MEXICO CITY – In the streets here, it is impossible to turn a corner without hearing at least one song. Whether in a market or walking past a museum, music is a constant in Mexico. But the source of the music and its genre can vary.
This music often comes from talented street musicians who play for money.
At the Youth Journalism International Global Conference in Mexico City, we encountered rock bands, singers, violinists, and organ players.
These people performing on the streets of Mexico are just like us, trying to provide for themselves and their families. The street music we heard ranged from traditional Mexican music to contemporary English songs.
So often it is easy to walk past musicians even if we are enjoying their performance. But the smile you receive when you compensate them for their talent can make your day.
Street musicians bring a sense of warmth and creativity to Mexico that allow us, as tourists, to appreciate the vitality of the city.
Although most music was in Spanish, we also passed by a couple artists playing popular American songs, one of whom played a cover of the song ‘Dance Monkey’ on violin.
Occasionally, street musicians would be accompanied by dancers who enticed the crowd into enjoying the performance further, possibly spurring a rise in money given. These dancers often performed to traditional Mexican music and danced with traditional Mexican attire.
Whether a mariachi band or women tap-dancing in traditional Mexican attire, the visual element of these performances brought life to the music. For example, when we were queuing outside a restaurant, being entertained by performers made the wait enjoyable.
Musicians usually come in pairs or groups – some to sing, play instruments or dance, and others to collect money.
For instance, the organ grinders – a group of musicians who are only seen in Mexico City – generally work in pairs. One plays the organ, and the other sifts through the crowd, collecting pesos.
We also witnessed the performance of a group of drum players who were perfectly coordinated. Their hand movement was incredible as they kept in-sync with each other while focusing on their craft.
But the music heard is not reserved to street musicians. It was also often heard from street vendors who used speakers – or sometimes performances – as a way to advertise their goods, ranging from food to jewelry.
By calling attention to themselves using music, vendors attract customers to their stalls.
Music is part of the vibrant culture of Mexico, and we were honored to be able to experience it.
One evening, while exploring Alameda Central – a downtown park near the Palace of Fine Arts – YJI students ended up dancing to street music. As we danced together, other passersby joined in, and an impromptu dance party began.
This was a fun moment for us fostered by the lively nature of music in Mexico City, one that anyone who visits can experience.
Anjola Fashawe is a Correspondent with Youth Journalism International from London. She co-wrote this article.
Anya Farooqui is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Karachi, Pakistan. She co-wrote this article and contributed a photo.
Samantha Esquivel is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Matamoros, Mexico. She co-wrote this article and contributed photos and video.
