Mariachis, an endangered species?

July 17, 2009

The mariachi, a historic symbol of Mexican culture, are an endangered species. Drug wars have made mariachi bands' traditional street-side serenades dangerous, while the economic downturn is hitting profits hard. And training a new generation of children to dress in “charro” outfits and sing romantic boleros means facing down one of the biggest challenges of all: keeping the interest of Mexican teenagers who prefer to listen to pop music in their iPods.