Music, a metaphor for life; and closing the door one more time

The small city of Zihuatanejo is a world away from being considered multicultural.  In fact, walking the streets of the city, other than the winter immigration of mostly elderly Canadians and Americans who have chosen to spend some or all of their winter here, one sees a sea of Mexican faces.  Some are dark and may reflect their long ago African roots; the descendents of African slaves who made their way to the Costa Grande decades ago.  Others are fair of skin, based on their intact Spanish ancestry. 


The strolling street and beach vendors are a homogenous group of Indigenous women and men who make their way to the coast to sell the variety of crafts and wares often produced in the mountainous interior and sold here during the "high season".  Small statured, tanned leathered skin and some speaking their indigenous dialects,  they are a group unto themselves; not integrated into the mainstream of the city. 


But most residents of Zihuatanejo are an attractive mix of indigenous native Mexican and Spanish heritage.  Black haired, tawny skinned and dark eyed, they are the smiling faces of the children and youth who are the hope of Mexico. 

People in Zihuatanejo aren't exposed to the concept of a "multicultural society" like Canada or America.  Many haven't travelled beyond the borders of the city, or perhaps at best the state of Guerrero.  Born and raised in the same city as their parents; they have limited awareness of the world outside of that portrayed in movies or television. 

So when the yearly Zihuatanejo International Guitarfestival in it's 12th year invites musicians from around the world to this small beachside village, what do locals think?   Mexican music is melodious, voices are rich and warm, sounds are soothing and many are "love songs".  How do locals react when they are exposed to music as diverse and at times as challenging to listen to as scorch folk, finger picking guitar, slide guitar, rock a billy and Pakistan sufi? 








In the words of Juan, the young man who is one of the videographers of the festival, "it's a chance to hear all the ways music is played".  It's music in a multicultural mode in a land of Spanish guitarristos!  It's vicarious travel for those Mexicans who have decided to attend the festival and hear what has brought so many tourists here in the lull between winter "high season" and the upcoming Semana Santa. 

And this week, with our music festival guest Irena (herself a Scot, descendant of Polish immigrants, who has made Canada her home and is an expert in Spanish music and particularly the flamenco), we are readying ourselves for our annual pack up and trip back to Canada.  We are making our last trips to favorite restaurants, last walks on favorite beaches and last chances to say goodbye and hasta luego to our friends.   We,  the Canadians with our Mexican dog Cori who  has the dream life of  a home in Canada where the air is clear and people have so much. 

There's many things that I miss about life here when I return to Canada.  Color, music, food, warm air and a beautiful ocean...but we know we are blessed.  We live in a country where diversity is the norm and our access to the multicultural world isn't limited to the 10 days of an "international" guitar festival. 

Friday is our last chance to see the little village of Barra de Potosi that is opening it's doors for it's second annual street fair.   It's old world Mexico opening it's doors and heart to the new world of diversity!