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With cantinas and bars shut and private events
with live music practically non-existent, musicians strolling
the streets of the capital and serenading people holed up at
home have been become a common sight and sound.
"We should be at parties ... but we had no choice but to adapt
to the system, to realize that people are at home, so I say, you
have to bring them music, right? You have to bring them joy,"
said Efrain Giron as he and three band mates carted around a
marimba in the bohemian neighborhood of Condesa.
Giron, who prior to the pandemic used to play gigs on weekends
and holidays, said he makes between $9 and $14 for eight hours
of work.
Some pedestrians requested songs, while others danced on their
balconies as the band played traditional Mexican songs like "Cielito
Lindo" and "Bésame Mucho" as well as pop songs by bands
including Coldplay.
"They come and ask for songs and give us tips," said Giron,
donning a mask.
Giron said he yearns for a swift end to the coronavirus crisis,
which has infected at least 155,000 people and killed more than
18,000, according to official government counts, as well as left
millions unemployed in Mexico.
"I hope to resume the pace we had. If the restaurants where we
were working aren't affected or don't close forever, we'll
continue doing the same," said Giron, referring to the gradual
reopening of businesses.
(Reporting by Roberto Ramirez, Alberto Fajardo and Ana Isabel
Martinez; Writing by Anthony Esposito; Editing by Richard Chang)
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