On Saturday during Mike (Ralph’s brother) and Melissa’s wedding, a mariachi made up of youths from San Jose played during the reception. I sat a few seats away from Ralph’s brother-in-law, Jimmy. As the mariachi played “Guadalajara”, he noted, “this always makes me proud to be Mexican.”
I nodded. The effect of mariachi music isn’t a surge in feelings of pride. Instead, the music takes me back to the days when I used to be part of a folklórico group. I danced all the way up until I began high school and replaced ballet folkórico with marching band. I don’t regret quitting dancing, but miss it tremedously… especially when I hear a [good] live mariachi.
On Saturday afternoon, while the mariachi played, I tapped my feet along to the music and hummed the tune. I imagined myself as a 13 year old, on a stage somewhere in Southern California, surrounded by other dancers like Danny and my friends Star and Miriam. While my feet moved quickly, I smiled out at the crowd and waved my blue dress to create a blur of colorful ribbons and blue fabric.
Every time I hear the mariachis, I think, ‘my Jalisco dress and white boots still fit. I wonder where I can find some folklórico classes for adults.’
La pregunta: What’s your favorite element of the Mexican wedding?
While I do like the Mariachi music at Mexican weddings, my favorite element at Mexican weddings is the value of family. Everyone is included, invited and expected to come to these weddings. Children are so very welcome and not considered a nuisance when they art their age. I feel very much at home at Mexican weddings because I know that I can relax and enjoy myself to the fullest.
The drinking.
I like the dollar dance.
I agree with Kelly. It is the obvious value of family, especially the elders and the new additions. It makes the atmosphere warm.
Also, the food!
Without being entirely dismissive, Mariachis have always represented sentimental baggage to me. As a Chicano, I’m gonna be bumping P-Mosh on the wheels of steel at my wedding. Not that we should be TOO modern and contemporary. My novia’s cousin (a Chicano) had a “Grillz & Krunk Juice” themed wedding a couple of months ago. I still shudder at the thought of it. So yeah, no Mariachis for me but I also won’t be doing the thizzle dance down the aisle.
As if I need to say it, you can’t beat the food at a Mexican wedding.
As a mariachi, I enjoy getting paid.
I mean it.
I’ve played at so many weddings that I no longer am amazed by the amount of people who show up to them (but I am still amazed at how lavish some weddings are). I have to agree with Kelly, there is nothing like seeing a bunch of kids in suits and frilly dresses running around like the mocosos they are and the parents not doing much to stop them from playing. I think that is the best part of the wedding. Also, seeing distant relatives is always awesome.
Kelly,
Family is definitely more valuable than the music or food. The best food and music isn’t as enjoyable without all the familia around. I remember being one of those kids running around at a wedding, learning how to dance by watching the grownups and then passing out on some folding chairs pushed together. It was great. I understand how some people ask for a wedding to be “adults only” ’cause they don’t want their reception hall to look like a kindergarten classroom, but it seems a little snobbish.
Chavo,
I never drink at weddings. Never.
Brenda,
The dance is fun, but people cheat nowadays and have bags for the money.
Denise,
The new additions are always cool. There were a few new additions at the last wedding I attended. Having five generations present is rather cool.
Rio,
Sentimental baggage is cool! If I played the music I really liked and enjoyed (like P Mosh), I don’t think people would dance. I want people to dance and enjoy themselves at my wedding. At the last wedding I attended, the DJ played a lot of hip hop and the younger kids got hyphy (hey, it was in the East Bay, what do you expect?). I even learned about thizz faces.
Diego,
I love when kids end up totally messy at the end of the day. Have you heard back from any more colleges? I’m sure Decision 2007 is shaping up to be interesting.
I’d have to say that the Vibora is the best part of a MX wedding. Where else can you get a workout like that?
I updated my blog with the decisions. Click the link and read.
If you find a place for adults to take lessons, let me know! I miss it too!
i second julissa, la vivora de la mar is definitely a favorite.
I know the director of this Mariachi. He’s my best friend. If I may say, this youth mariachi may very well be one of the best in the bay and maybe California. Excellent choice.
What is this band’s name?
I’m looking to hire a mariachi band for my wedding next year. Thanks!