Mariachi Mecca: Mexico City's Famous Plaza Garibaldi Soldiers On Nick Parker - CNN
go to original April 22, 2013

In Plaza Garibaldi, a strolling mariachi group will play a concert just for you. (Nick Parker/CNN)

Driving toward Plaza Garibaldi at dusk, the square confronts you before you even arrive. Men in bright outfits and tight trousers with buckles running down the legs flag down your car and offer you a song.

Being accosted in the car makes for an unusual encounter for first-timers here, especially as the plaza is still a few blocks away.

Mexico City’s mariachi mecca is tinged with a late afternoon glow and there are already crowds of people gathering for an evening of song.

Around a thousand mariachis play in the square at different times, serenading couples and small families with aching ballads for a price. People are drawn by the unique experience of having an entire band play and sing directly to them - if only for a few minutes.

Violinist Cesar Coronado has been playing for 30 years. He arrives at 5 p.m. and his work - paid for by various comers and goers in the square who pay for song or two - ebbs and flows throughout the evening.

“We don’t have a specific timetable, there is no pattern,” he says. “What we want is for people to leave happy - especially the tourists from abroad so they can get to know our music.”

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