Music is an intrinsic part of the Mexican culture. Mariachi music is the cornerstone, and Jalisco state is its home.There’s a large plaza in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city, dedicated to competing bands of mariachis who stroll between tables plying their trade. My music experience was more timorous but very memorable.

One summer as a high school student, I spent some time in Saltillo, Coahuila state, Mexico. It is a small town just south of Monterrey. My 3rd year Spanish teacher organized this cultural study trip with the Universidad Internacional of Saltillo. I think there were about 6 of us in the group. We were each hosted by a local family. The family I stayed with had four daughters. One was my age and the other 3 were in their twenties.

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After falling asleep in my bedroom, I was awakened late one night by someone calling out to me. I was told to put my robe on and get out of bed. When I got up all the daughters began pushing me toward the glass door of the balcony. I had no idea what was going on. Suddenly I heard music coming from outside. When I looked down I saw a trio of young men on the yard strumming instruments. They began to sing when we were all gathered on the balcony. I was pushed to the front of the girls. And then the magic happened. A soloist stepped forward and began singing directly to me! I couldn’t believe it. Later the trio continued to serenade us, under the starry sky, and left. We went back to bed.

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The next morning the events of the evening were explained to me. I had been serenaded. It used to be a common ritual when a young man wanted to express his affections to the young woman he loved. In my case, it was done so that I could have the experience. Wow. What a night to remember.