People run through fireworks during the fall fiesta in Cheran, Michoacan, Mexico on Sunday, October 5, 2014. The town of Cheran holds two annual fiestas to celebrate their culture and religious beliefs. In April 2011, after years of extortion by the local cartels and complacency of local government and police, the people of Cheran reclaimed their town and their land. The Pueblo (translated as people or community) confronted the cartel, removed the government from office, and created their own police force to guard the city.

---

People run through fireworks during the fall fiesta in Cher‡n, Michoac‡n, Mexico on Sunday, October 5, 2014. The town of Cher‡n holds two annual fiestas to celebrate their culture and religious beliefs. In April 2011, after years of extortion by the local cartels and complacency of local government and police, the people of Cher‡n reclaimed their town and their land. The Pueblo (translated as people or community) confronted the cartel, removed the government from office, and created their own police force to guard the city. Since that day more than 30 communities in the surrounding area have followed their lead and saw vigilante groups take control of towns under the name Autodefensa (self defence).

---

Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Cherán, Michoacán, Mexico
Photo credit: © Brett Gundlock / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: autodefensa, beliefs, cartel, cartels, celebration, cherá, culture, drug, extortion, fall, fiesta, fire, force, government, mexican, mexico, michoacá, police, religion, religious, ronda, safety, security, vigilante, violence, war, works