The image of mariachi bands have traditionally been laid out as such: men musicians. Those “large hats” (sobreros), guitars, violins, and others, at play. It is one of those musical performances, where people can imagine a travel, floating music box. Coming to surround those, who care to hear. Spanish ballads of Mexican terrain. When you hear a mariachi band, you are hearing the poetry of Mexican soiling. If Mexican land were to sing, this would be one of the sounds. Often, however, we have mainly heard men’s voices, when it came to mariachi bands. Nevertheless, in recent times, the feminine celebration of Mexican soiling is making her debut in the rhythm of. . . mariachi!
Guitars, violins, and trumpets, and others at hand, all-women mariachi bands are making headway. They have been reported, recorded, and reviewed, over again. Yet, let’s take another plane into this world of all-women’s mariachi bands. How do women musicians, and vocalists, play a special role when it comes to using music as a healing instrument for the community?
In the world of women, mariachi bands, one can witness the power of being serenaded by Mexican lands. As women are symbols of land, it is aesthetically pleasing to imagine land dancing and singing. Drawing a cartoon of the crops, soils, flowers, trees, and others just dancing along to the beat of the cultural tunes. In this case, it is Mexico. So, when we observe all-women’s mariachi bands, our creative minds can see them as personifications of the Earth. Being given a real-life experience of one piece of land of the Earth; her sound and song.
What makes all-women’s mariachi bands so fascinating, and soothing, is that women are occupying, a traditional male ensemble. Transforming the traditional eye of a mariachi band. The auspicious part about it all, is that because this is recently new, Mexican, and Mexican-American, women are bringing new components into the world of mariachi bands. This is highly favorable for the musical genre, in itself, as it contributes to its continuation. Remember, cultures continue when they adapt, and transition, with the current times.
One of the other significant attributes of an all-women’s mariachi band, is that their presence shows how music can connect, and intertwine, with other cultures of women. One such example is the all women’s mariachi band, Mariachi Flor De Toloache. Members of the group have roots in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Italy, and the United States. Listening to a performance, by this band, one will hear Black American women’s musical traces of R&B, Jazz, and Soul, by one of their vocalists-Mireya I. Kamos (founder). Another example is the UK-based group, Las Adelitas. A mirachi group, of women from Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, and England. That’s one of the beautiful things that can happen when women musicians appreciate, acknowledge, and honor other musical cultures; and the women that birth them. Women musicians can intertwine different musical cultures. Connecting the world in a way, that it has never been connected before.
Another fascinating aspect, concerning all-women’s mariachi bands, is that they further illuminate the life-giving nutrients of Mexican culture and its people. These women are cultural ambassadors. More their ever, their presence is needed for the healing, and ongoing beautification, of Mexico. As Mexican women’s voices continue to grow louder, the vigilance of women mariachi bands accommodates that. For music is transformative, and the word is life’s creation.
More in depth research of the set-up for a traditional, mariachi band indicates that there are five instruments, which constitutes the ensemble: Vihuela, Guitar, Violin, Guitarron, and Trumpet. If we include the Voice, it will be six. Each instrument plays its part. Giving different tones and textures to the piece. Sounds telling stories of their beloved Mexico. These five instruments, plus their sixth, indicates a constant change. A hidden knowledge that many must learn. One of these changes is clearly happening now. A principle comprehended that, no matter how woman is restricted, hidden, banned, or “forbidden” from certain arenas, she always finds a way to get in. Often times, she is successful because she brings in a unique touch and aura. A texture and richness of the Earth, as it foundations moves her rhythm through the music. Adding more color, design, and versatility because of women’s experiences and connection to the land.
As Mexican women continue to be more radiant in being heard, music of the mariachi will play even louder. Elevating their Spirits, and comforting them during this current turmoil in their country. As they are special gifts from the Universe-in artistry, in musicality. Bringing creative therapy to the women, and communities, of Mexico. Bringing courage to the women, and people, of Mexico. Singing and performing life into Mexican mothers and Maidens, who forgot that it is their natural born right to exist, and experience the joys of womanhood. Playing love into the hearts and Souls of those Mexican women, who dare to raise their voices, and proclaim the lives of Mexican women as valuable.
The music of the mariachi women performs blessings into Mexico. For those in need of healing, mentally. For those in need of healing, spiritually. For those needing a reminder, that beauty and love always exist-even in difficulties of finding it. This is the wisdom of women, mariachi bands. This is the gift, to las mujeres of the mariachi!
