MORELIA, 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.
Politically motivated crimes in Germany reached their highest level in 2023 since tracking began
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
Pope trip to Luxembourg, Belgium confirmed for September, 2 weeks after challenging Asia visit
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
Victims of UK's infected blood scandal to receive final compensation payments
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 26
Election 2024: Biden and Trump bypassed the Commission on Presidential Debates
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 26
PHOTOS: At the Pet Gala, fashion goes to the dogs
‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
What to stream: Lenny Kravitz, South Park, 'Dune: Part 2'
Amtrak train hits pickup truck in upstate New York, 3 dead including child