Temperature; +23C Wind; 0.5 m/sec Rain; None

DON'T GO THERE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES !

THINGS THAT WENT WRONG;

a. Guy was occupied with cleaning his nose more than with the playing a violin
b. About 10, if not more, mariachis were tearing me apart with proposals to serenade
c. Someone gently tapped my side pockets twice or 3 times, cannot remember
d. The level of noise exceeded that of commercial aircraft during a take-off
e. Strong backlight required very meticulous preparation for each shot
f. Needed to watch & guard Vera while she was taking this shot

Although the origins of Mariachi music go back hundreds of years, in the form we know it the Mariachi began in the nineteenth century in the Mexican state of Jalisco - according to popular legend, in the town of Cocula. The Mariachi was the distinctive version of the Spanish theatrical orchestra of violins, harp and guitars which developed in and around Jalisco. In other areas such as Veracruz and the Huasteca region in the northeast, the ensemble evolved differently. By the end of the nineteenth century, in Cocula the vihuela, two violins, and the guitarró n (which had replaced the harp) were the instruments of the Mariachi.

The principal music played by these early Mariachis was the SON, the popular music of the day. A mixture of folk traditions from Spain, Mexico, and Africa, the son was found in many regions of the country.
A mariachi ensemble is an integration of stringed instruments highly influenced by the cultural impacts of the colonial era. Throughout the history of mariachi, musicians have experimented with brass, wind, and percussion instruments. Mariachi music has become emblematic of Mexican music by appropriating various Mexican regional song forms, experimenting in popular radio programs, appearing in the first Mexican films etc.

The mariachi ensemble generally consists of violins, trumpets, an acoustic guitar, a vihuela (a high-pitched, five-string guitar), a guitarrón (a large acoustic bass) and, on occasion, a harp. They dress in silver studded charro outfits with wide-brimmed hats. The original Mariachi were Mexican street musicians or buskers. Many mariachis are professional entertainers doing paid gigs in the mainstream entertainment industry. They sometimes accompany ranchera singers such as Vicente Fernandez or even pop star Luis Miguel.