Shamans & Aztec Dancers

Around the Catedral Metropolitana one can find "shamans" cleansing away evil spirits (for $10 MEX, of course) or troops of Aztec dancers providing great entertainment for the throngs of tourists who visit the Centro Histórico in downtown Mexico City. A visit to the Zocalo is mandatory for any number of reasons. Art and architectural reach their zenith in the urban center. For those just interested in people watching, the Zocalo offers a bit of everything from local characters to organized demonstrations. Day or night something is going on!

 

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People on the Street 2

Another of Mexico's charms is the music! Whether spontaneous or planned, one can catch musicians on the street (buskers) or in small cafes. But wherever they are, take the time to stop and enjoy their talent. Undoubtedly, someone will be passing the hat or sombrero, in this case, to help them make a living while practicing their art. Mexico City is little different from any other metropolitan area when it comes to street entertainers. Part of the travel experience is the enjoyment of music and art as it takes on the local color of the culture. One need not only go to the museums to enjoy the sights and sounds of Mexico. In fact, boycott the museums and stick to the streets.

 

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Coox Hanal

Folkloric Dancers at Coox Hanal

At 83 Avenida Isabel la Catolica, just a few blocks from the Zocalo, is one of my favorite restaurants in DF- Coox Hanal. What makes it a bit special is that it specializes in dishes from the Yucatan. From the street, one hardly notices the restaurant sign directing customers to its second floor location. However, once you're at the top of the stairs, you realize what a gem this eatery is. In addition to great Yucatec food, we were treated to an afternoon of traditional folkloric dancing. This isn't a tourist spot! When we were there, the restaurant was packed with local Chilangos.

Panuchos & Salbutes

As colorful and entertaining as the ambiance is, go there for the food! As I hadn't been there before, I asked our waitress to pick out four of their specialities that we all could share. Her recommendations were spot on! We started off with a plate of papadzules (tortillas rolled up with chopped egg, covered in a green pumpkin seed or pipian sauce). Delicious! I could easily have eaten a whole serving of these. We also tried the panuchos (tortillas with black beans and cochinita pibil).Our third starter were the salbutes, another Yucatec tostada covered with shreaded turkey, pickled onions and avocado. Finally, our large order of cochinita pibil came. The shreaded pork with tortillas was enough to feed two tables of people. All this was washed down with ice cold beer.

 

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Scenes From The Street 1

Wow, could that really be Carlos Santana? Unfortunately, no! While walking through the mercado in Coyoacan, this strolling musician, just making a living the best way he knew how, added to the market excitement and fun. Like so any street musicians, this local "character" serenaded shoppers and diners with catchy, up-beat canciones. While there, be sure to stop by Tostadas de Coyoacan for a lunch you'll be telling everyone about.

 

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A Bird's Eye View of the Cathedral

One of my favorite early evening activities is having a nice cold cerveza in the bar at the Majestic Hotel. High above the Zocalo, you have one of the best views in the city center and of the cathedral. For only about $3, enjoy an afternoon beer while watching the late day light change on the stones of the cathedral. Grab a table by the window for a drink or have dinner on the terrace. There is no better place in the city to quietly unwind and brush off the dust from a full day of trekking around DF seven stories above the crowds below.

 

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Disco Is Still Alive!

This billboard is advertising several daylong music extravaganzas at the restaurant and dancehall La Terraza del Marquez. Admission is either free or no more than a reasonable $4US donation. Food in the form of botanas (snacks or small dishes like tapas) are available.

 

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The Organ Grinders of Mexico City

One of the long standing traditions and sights of the city are the organ grinders. Although today there are fewer and fewer of them, they can still be found throughout the central part of the city and where ever there might be large sympathetic crowds.

Working in pairs and sometimes in trios, one grinds away on the organ while the others solicit donations using their hats. Khaki uniforms and all, this is not the Salvation Army asking for contributions to help the poor. These are all independent novelty performers trying to just make a living.

 

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