Los Ornelas

Los Huracanes del Norte's song "Los Ornelas" is a poignant corrido that narrates a tragic story of bravery, family loyalty, and treachery. The song is set in 1977 and recounts the events of a fateful day, May 15th, when five brothers—Pedro, Juan, José, Francisco, and Teodomiro Ornelas—met their untimely deaths in a cockfighting arena. The brothers, hailing from the ranch of El Reparito, were known for their courage and determination, traits that ultimately led them to their tragic end.

The narrative unfolds in Michoacán, where the Ornelas brothers participated in a high-stakes cockfighting event. They faced competitors from various regions, including Apatzingán, Toluca, Guerrero, and the Distrito Federal. Despite their father's tearful pleas to avoid the dangerous event, the brothers were resolute in fulfilling their commitment. Their father, a wealthy and good-hearted man, feared for their safety, but his warnings went unheeded as the brothers mounted their horses and rode off to the arena.

The climax of the song reveals the treachery that led to the brothers' demise. After winning all their matches and securing a substantial sum of ten million pesos, the Ornelas brothers were ambushed by twenty armed men, orchestrated by their rival, José Sagrero. The ambush was a cowardly act driven by fear and jealousy, resulting in the deaths of the five brothers and two of their horses. The song concludes with the image of the Sagrero men fleeing in terror, leaving behind a scene of senseless violence and loss. "Los Ornelas" serves as a somber reminder of the perils of pride and the devastating consequences of betrayal.