Everybody mariachi!

On my second night in Mexico, my mother-in-law’s family threw a big party. We met in her sister’s beautiful walled garden. There was a bouncy house for the kids. The smell of grilling carne asada filled the air. The tequila flowed freely.

Suddenly, above the sounds of all the laughing and talking was a sound I’d never heard at a party before. The huge, wooden double-doors were thrown open and a long line of men in matching uniforms entered, singing and playing a variety of instruments: violins, guitars large and small, trumpets, harp. It was one of the most delightful moments of my life. The mariachi band played for over an hour, and it seemed the whole family knew every song. They sang along and took turns singing solo while the band backed them up.

A few nights later, we enjoyed a party with my father-in-law’s family. More than 50 people gathered at his sister’s condo. Large round table were scattered under a tent on the central lawn. People swam in the pool. We took pictures with all the relatives. Again I was surprised as another mariachi band in their handsome uniforms marched into the yard, the air swelling with music. Again, everyone knew all the songs. They sang and they danced and again it was one of the most delightful times in my life.