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. |
BAFTA Television Awards 2024: Ashley James puts on a VERY leggy display in a thighBlinken delivers strongest US criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza warApple Store employees in Maryland vote to authorize a first strike over working conditionsNimmo rescues Mets off the bench on Mother's Day. Senga's rehab progressing slowlyPitcher Brayan Bello comes off IL to start against Nats; Josh Winckowski sent to TripleBleday homers, Estes earns first win as A's beat Mariners 8Bob Dylan painting from his Woodstock years up for auctionSteve Stricker cites fatigue and a busy schedule for pulling out of PGAGermany limits cash benefit payments for asylumUkraine's first lady and foreign minister visit Russia