Archive for July, 2010

Mariachi music, quite obviously the heart and soul of Mexico to anyone who has traveled south of the border, frequently permeates the Puerto Vallarta evening air. Mariachis serenade women heard at weddings, celebrate special occasions such as Quinceañeras (girlsâ? Fifteenth birthday) and baptisms, Motherâ? S Day fiestas, and at private parties. The mariachis are also often seen and heard in many restaurants and canteens, and will be roving along the beach promenade, the Malecón and the total public parks.

The mariachis that perform at parties and special occasions are generally paid by the hour, while the exercise of their trade in the public areas, restaurants and canteens usually request a given amount of pesos per song. Other Mariachis as street musicians or buskers simply play their beautiful music for the public use and appreciate the tips they receive.

We all know who appreciate the unique sound of mariachi music when we hear it, but few of us really, what are other mariachi music. To be classified as mariachi, the group must include a guitarrón (a small, acoustic-based) and a yihuela (a shrill Five String Guitar) along with a Mexican guitar, three or more violins and one or more trumpets. Normally at least one of the musicians will also sing. The appearance of the mariachis is also quite unique in that they usually wear silver studded charro outfits with bow ties and wide-brimmed sombreros.

What is not so obvious and well known is the derivation of the word mariachi and the birthplace of mariachi. Although there are different opinions about the origin of the word mariachi, many believe the word itself is derived from a French? Mariageâ? Meaning wedding or marriage. There is no doubt that mariachi originated in the small town of Cocula, Jalisco, located in an agricultural valley about 100 miles east of Puerto Vallarta. Cocula, known as?? The cradle of mariachiâ ????, has a population of less than 30,000 inhabitants with its roots from Franciscan monks who persuaded the indigenous inhabitants of the surrounding areas to relocate to the valley soon after the Spanish Conquest around 1530AD. Their unique form of music was first documented in 1880 and has grown in popularity ever since. In fact, mariachi music became the symbol of the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920 because it represented the national spirit of the indigenous Mexican blood. It is really wasnâ? T until after 1930 that this particular form of music was also recognized outside the state of Jalisco. Of course, today the sights and sounds of the mariachi world, including almost every known.

Next, because numerous mariachi ensembles were in the entire state of Jalisco implementation and the music was ideal for dancing started her admirers the zapateado; traditional mariachi dance technique which originated in Spain. It became so popular that one of its varieties, the Mexican Hat Dance from Guadalajara (the capital of Jalisco and the second largest city in Mexico), soon became the national dance of Mexico. The dancers with their beautiful costumes provide a memorable sight as the floor with the heels of their shoes and flare their brightly colored clothes strike the intricate patterns and designs while dancing around a sombrero.

Now that we know that Mariachi, symbol of the Mexican Revolution, originated in the state of Jalisco, and that the national dance of Mexico, the Mexican Hat Dance, is also from Jalisco, we ask how these facts influence life in Vallarta today. Well, aside from the perfect climate in the winter season from November to May and the incredible scenery of the Sierra Madre and the Pacific Ocean, a visitor to the region, perhaps not even aware hea? S in Mexico with all the taxis, â? ? large boxa? Shops, air-conditioned shopping centers, multi-level parking garages, stadiums, airports, bus and shipping terminals, golf courses, hospitals, universities, convention centers, and other large and modern facilities you would expect in a city of 350,000 inhabitants. Therefore, to the unmistakable feeling of being in Mexico while visiting Vallarta receive, one should in some mariachi music and a hat dance (not to be confused with a lap dance!). Only then will the feeling be fully appreciated in Mexico, only then the true taste of Mexico will be enjoyed. The sights and sounds of Mexican mariachi are uniquely assigned as an illustration of the centuries-old cultural mix of Latin America and Europe.

In a summary, and this picture: youâ? Re your wife or girlfriend enjoying an evening meal in one of the fine restaurants on the beach with sea views and mountain views. The temperature is perfect, thereâ? Sat gentle evening breeze, are tropical flowers on the table, and youâ? Re relish a frozen margarita or cerveza while listening to mariachis and watch the sunset in paradise. It just doesnâ? T get much more romantic than that! Mexicans are known to be very romantic by nature and influenced by Mariachi, ITA?? S no wonder that Puerto Vallarta is one of the most romantic resort destinations is known in the world. What better place to retire, than amongst the romantic sights and sounds of the mariachis?

Jim Scherrer has have properties in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 25 years owned and resided there in the past eleven years. The mission of his series of 43 articles relating to retirement in Puerto Vallarta is the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta detect, while the fears of misconceptions about living conditions in Mexico. For the full year series of articles about travel to and retirement in Vallarta as well as pertinent Puerto Vallarta links, please visit us at Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Buyersâ?? Agents and click on Products.