleged ‘apología del delito’ (apology for crime), legal proceedings against members, and the revocation of their U.S. work and tourist visas.

In response to these events, several local congresses in Mexico have approved reforms to prohibit narcocorridos and the apology of crime in public shows. Moreno expressed that while the group respects the law to avoid further legal issues, he believes the restrictions are an attack on freedom of expression and noted an inconsistency in how these songs are treated compared to their popularity in the United States.