The liberty to participate in band music recitals in Mazatlán, Sinaloa is presently encountering a setback. A widely shared video showcasing visitors relishing a traditional guitar exhibition accompanied by the vibrant melodies of a band performing on the shore close to their hotel retreat has sparked discussions both across digital platforms and within the urban community concerning excessive sound disturbances. As a consequence, residents and local authorities are advocating for the enforcement of novel guidelines specifically addressing this style of music, which is among Mazatlán’s distinguished attractions.
To international visitors, Mexico appears charming without the local populace and the modern Mexican culture.
It’s important to mention that Mazatlán is frequently recognized as the “Origin of Sinaloan Band Music”. 🙃 https://t.co/iiTQNXS6Pj
— HistoriaParaTontos (@HistoriaPTontos) March 26, 2024
The viral footage, shot at Double Tree By Hilton, has emerged as a current focal point for netizens and authorities alike. Nonetheless, the hotel supervisor stepped in to clarify that while most complaints from their guests pertain to loud disturbances, the problem extends beyond merely band music to also encompass noise emanating from neighboring bars and clubs. Reports additionally indicate that at least 19 establishments within the hospitality and tourism sector have joined forces to urge the municipality to establish regulations regarding band music displays on the shore.
Furthermore, another occurrence that has fueled the crusade against excessive sound involved a notice exhibited by a residential complex declaring: “Any hiring of musical ensembles at the beachfront in front of Camino al Mar, which is allocated to the development, is forbidden.” The city’s mayor stressed the principle of “libre transito” [public access] for all individuals, including musicians, but underscored his limited understanding of the agreements between hotels and the federal administration in specific zones.
Both the aforementioned video clip and the signage have captured the attention of numerous online users who have expressed their perspectives on the issue. They appear to concur that exploring Mazatlán primarily involves enjoying band music.
I’m not fond of ensemble music, but I will definitely play the role of the most folkloric band-boosting individual from the northern regions if it results in disrupting the lives of the affluent and the foreign visitors who are staining Mazatlán and the nation.
— Superdesconocido (@gabomarston) March 25, 2024
It’s straightforward: I don’t appreciate ensemble music, hence I would rather refrain from excursions to Mazatlán altogether.
— La Norteña Alunnada. (@Alunnares) March 26, 2024
Multiple music enthusiasts have also contributed to the ongoing dialogue. The secretary general of the Music Workers Union in Mazatlán [Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Música Secc. 98], Santiago Rosas Osuna, pleaded for communal backing. He urged, “We should not allow the imposition of foreign traditions and customs on us.” Similarly, Francis Cázarez, the president of CANACO Mazatlán [National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism of Mazatlan], also stressed that ensemble music should not be excluded from the shorelines, as it constitutes an essential element of their cultural heritage.
Although the debate revolving around the future of live ensemble exhibitions and urban expansion has sparked intense conversations on social media, band music continues to be permissible on the coast. Currently, there is no outright prohibition on ensemble music. As per Debate Sinaloa, prominent figures from the tourism industry and municipal authorities – including The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA – Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente) – assembled last Thursday (Mar. 21) to address the issue prior to Semana Santa, a yearly peak period for vendors and musicians.
They came to an understanding with local musicians to halt music sessions by 7 p.m. in hotel vicinities. Other stipulations comprise limiting the quantity of bands, reducing speaker volumes, and researching alternative performance spots. They also affirmed that musicians will still have the opportunity to perform if they abide by the regulations.
Image Source: Unsplash
