Editorial photo #10070098 Human Interest

First Festival Of Organilleros In Mexico

An organ grinder holds a Mexican flag in the streets of Mexico City during the First Festival of Organilleros in Mexico, on may 21, 2023, which included the presence of Chilean groups of chinchineros, who usually go through the streets, accompanying an organ grinder and dancing to what the organ grinder is playing. According to historical data, the barrel-organ, of German origin, is one of the most popular instruments in the squares and avenues of Mexico, which consists of a portable wooden box, with bronze tips that reproduce its peculiar sound. This instrument became popular in the country at the end of the 19th century, when some families of German immigrants settled in the country, among them, the owners of the musical instruments house Wagner and Levien. During the Porfiriato period, barrel organs became popular in the streets, as they were rented as a source of work or for serenades. (Photo by Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto)