For nearly 250 years, the Mexican town of Paracho, has been known for its high-quality, hand-made acoustic guitars but it is a tradition under threat from drug violence and an influx of cheaper instruments.

Streams of tourist used to fill Michoacan's streets but now they are often empty as visitors shun the violence and negative elements associated with drug trafficking.

Experts say with global and social forces coming down heavily on them now, they stand to lose that part of their identity.

Al Jazeera's Franc Contreras reports from Paracho, Mexico.