Sunday is family day in Mexico. In the evening as the sun sets, everyone heads to Rocky Points’ Malecon to enjoy the breeze, take a walk, and people watch. A Malecon is a public space found in seaside towns at the waters edge, full of food vendors, benches for sitting, and Bandas (a type of brass band). Skate borders and dog walkers stake out their own areas as couples hold hands, watching thier toddlers explore.
As the choo choo train takes off with a load of kids, a young guy tips fifty pesos to the singer. He takes his girl in his arms, and a drum roll brings the Banda to life. Two trombones, three clarinets, a singer, drums, more horns of some type, and a tuba. A tuba with a microphone down inside it! The sound is like a love ballad being played by a marching band. Fast or slow, Banda music is for dancing. More couples join in as I take photos. I feel a touch on my elbow, and a young boy with a Motley Crue t-shirt asks if i can take one for him. OK. He leads me over to a bench where I find his Mom, Dad, Grandma, and two Sisters, smiling and posing. They have been watching me, and know a picture of them would be just right for a story about the Malecon. Because it’s their Malecon. By Richard Scott
