In the lively streets of the Mexican state of Sinaloa, a music carried by brass instruments and percussion resonates: La banda sinaloense! More than just a musical genre, it’s a profound symbol of identity, an essential soundtrack to Mexican festivals. Its infectious energy makes it one of the country’s most emblematic musical expressions.
A melting pot of traditions and sounds
The origins of the banda sinaloense date back to colonial times, when Spanish military bands accompanied religious and civil ceremonies. But it was in the XIXᵉ century, with the arrival of German migrants in Mazatlán, that this tradition really took shape.
These new arrivals -creators of the Pacific brewery– introduced and popularised wind instruments such as trumpets, clarinets, trombones and tubas, as well as musical styles such as the polka, waltz and redova. Local musicians quickly adopted these European sounds, which they mixed with indigenous rhythms, giving rise to a unique style at the crossroads of cultures.
During the Mexican Revolution, music continued to evolve. Seeking to imitate European military orchestras, Sinaloan musicians incorporated local percussion and the melodies of corridos, popular ballads recounting social struggles and the heroes of the people. This is how the banda sinaloense acquired its distinctive identity, marked by the use of brass and percussion instruments.
The rise of a musical genre
After the revolution, the style spread throughout the country. Numerous groups emerged, playing mainly at popular festivals and carnivals.
Among them, El Recodo, founded in 1938 in Sinaloa – considered to be ‘the mother of all bandas’ – was a pioneer and benchmark of the genre, helping to popularise it on a large scale, thanks to emblematic titles such as ‘Te Presumo’ and ‘Me Gusta Todo de Ti’.
At the time, these songs were mainly instrumental, known as ‘wind music’ in reference to the instruments played. But the 70s and 80s marked a turning point: a new generation of musicians introduced singing into the bandas, modernising the genre and bringing it to national and international prominence, particularly in the southern United States.
A Music of Celebration
Also known as ‘Tambora Sinaloense’, this music is synonymous with celebration for Mexicans. Its infectious energy, driven by the power of its instruments and percussion, livens up weddings, ferias and carnivals. They are also distinguished by their universal lyrics, which tell stories of struggle, love and sorrow.
Today, the genre continues to evolve, incorporating new rhythms from cumbia, bachata, rock and even reggaeton, demonstrating its incredible ability to reinvent itself while remaining true to its roots.
Outfits that dance to the rhythm of the band
The musicians generally wear coordinated outfits in flamboyant colours and decorated with gold and silver motifs. The outfits usually include tailored trousers, traditionally cut shirts or jackets, cowboy boots and charro or Sinaloa-style sombreros.
It is at events such as the Mazatlán Carnival, held between February and March – one of the most spectacular in Mexico – that you can appreciate the scope and influence of the Sinaloense banda, which plays a central role.
This event, with its grandiose parades, beauty contests, confetti battles and concerts where costumes shine under the spotlights, even includes a literary competition, the Juegos Florales, where poetry and music come together to celebrate the cultural richness of the region.
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The legacy of the banda sinaloense endures over time and is an integral part of the country’s identity. Thanks to social media and digital platforms, the musical movement has opened up to the world, showcasing one of the finest expressions of Mexican culture, a music that makes its listeners dance and dream.
