Man what a dream come true for me, this find, this gem of a buy. Thanks to Terri Krantz, I was now the proud owner of my very own Mariachi suit. But, not just any 'ol polyester one but a genuine 1960s vintage. With wool pants and jacket and pewter horses up and down the legs and on the breast of the jacket it is traditionally considered the
gala type. This was quite the surprise find. Terri bought two and later sold one to me while we toured Mexico City in June of 2012. She was out shopping and it was fun to watch her buying skills. Here at La Lagunilla Market in Mexico City, one can find estate sales, rock 'n' roll memorabilia, clothes, kitchen utensils, silverware, art of all kinds and much, much more. Oh, and of course vintage jewelry which is Terri's specialty. Check out her website
Terra Vintage Antique Jewelry.
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Terri Krantz carefully observing the goods.
Mariachi attire was taken from the traditional Mexican charro, horsemen with wide brimmed hats, chaps, spurs and almost always riding a fine breed of horse.
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| A group of charros, in Durango, Durango, Mexico. My father Joaquin is at the far right. |
Today in the United States, the mariachi has become a proud part of Mexican-American culture during Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day and other fiestas. Many restaurants will provide mariachis for entertainment as well for its patrons.
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| Girls, part of the Mariachi Juvenil group based in Everrett, Washington. |
A friend of mine had gone to see the Rolling Stones in concert in Mexico City around 1995 while I lived in Xalapa, Veracruz. He returned with a story of how the audience went wild over Keith Richards performing with mariachi pants. Since then I always thought it would be cool to have my own suit if possible.
If you've ever watched Robert Rodriguez movies: El Mariachi, Desperado or Once Upon a Time in Mexico, you must have noticed a common theme, Mexican mariachi outfits and style. He also formed a band, called Chingón to produce music especially for his films and includes lead singer Alex Ruiz.
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| Robert Rodriguez on guitar with hat on the cover of one of his albums. Alex Ruiz far right. |
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| Antonio Banderas. |
Now, where do I wear this?
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| Me in my suit. Woohoo! |
