**Primary Article:**
**Culiacán Livestock Fair and Palenque Suspended Over Narcocorrido Performers, Says Governor**
The highly anticipated Expo Ganadera and Palenque event in Culiacán, set to occur from November 14 to December 1, 2024, has been canceled. The announcement was made by the governor of Sinaloa, who cited the involvement of narcocorrido singers as a potential catalyst for violence.
Emerging from a meeting at the National Palace with federal officials, Governor Rubén Rocha Moya emphasized that the suspension of these events was not influenced by the narcomanta—a threatening sign toward him and his family—that appeared in Culiacán on November 10, 2024.
“We had to cancel the fair to preempt any issues that could lead to violence. It wasn’t the manta specifically that led to this decision,” Rocha Moya clarified to the media. He stressed that narcocorridos, a genre often linked to the glorification of drug cartels, posed a specific threat to public safety. “Despite full stadiums for baseball games, different events come with unique risks,” he noted, underscoring that ensuring safety remains a priority while combating ongoing violence in Sinaloa.
The Regional Livestock Union of Sinaloa also released a statement, highlighting their commitment to community safety as the reason behind the cancellation. The organization recognized the economic and cultural significance of the Expo Ganadera but deemed the current situation untenable for guaranteeing its economic viability and public safety.
In response to circulating reports and threats targeting the governor’s family, the state administration condemned such acts while allowing event organizers to decide on cancellations. Governor Rocha Moya also addressed rumors of alleged involvement in criminal activities, stating there was no basis for any legal inquiries against him regarding these issues.
**Secondary Article:**
**Broader Implications and Reactions in Sinaloa Following Event Suspensions**
The decision to cancel the Expo Ganadera and Palenque echoes broader security concerns in Sinaloa, where fears of cartel influence and violence persist. Recent incidents, such as the murder of Faustino Hernández Álvarez, former president of the Sinaloa Regional Livestock Union, underscore the tense climate. His assassination raised alarms about the reach and impact of organized crime in the region.
The canceled events were of significant importance, not just culturally but economically, as they support over 300 families. Casa Blanca Productions, responsible for organizing the Palenque, acknowledged the difficult decision to postpone and reschedule events for the first half of 2025, reinforcing their priority on social responsibility and public safety.
While these cancellations spotlight ongoing challenges, they also highlight the resilience and adaptation strategies required by communities and authorities in dealing with entrenched security issues. The Sinaloa state government reassures that comprehensive measures are in place to ensure safety at public gatherings, prioritizing enhanced cooperation with federal forces to foster a secure environment conducive to conducting daily activities and events safely.
Local authorities and stakeholders continue to work towards diminishing the pervasive fear and fostering peace, recognizing these events as essential for maintaining both cultural heritage and economic stability in Sinaloa. Meanwhile, updates on the forthcoming rearranged events are to be provided through official channels, with a promise of greater safety and satisfaction for participants and spectators alike.