Mexico has many different types and regional variations of music, as well as Mexican rock, pop, punk, post rock, banda, ranchero, marching music (for parades), to name a few. I am always tickled about how Mexicans use their music for just about everything – it is very hard to sit anywhere in Mexico for an hour or so and not hear music playing somewhere nearby. Usually it’s a private party, but it could be parade, a celebration of the neighborhood’s patron saint, workmen with a loudspeaker on, or even a car driving by.
Big speakers are popular I Mexico. They are sold by the thousands in department stories, electronics stories, dollar sores, street corner popup markets, garage sales (which are usually front of the house sidewalk sales) – you name it Every household has some kind of big speaker, sometimes two.
One form of music that I would normally find a little loud and jarring if it is stand alone is Meican party music. But itg is great when it fits perfectly in context One of the best contexts is as music used in the Charreada –often called the Mexican rodeo, but different from American or Canadian rodeos. Sometimes the music is mariachi, which is a wonderful artform. Other times it is party music – often tuba-led, very loud, fast and noisy, great for dancing, lots of percussion and often atonal melodic elements.
I went to the Gran Charreada this afternoon which was accompanied first by recorded Mexican party music, and then later by a local live band playing a even faster ad louder version.
The most interesting event was the Escaramuza Infantile – the complex horse drills performed by girls in full traditional skirts while riding sidesaddle. The girls at the Gran Charreada had just “graduated” – received their official sombreros and were showing off their skills, with a music accompaniment. The full Escaramuza with experienced women riders took place a little later, also with music.
It was a great afternoon, watching the skilled horsewomen and men (bull riding and roping, among the men’s events). The music was not the feature, but it added to the ambiance. A little later we dropped in on Ellizé and her trio at Baja Norte and soaked in her great voice. The next musical stop was La Cochera Cultural for the the penetrating emotional music of Flamenco at a dance performance that evening. All in all, a good day for music and, horses and dance. Check out the video for this unusual use of Mexican party music, and a little Flamenco.
Patrick O’Heffernan