Comments on: Local culture or racket? Banda music on the beach divides Mazatlán

By: Morgan E

Morgan E — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 15:42:33 +0000

Oh my goodness – Banda is part of the county and culture. If you don’t like the culture, why did you come? I’m personally more outraged by live music for gringos/white people that plays old rock and roll music on the beach and in the neighborhood bars all day and night at ridiculous volumes. Over and over again the same old tired music that is too loud while old drunk people bob around pretending to be in their 20’s. This music has nothing to do with Mexican culture and let me tell you I have watched it run off many Mexico families with children over the past 20 years. I think there generally needs to be observance of sound ordinances (safe volume and times allowed to play) in general but the music that is inherent to Mexico culture should never be silenced.

By: PoMazGal

PoMazGal — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 20:51:40 +0000

We came to Maz for the racket and lively lifestyle, but I realize that not everyone did! I think there are compromises that can be made that could keep most (of course not everybody!) happy. In the first video shown here, it appears that the hotel had set up musical entertainment for its guests, and the banda came along and drowned it out. I can see some folks (and the hotel owner) being upset about that. Could the hotel owners have signs that they put out on the beach saying, “Entertainment program in process,” or something similar to keep the bandas from setting up there at that time? Maybe with changeable date and time info on the sign? (Of course, both sides would need to agree not to abuse this agreement!) And I think 11 am to 7 pm is way too restrictive, IMHO, maybe 9:00 am till Midnight? There are many Mexicans who have to get up early to go to work, and I feel for them, being kept awake by loud music. Even in my neighborhood a few blocks from the beach, we get parties that play live music all night long sometimes! I’ve learned to sleep through it, but I realize not everyone can. Surely common sense can take hold here?

By: Conrad Gaarder

Conrad Gaarder — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 19:18:12 +0000

There is a time and place for everything. That music is for a certain type of tourist. The kind that show up in New Orleans at Mardi Gras to “party.”
If that’s the type of tourist you want, go for it. But you will chase off the others.

By: Bradley Rex

Bradley Rex — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:37:44 +0000

This is a complicated situation. I’ve been it many times. We understand that these musicians have a tradition, one that is loved and appreciated – and it is a job for them. But, at the same time, it is loud music, and not everyone wants to have that right next to them. I personally like my time on the beach to be a quiet time. Perhaps what they can do is is divide the beaches in quiet no live music areas, and others that have the live music. Give people the option to have what they want.

By: Richard Davis

Richard Davis — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 13:37:43 +0000

In reply to Isabel Lenahan.

What is reasonable to you, is not important. It is not your country. You might want to find a new place to vsiit.

By: russgrattan@gmail.com

russgrattan@gmail.com — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 02:02:22 +0000

Yeah, Banda is not my favorite music, but the Mexicans have such a good time. Why complain about.people having a good time? As a grimgo we need.to always remember we are a guest in their country.

By: Isabel Lenahan

Isabel Lenahan — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 21:50:20 +0000

I love Mazatlan and will continue to visit with or without bandas. The bandas are a very long standing tradition, they should let them play as long as it’s not at night when people are trying to sleep. 11 am to 7 pm seems very reasonable to me.

By: Julie Etra

Julie Etra — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 18:08:19 +0000

Suport the bandas! Music rules. If you want a quiet country don’t pick Mexico.

By: Caguichie

Caguichie — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 14:09:54 +0000

How very outrageous Support the bandas! Learning to play an instrument and songs at an early age definitely helps shape a healthy lifestyle and promotes culture. In my community I have donated a new trumpet and a clarinet to two youngsters while paying for their music lessons for over a year now and I am flabbergasted by the results! They don't drink or do drugs, they are respectful, responsible and hard working! ¡Viva La Bandas! 11 to 7??? ¡Ni madres! Let the music be heard!