Mariachi Fundraiser At The Border

NOGALES, SONORA, MX – The restrictions imposed by the Mexican government to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic have slowed economic activity, and the entertainment industry is one of the most affected.

In the border city of Nogales, Sonora, there are over 50 music bands, from genres such as traditional, regional Mexican, and norteño, to those that work in social gatherings such as weddings, family parties, business cocktails, and street parties.

For over a month, many of the members of the musical groups have suffered from a lack of income. Some have received grocery donations from volunteers, but the situation is still hard to endure.

Last weekend, the mariachi band Nuevo Sol, was on the Mexican side of the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry, offering melodies in exchange for economic cooperation.

The goal was to help their fellow musicians who lack a nine to five job and only receive income from music gigs. Since social gatherings are prohibited due to Covid-19, they do not have the resources to sustain their families.

“We are doing this fundraising to be able to support the fellow musicians, on the upcoming days we will deliver groceries to their families,” said Fabian Mata, one of the members of the mariachi group.

In Mexico, economic recovery is expected to begin in June, but only if the conditions for virus transmission are reduced, thereby eliminating the possibility of a collective outbreak of Covid-19.

Mexican authorities have not informed when the restrictive measures such as the temporary closure of bars, clubs, event halls, music concerts, and musical shows that gather large numbers of people will end.