Recent revelations indicate that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’ and the leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), was a sponsor of the popular bullfighting carnival held in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco. Documents discovered in his last hideout detail his financial backing for this event, which is a significant part of local cultural celebrations. The carnival significant for its blend of jaripeos, bullfights, and regional music, was set to take place from February 8 to 16, showcasing prominent artists in the regional Mexican music scene.

A handwritten note uncovered at the Tapalpa Country Club reveals scheduled performances by well-known artists such as Julión Álvarez, Edén Muñoz, and José Alfredo Olivas, indicating a line-up designed to attract large crowds. The extent of ‘El Mencho's’ involvement underscores a troubling connection between organized crime and cultural events, raising concerns about safety and the integrity of such local traditions. It illustrates how criminal organizations can infiltrate and exert influence over significant social gatherings.

The carnival's planned festivities reveal a juxtaposition of cultural celebration with the presence of criminal sponsorship, which can put both performers and audiences at risk. As local officials grapple with the realities of crime’s impact on community landmarks, this scenario exemplifies the challenges faced in regions controlled by powerful cartels. The implications of such findings could prompt increased scrutiny of artists and events linked to these sponsorships, affecting community trust and the safety of future celebrations.