Some of my closest friends have been (and continue to be) musicians. And, one of the things I find so appealing about Oaxaca is that music is everywhere and all the time. Marimbas are set up on sidewalks, accordions are almost ubiquitous, and free concerts occur weekly in the zócalo. Music is honored and valued as an integral part of the culture — a birthright.
Each of the 8 regions of the state has its own distinctive “sones” and “jarabes” and they are tremendous source of pride. Within a bar or two of Pinotepa, Canción Mixteca, or any one of Oaxaca’s regional anthems, the clapping begins, tears may well up, and audiences of all ages begin singing the lyrics. Thus, a major feature of the modern “Mondays on the Hill” that is Guelaguetza, is the performance of the music and dance of each of the regions.
And, so I give you, some of the musicians who played almost non-stop for 3 hours, while their delegations danced their way through the streets of Oaxaca city during the last two Saturday evening Guelaguetza desfiles (parades).
Here’s to the musicians, long may they play!
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