MEXICO CITY – While walking through the streets of Mexico City, Youth Journalism International students saw dozens of organ grinders. These street performers played hand-cranked mechanical organs, filling the air with music.
They are a beloved symbol of the city’s vibrant street culture, offering both entertainment and a connection to Mexico’s rich musical heritage.
Brought to Mexico from Germany in the late 1800s, the organ grinders became incredibly popular during the Mexican Revolution.
Watching the uniformed men playing both traditional Mexican folk songs and pop hits provides a charming experience for travelers.
Sreehitha Gandluri is a Senior Correspondent with Youth Journalism International from Maryland, U.S.A. She wrote this article.
Contributing video or photos were YJI Senior Correspondent Norah Springborn of Illinois, U.S.A.; and Reporters Cassiane Saraiva of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Samantha Esquivel of Matamoros, Mexico and Anya Farooqui of Karachi, Pakistan.
Above left: Sreehitha Gandluri, Norah Springborn and Anya Farooqui at Museo National de Arte. At right, Samantha Esquivel and Cassiane Saraiva at Chapultepec Castle.
