Key facts
- Many Mexicans are celebrating the World Cup with outdoor gatherings in host cities.
- In regions affected by cartel violence, celebrations are muted and confined indoors.
- Residents in areas like Michoacan and Sinaloa express fear and exhaustion due to ongoing violence.
- Local businesses in affected areas report slow sales and reduced customer activity during matches.
- The Mexican government reports a decline in homicides, but analysts note continued violence and disappearances.
While Mexico celebrates the World Cup with vibrant street gatherings in its host cities, large parts of the country remain under the shadow of cartel violence, muting the festivities for many.
In villages and towns where shootings are a daily reality, cheers are largely confined to homes. Residents express nervousness and exhaustion, with real-life concerns overshadowing the tournament. A lime grower from Michoacan described drone attacks during a recent match and noted that people no longer gather for games or place bets as they once did.
Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, faces similar challenges. Despite being a World Cup host city, it is plagued by violence from rival cartel factions. Many residents seek refuge in pubs or friends' homes, hoping to momentarily forget their circumstances. Local businesses, like a restaurant owned by chef José Miguel Taniyama, have seen slow sales, with patrons rushing home immediately after matches due to security fears.
On the Gulf Coast, in Poza Rica, intensified cartel violence has led to empty streets even after important matches. A local business owner, Guillermo Núñez, stated that the violence has diminished the desire to go out and watch soccer, with many changing their routines due to safety concerns.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has presented a positive outlook, highlighting the nation's happiness with the World Cup and emphasizing a message of joy and excitement. She also pointed to a decline in homicides since she took office, with average daily killings at their lowest rate in a decade for the period of January through May. However, analysts caution that violence remains acute in several areas, and people continue to disappear.
Despite the official figures, a sense of resignation and persistent fear pervades many communities. Residents in border towns like Miguel Alemán in Tamaulipas note improvements, such as shorter shooting incidents, allowing for limited outdoor activity. Yet, the ever-present threat of crime in broad daylight remains a stark reality for many.