Plaza del Mariachi, Iztapalapa Centro

The Plaza del Mariachi in Iztapalapa is a little-known corner in the Historic Center of Iztapalapa. Nothing like the size and scale of the Macroplaza, just a block away, this little public corner is a lot more intimate. Iztapalapa’s own version of the Plaza Garibaldi in the Mexico City Center, the chief purpose of the plaza is for finding and hiring mariachi-style musicians.

Musicians are on call for birthday parties, afternoon soirees, and any sort of impromptu gathering that requires musical accompaniment. The style of music they’ll perform comes from a tremendous and deep rooted traditions that span the Mexican country side, small towns, and bigger cities, though it’s most in bigger cities that they’re known as “mariachi.” The music can include rancheras, corridos, cumbias, and bolero music and many other styles and forms.

Contracts to perform usually take the form of a mere handshake. Visits to the Plaza del Mariachi will nearly always find at least a few musicians waiting to be hired. Some will even offer to play right then and there. As any given night progresses, numbers in the little plaza will only increase. And that day’s celebrations will be that much more festive. And if there is no party in the surrounding streets and neighborhoods, the mariachi can also be hired to play a few mournful ballads, whatever is deemed most appropriate for the moment.