Case in Point: Below is an open-air cafe in Mexico, Oaxaca to be exact.
There is yet another similarity -- both latin-flavored countries have climates that lend themselves to performances by street bands, strolling bands, mariachi bands. Case in point: Here is a photo of a street band in Italy.
Case in point: Here is a photo of a mariachi band in Mexico.
Now let me describe another similarity that I have found between these two countries and their street musicians. They all want to play the same bloomin' song. And that song drives me crazy. Typically, they will walk up to you in a cafe, instruments in tow, and they want to play Ceilito Lindo.
You heard me right -- Ceilito Lindo. I think of that as a Mexican song, but it is big in Italy too. Just so you know I am not joshing you, the video below is from Italy. This is the way this tune always sounds, no matter where you roam. The girl is better than the song.
Having my craw full of Ceilito Lindo, I turned the tables on the street musicians last time we were in Mexico. A string band walked through the door of the cafe. It looked like a grandpa, son and grandson. The elder asked if we wanted a song. I said "sure." They said they would do "Ceilito Lindo".
I said: "No, No, please no." So they wanted to know what song they should sing. I gave it some thought, thinking of any Mexican flavored song that came to mind. I could only think of a few -- Wooly Bully, La Bamba and then, yes I thought of one -- Guantanamera. Do you know that song? This is not our little trio below, since I did not have a video camera, but this is a typical street version of Guantanamera.
\To the credit of the grandpa, son and grandson, they scratched their heads for a few seconds over the lyrics and tune and then grandpa and son nodded their heads. Right there, in front of us, they played and sang my requested song. Now, I gladly paid a dollar more for it -- about five bucks -- but it sure was worth it, not having to pout through Ceilito Lindo on yet another vacation. Hopefully I have said goodbye to Ceilito Lindo for the final time.
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
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I never knew the name of the song, but your right its played everywhere. I did 23 years in the Navy and trust me, in every Latin and Caribbean country you will hear this tune played.
Dan,
It seems to be at the top of the charts for everyone but me!
Steven, that is very interesting. I never realized it because I always ramble off a list of songs for them.
~ Life is Good
Steve, I don't think you will really get way from Ceilito Lindo for very long. I'm Cuban by birth, came to the states when I was 1 and have been here since. I grew up with that darn blasted song. Great Grandpa sang it to me as a baby when tucking me in for the night. At every birthday party, at my wedding, my children's birthday. He passed away 11 years ago and it was played in his honor at his funeral.
I hate that song so much ... woops, I think my comment turned into a rant. Thank you for allowing me to vent. I don't think I realized how much that song annoys me.
Years back, we were in one of the nicest restaurants in Bologna, paying a fortune, and they strolled in and played that.
Roy.....give me some songs on your list. I do not have a list.
Steve, by the end of the song they seemed to have agreed on their version.
Jack,
It never seems to get much better than that version.
Stev - I have been to Mexico several times and experienced the mariachi bands. Locally our favorite restaurant has a guy that walks around strumming at his guitar - a one man band. We always try not to make eye contact to avoid having them stand at our table while we try to eat and talk. Sometimes it''s more annoying than it is fun. And, I especially related to the movie Heartbreak Kid - when Ben Stillar screamed at the mariachi band to stop.
Carol,
I hate them locally, a pain. I do get a kick out of them in foreign countries. Just don't play Ceilito Lindo.
Michele,
You got a point there, I guess I do not have it as bad as I might have at first thought.
Steve,
Glad you had a GREAT time, despite the music! Thanks for sharing the colorful pic's... they're fantastico!