Mariachis At La Choza

I love hearing the traditional music of the mariachis, with the blendings of vocals, violins, horns, guitars and guitarrons. Mariachi music is a blend of European and Native music, as well from the African and Mestizo music and has been a part of the Mexican musical tradition since around 1519, when the Europeans first landed in what is now Mexico. The mariachi is native to a region of western Mexico that includes what are today the states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Colima; extending as far north as Sinaloa and Durango and as far south as Guerrero. Despite frequent attempts to attribute it to a specific state or town, the exact birthplace of the mariachi remains unknown.

The mariachi band contains the following parts: the violins and vocals are the top voice, the rhythm section is the harmony, and the guitarrón is the bass (like the baroque “basso continue”). The traditional mariachi has six to eight violins, two to three trumpets, one vihuela, one guitar, and one guitarrón. Mariachis became the symbol of Mexican unity, and Mexico City became a popular site for mariachi performances. Influential people provided opportunities for the mariachis to perform.

The singer of this band had a very rich and strong voice. The whole band sounded magnificent. !Que Bueno!

Early mariachis wore peasant garb and had little concern for dressing alike. After the Revolution of 1910, however, modest uniforms began to appear. When for the first time mariachis could afford to outfit themselves elegantly, they chose the suit of the horseman or traje de charro. The gala version of this suit worn by contemporary mariachis – with its tightly-fitting ornamented pants, short jacket, embroidered belt, boots, wide bow tie, and sombrero – was once the attire of wealthy hacienda owners.

On our last visit to Cozumel, in 2021, we were introduced to the delicious restaurant La Choza by our amigo/friend and favorite divemaster, Julio. Mas Comidas de Cozumel – 5 La Choza is where the Yucatecan flavors of Mexico are prominently featured on their menu. “When it comes to Yucatecan cuisine there is only one choice, La Choza. Their blend of European flavors mixed with a taste of New Orleans and Cuba combine to create a mouthwatering array of delicious entree’s found nowhere else on the island. Yucatecan food is its own unique style and is very different from what most people would consider “Mexican” food. It includes influences from the local Mayan culture, as well as Caribbean, Mexican, European (French) and Middle Eastern cultures “.

Last year, a cab dropped us off at La Choza. This year, we found it all by ourselves just by walking around through the less touristy areas of Cozumel. Because we go there so often, we are very familiar with the lay of hand, and know our way around the island pretty well. The food at La Choza was still scrumptious, but this time were serenated by the music of the mariachis too. We had a delicious dinner with show.

Larry ordered the pork fajitas.

I had the chicken mole.

As to be expected, both were very, very good. La Choza is another one of our favorite restaurants on the island. In fact we like it so much, we recommended it to our new friends Milosch and Maureen, and they loved it too.

Next time you are in Cozumel, you definitely don’t want to miss out on this unique Yucatecan culinary experience. And you just might get lucky enough to hear the mariachis too. La Choza is located at 10 Avenida Nte. # 216, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico. They are open until 9:00 PM. There is no need to call, though you can if you like, at  +52 987 872 0958.

Mantente a salvo y mantente bien. Hasta la próxima or stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.