Hilario Carrillo

The song "Hilario Carrillo" by Grupo Montez De Durango tells the story of a man named Hilario Carrillo, set in the early 20th century. Grupo Montez De Durango is known for their Duranguense music, a genre that blends Mexican banda, cumbia, and norteño styles, often featuring narrative ballads that tell stories of life, love, and often, conflict. The lyrics of this song recount a tragic event in the life of Carrillo, who was a judge in Cordada and Defensa, indicating his role in the community as someone with authority and responsibility.

The song narrates an incident that begins with Carrillo feeling restless and deciding to attend a bullfight instead of a cockfight. The change of plans leads to a confrontation at the bullfighting event in San Pedro, where Carrillo's skills as a horseman and roper are challenged. The lyrics describe a tense scene where Carrillo fails at a roping attempt and is mocked by the crowd, including a man named Pascual. The confrontation escalates when Carrillo invites Pascual to try roping himself, hinting at an existing rivalry between the two men. The situation turns deadly when Pascual Ortega, described as 'violent as lightning,' shoots Carrillo, leading to his death.

The song serves as a cautionary tale about pride, honor, and the consequences of public confrontations. It reflects on the culture of machismo and the importance of reputation in certain communities, where challenges to one's abilities can lead to violence. The narrative style of the song is typical of corridos, a genre of Mexican music that often tells stories of heroes, villains, and dramatic events, and is a significant part of the cultural heritage of Mexico and the southwestern United States.