Mexico's Mariachi Through a Pandemic

The Mariachi are a globally recognized cultural icon whose music is representative of Mexican history and people. Normally Mexico City's plazas will have hundreds of tourists and locals present to see the iconic musicians. With the new government restrictions in place due to COVID-19, there are now hundreds of jobless musicians vying for work that may allow them to feed themselves and their families that day. The Mariachi are part of approx. 60% of the Mexican population considered informal workers. With the current crisis the informal sector represents those most vulnerable to the economic repercussions, with little or no access to government assistance. The pandemic challenges society’s around the world but none more than in developing countries.

The Mariachi are a globally recognized cultural icon whose music is representative of Mexican history and people. Plaza Garibaldi is their home in Mexico City’s historic downtown, known as the Mariachi Mecca. Normally the plaza will have hundreds of tourists and locals present to see the iconic musicians. With the new government restrictions in place due to COVID-19, there are now hundreds of jobless musicians vying for work that may allow them to feed themselves and their families that day. Dozens of men wait on the main avenue almost stepping in front of traffic in hopes for a job.
With the pandemic’s grip tightening on the city, one of the largest fears is the Federal Police physically removing them from Garibaldi. Each day rumors swirl as to when and how that will happen. The plaza represents the only place the Mariachi have any hope of earning an income and staying at home is simply not an option.
The Mariachi are part of approx. 60% of the Mexican population considered informal workers. With the current crisis the informal sector represents those most vulnerable to the economic repercussions, with little or no access to government assistance. Local grassroots organizations, made up of largely low income community members themselves, have mobilized collecting food donations to create rations. Food lines at Garibaldi are now a mix of Mariachi and the local homeless.
The pandemic challenges society’s around the world but none more than in developing countries. México’s people are humble and hard- working, generous and optimistic. These core values are what will guide people through the hard times ahead, and through the eyes of the Mariachi we watch the story unfold.