More than 60,000 people, according to Civil Protection, took to the streets of the municipality of Uruapan this Friday, demanding security, justice and peace after the murder of the town’s mayor, Carlos Manzo, on November 1 while celebrating the Day of the Dead.
Under the name ‘March for Peace and Justice’, the demonstration was called by the business sector, merchants and various associations, which completely closed the local stores.
With music, Mexican flags, banners, white clothing and hats, in honor of the councilor, people walked through the main streets of the city to Plaza Morelos, where Grecia Quiroz, Manzo’s widow and new mayor since Wednesday, gave a speech.
“They would have to kill us all so that this fight can stop (…). I ask you to see me as an instrument of Carlos Manzo because I am going to continue his legacy, I am going to continue under his principles and his values,” Quiroz shouted.
Regarding her meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum this Wednesday, the councilor expressed that “it was not to go and fold her hands, it was to demand that she turn to see Uruapan.”
More context: Students protest in Uruapan after the murder of Mayor Carlos Manzo
In the previous days, security in the region was reinforced by elements of the Army, National Guard and municipal police, who permanently inspect people who cross the limits of the city of about 300,000 inhabitants.
This Thursday, the state prosecutor’s office identified a 17-year-old minor, who was killed after the attack, as Manzo’s alleged murderer and whom he linked to organized crime groups.
The murder of the mayor after a public Day of the Dead event in Uruapan has generated strong indignation in Michoacán, where protests and clashes between protesters and police forces have been recorded, and throughout Mexico.
According to the Government, Manzo had federal and municipal protection since 2024, which was also reinforced at the beginning of 2025.
Several criminal organizations operate in Uruapan, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Los Caballeros Templarios, Los Viagras, Pueblos Unidos and Los Blancos de Troya.
With information from EFE.
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