We live in strange times, indeed. The sons of the infamous Mexican drug cartel boss, El Chapo, are said to have hosted a bizarre Christmas party for the people of an unnamed village in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The “drug cartel festival” included gifts of free cars and toys from the Sinaloa Cartel to the local townspeople. On the one hand, it seems so kind; on the other hand, I’m not sure how “kind” the Sinaloa Cartel can actually be. They would have to hand out a lot of Chevys. 

El Chapo’s kids throw lavish Christmas party for loyal locals

According to The Daily Mail, Narco fiesta held by the incarcerated drug lord’s four sons, Ovidio Guzmán López, Joaquín Guzmán López, Ivan Archivaldo Guzmán, Jesús Alfredo Guzmán – otherwise known as Los Chapitos – was in honor of the “posada,” a religious tradition celebrated in Mexico and Latin America that recalls the journey that Mary and Joseph endured in search of a safe refuge for Mary to give birth to Jesus.

While photos and videos have leaked of this bizarre cartel Christmas event, the exact day and location of the Posada celebration are unknown. The photos and videos show a band performing in front of a row of eight new Chevrolet compact sedans raffled off to the townsfolk. Massive piles of toys were given to the children, along with the music and cars. This Christmas event seemed like a pretty festive affair, by all accounts. 

El Chapo’s kids are following an old Mexican drug cartel tactic

While cartels mean something specific to many Americans, they can represent something different to those under their rule. These types of holiday parties and over-the-top gift-giving events are somewhat common in cartel-controlled areas.

“Los Chapitos” were simply following in their father’s footsteps. El Chapo and his former associate Pablo Escobar often gave away lavish gifts to show gratitude to those who displayed loyalty to the cartel, especially during Christmas.

According to the Daily Mail, Escobar once ordered the construction of more than 200 homes for low-income families living in the Medellin slum of Moravia. He also built more than 50 soccer pitches. He also made his henchmen deliver loads of gifts ahead of Christmas. Don’t misunderstand; these gifts and moments of kindness – while helpful to the locals – do not make these people moral or decent. However, the relationship between the locals and the drug lords can be complicated. 

Who runs the Sinaloa Cartel now? 

Since the international efforts to apprehend El Chapo, his sons have quickly risen to high ranks within the criminal organization. Los Chapitos are clearly trying to garner the same loyalty from the locals as their father did. Gifts of this magnitude are quite generous in this area. Hell, pick any area in the world, start giving away Chevrolets, and see how many friends you make.

It may be bizarre and ultimately an act of bad faith, but you can’t deny the cheerfulness of this event, even if it must be isolated in order to be seen.