Bars closed, Mexican musicians bring 'joy' to the home

Bars closed, Mexican musicians bring 'joy' to the home

With cantinas and bars shut and private events with live music practically non-existent, Mexican street musician Efrain Giron and his troop have adapted to bring a little "joy" outside homes in Mexico City.

With cantinas and bars shut and private events with live music practically non-existent, musicians strolling the streets of the capital and serenading people holed up at home have been become a common sight and sound.

"We should be at parties ... but we had no choice but to adapt to the system, to realize that people are at home, so I say, you have to bring them music, right?

You have to bring them joy," said Efrain Giron as he and three band mates carted around a marimba in the bohemian neighbourhood of Condesa.

Giron, who prior to the lockdown used to play gigs on weekends and holidays, said he makes between $9 and $14 for eight hours of work.

Some pedestrians requested songs, while others danced on their balconies as the band played traditional Mexican songs like "Cielito Lindo" and "Besame Mucho" as well as pop songs by bands including Coldplay.