Aug
30

Mixing with the Mariachis on Plaza Garibaldi, Mexico City

by Terence Carter

“Whatever you do, don’t go to Plaza Garibaldi, you’ll be robbed!” is the stock answer you’ll get if you mention a desire to visit the square, the home of mariachi music in the capital. But for us, a night on Plaza Garibaldi is a must and is one of the best things to do in Mexico City. The cacophony of trumpets, violins, and different forms of guitar and bass of the genre that you’ll hear on the square is the definable sound of Mexico, along with the cowboy-style scream of the grito, the sound that the band and the audience make as part of celebrating this music. Our memories of Plaza Garibaldi from previous trips were of mariachis at the side of the road near the Plaza, in their snug-fitting, silver-studded charro outfits, trying to flag down cars to score gigs at a party. But on the plaza itself, it’s nearly always a party, particularly on weekend nights which are the best time to visit, when the square is crowded with locals out to have a good time. This time, we headed to the Plaza with our friend Fernando to mix it with the mariachis, eating beef head tacos at their favourite spot, drinking cervezas on the square, and even joining in on a singalong with an especially cheery lot. But is Plaza Garibaldi dangerous? Absolutely not, if you stay on the square. Everybody is so focused on having fun singing, drinking and eating, to bother with you. In fact, you’re far more likely to be robbed by the police, in the form of a bribe, than you are to be pick-pocketed, but that’s another story for another time… For more on the Plaza, the mariachis, and some tips as to how to spend your night here, see the detailed captions to the photos. Just click on the first photo to get started.

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS:

Categories: Living like Locals, The ‘Hood

Tags: activities, bars, culture, drinking, living like locals, mariachi music, mariachis, Mexico, Mexico City, music, Plaza Garibaldi, singalong, things to do, tips to visiting Plaza Garibaldi, travel tips

2 comments

Globetrottergirls says:

August 30, 2010 at 5:03 pm (UTC 11 )

Reply

Great to hear that you guys enjoyed the Mariachis in Plaza Garibaldi too – your post evoked good memories as Plaza Garibaldi was one of our favorite nights as well when we were in Mexico City last month, and we especially enjoyed a young Mariachi girl singing & playing the violin – don’t know if she was there the night you went. Really like your photos!
1. Terence Carter says:
  
  August 30, 2010 at 8:01 pm (UTC 11 )
  
  Thank you – glad to hear that we captured some of the spirit of the Plaza that you enjoyed so much!
  Sadly, no, we didn’t see the girl you’re talking about – of course given the testosterone-charged nature of the Plaza, she would have stood out for sure – but hey, we met a drag queen!
  Dig the blog, nice work. Keep it up – maybe we’ll cross paths somewhere – see you on Twitter!