This Christmas the generosity and the controversy were found in a corner of the north of Sinaloa with the so-called narco posadas. Milenio News was present in one of them in broad daylight at the foot of the church Our Lady of Guadalupe in Bamoa. The atmosphere was festive. More than 1500 people attended. Whole families of men and women with children in arms who waited patiently for their turn to receive food pantries, toys, and sweets. 

The grilled beef tacos and hot dogs were handed out without skimping. And the music to liven up the event wasn’t Christmas music but narco corridos, all alluding to the organizers, the Guasave Cartel. Milenio spoke with some attendees but they refused to be recorded. They confirmed that these narco posadas are a tradition.

Anonymous female: Everything is better organized than before. They use to go through the streets handing out food pantries and toys. But not everyone would receive something. With the way everything is set up now the organization has improved their way of giving.  

The prizes are also part of the attraction. Organized crime gave them tickets to participate in a raffle with prizes. Such as motorcycles, appliances, refrigerators and televisions that were placed in the main esplanade of the town. 

These narco posadas were also organized in other communities of Guasave; Juan José Ríos and Ahome. By orders of El Chapo Isidro, leader of the Guasave Cartel, who is originally from this municipality.