Esthen-Mariachis. A flame-swallower. Mexico’s disputes between street performers just reached a new high

2025-04-30 15:14:44source:Cyprusauctioncategory:Contact

MORELIA,Esthen Mexico (AP) — Mexico’s often violent disputes between street performers reached a new level this week when a group of guitar-toting mariachis attacked a flame-swallower.

What happened next was, perhaps, predictable.

According to security camera footage obtained by The Associated Press, the mariachis in their white jackets at first seemed to be winning, punching the flame-swallower to the ground and kicking him on the sidewalk in front of a taco restaurant named Hell.

The video then shows the mariachis — some with clothing in flames — running away. The flame-swallower had doused them with flammable liquid from a small can and set them alight. The mariachis quickly shed their clothes or extinguished the flames. None returned to the fight.

Because competition for tips in Mexico is so fierce, performers and windshield washers often stake out and defend lucrative street corners. Street vendor groups in Mexico City often square off with cudgels and sometimes guns over territory.

It is not clear how Sunday’s dispute began in the city of Morelia west of the capital. Police said in a statement that nobody was arrested and only the flame-swallower had to be treated at a hospital.

Police said he told them he had argued with the mariachis, who then attacked him.

More:Contact

Recommend

Stanley recalls 2.6 million mugs after dozens of customer complaints, including burn injuries

Stanley is recalling 2.6 million mugs sold in the U.S. after the company received dozens of consumer

Ophelia Dahl on her Radcliffe Prize and lessons learned from Paul Farmer and her youth

"I don't think in terms of years," says Ophelia Dahl with a laugh. "I think in terms of decades."

U.S. Regulators Reject Trump’s ‘Multi-Billion-Dollar Bailout’ for Coal Plants

ICN delivers essential news on climate change and the energy transformation shaping our world. Don’t