There is something magical when you hear the first cords of a Mariachi guitar.

It was a hot summer night in one of the main squares in  Oaxaca. There was a lively atmosphere with families strolling while holding small steaming cups of Pozole soup or roasted corn kernels oozing with butter. Bands of teenagers were gathering here and there talking and laughing loudly while vendors threw colourful flying toys in the air trying to attract the children’s attention.

Suddenly there it was, the familiar sound of Mariachi guitars cutting through the warm air. The whole square turned in anticipation. As if by magic, the Mariachi were now playing in the centre of the square. People approached in excitement and soon a party broke out with the crowd following along the Mariachi’s path singing along the well known repertoire.

Mariachi are a constant presence in Mexican towns and are part of the collective festive soul that can change the mood and make people forget of their daily struggles even if just for a short moment. So I too danced and sang and was merry like there was no tomorrow …