African heritage – Fake Flamenco

Afro-Mexicans in Cozumel

After my recent research into Mexican history, I was looking forward to visiting Southern México. I thought I might hear La Bamba performed and I might meet Afro-Mexicans in Cozumel. As it turned out, I saw folkloric dancers perform the son jorocho song as I hoped, see earlier post here. Two dancers were of Afro-Mexican […]

Afro-Latinos, Music, Spanish Culture and Language

What Mexican Song Do You Know Best?

For the majority of English speakers, I’m guessing the answer may be: Para bailar la Bamba, para bailar la Bamba se necesita un poco de gracia. In order to dance the Bamba…one needs a bit of grace. Ricardo Valenzuela (Ritchie Valens) brought La Bamba into the rock and roll scene of the 1950s. Then Los […]

Afro-Latinos, Spanish Culture and Language

Where are the Afro-Mexicans?

A Celebration for Black History Month, Part 1 When we think of the African diaspora in Latin America; Cuba, Puerto Rico or Panama might come to mind first. However, this largely unrecognized heritage is an important third root of the mestizo population in Mexico combining; Europeans, Indigenous people and Africans. The long-held notion that La […]