A prominent rider from Salta was banned from a festival for being a candidate of LLA.

Ignacio Noceti, a prominent rider from Salta and nationally recognized for his participation in the Festival of Jesús María, was unexpectedly banned from the Gaucho Festival in Las Lajitas, Anta department, Salta, in a serious case of political persecution.

The reason for the censorship, according to the organization, was his recent candidacy for provincial deputy for the political space La Libertad Avanza, the party led by president Javier Milei.

The decision was communicated a few days before the event, leaving no room for reaction for the gaucho artist, who had enthusiastically participated in this traditional festival organized by the Municipality of Las Lajitas for four years, currently led by Mayor Fernando "Pini" Alabi. Noceti tried to contact the organizers and municipal authorities to obtain an official explanation or reverse the authoritarian measure, but received no response.

In this context, Noceti expressed his sadness because partisan political issues are being mixed with the traditions of his people and the town he represents. Although he is not to blame for anything, he regrets the situation and apologizes to his fellow riders who, like him, were also prevented from participating, a completely unjustified decision.

Noceti's exclusion caused a strong backlash on social media, where there is concern about how the dark practices of the political caste are beginning to affect spaces of cultural and popular expression that should be neutral and representative of ideological diversity.

The elections in Salta

Meanwhile, the political climate in Salta intensifies ahead of the legislative elections on May 11, when the people of Salta will go to the polls to renew provincial and municipal authorities. In total, 30 deputies, 12 senators, 232 municipal convention members, 121 councilors, and a mayor will be elected, representing a significant renewal in local legislative and executive bodies.

María Emilia Orozco, national deputy for Salta and a key figure of La Libertad Avanza in the province, leads the political organization and campaign of Milei's space in Salta. The exclusion of a candidate due to political affiliation not only harms the gaucho festival but also exposes a concerning persecution of new political forces seeking to make their way in the province.

The use of public resources and spaces by the political caste to punish or reward according to political affinity threatens not only freedom of expression but also the democratic and federal essence that defines the Argentine people.