Mazamitla Mayor Jorge Magaña has canceled all September 15 and 16 independence festivities in the Jalisco tourist town following several recent violent incidents involving rival criminal gangs.
“Holding massive public events at this time could put people at risk and would be an act of irresponsibility,” the mayor said. All other services will operate as normal, he said, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the attractions of this popular mountain getaway. The cancelation off the emotive “grito” ceremony will be a disappointment to hundreds of visitors; the local tourist office says accommodation occupancy in the town over the independence holiday is expected to be around 95 percent.