No masks in public spaces: Mexico tightens restrictions on Halloween celebrations due to rising violence

Three cities in northern Mexico — Tijuana in Baja California, Hermosillo in Sonora, and Mazatlán in Sinaloa — have implemented strict measures for Halloween celebrations on October 31. These restrictions include banning masks and costumes that fully cover the face, both in public spaces and while driving, and are aimed at increasing public safety amid the rising violence in the country.

In Tijuana, the city council announced a special operation that includes strategic patrols and a prohibition on masks and face paint in public areas during Halloween. Juan Manuel Sánchez Rosales, the Secretary of Public Security, reported that over 450 police officers would be deployed to popular locations such as shopping centers and Avenida Revolución, where an estimated 15,000 people are expected to gather.

Arnulfo Guerrero León, General Secretary of the municipal government, said the goal is to maintain security without disrupting citizens’ activities. “If adults refuse to remove their masks or engage in inappropriate behavior, they will be detained and brought before the municipal judge,” he stated in a press conference.

According to Article 67 of municipal regulations, officers have the authority to arrest individuals attempting to hide their identity to prevent conflicts. Additionally, road checkpoints will be set up at strategic locations to manage traffic flow, with particular focus on the areas around Avenida Revolución. Driving with a covered face or using prosthetics that significantly alter one’s appearance is also prohibited. Tijuana has enforced similar restrictions since 2008, with 12 minor arrests recorded during the 2020 Halloween celebration.

In Hermosillo, Sonora, authorities have been reminding the public for over four years that dressing up as police officers or any other security personnel is prohibited. They also urge citizens to avoid carrying replica weapons to prevent alarming the public.

Sinaloa’s Secretary of Security, Gerardo Medina Sánchez, explained that during Halloween celebrations, costumes can lead to civilians being mistaken for members of organized crime. He advised against costumes that might inadvertently promote crime. “Avoid costumes, masks, and plastic weapons. If I may say, respectfully, in the dark, all cats are gray,” he said.

Additionally, event venues are required to obtain official permits to host Halloween parties. Rogelio Olivas Osuna, the city’s Chief Officer, noted that no permit requests have been received so far, though inspections will be conducted in nightclubs, restaurants, bars, and other venues where costume contests could take place.

Following Halloween, Mazatlán will maintain these security protocols for the Day of the Dead celebrations, with more than 250 officers stationed in party zones and cemeteries.

Across the three cities, individuals who do not comply with these restrictions will face sanctions. Offenders could face fines upwards of 3,000 pesos ($150), or up to 36 hours of detention.

These measures are part of efforts to ensure public safety amid the rising violence, particularly in Sinaloa, where, for almost two months, rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel have been engaged in violent conflict. The ongoing clashes between Los Chapitos and allies of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada have resulted in over 200 deaths and more than 250 kidnappings since hostilities began on September 9.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition