I could hear the beat of the band when they were a good distance down the beach, and wondered what the occasion could be. The festival of the Virgin on Guadalupe, Christmas and Tres Reyes were well behind us and Candelmas is a few weeks away. No patriotic observance was in the offing and I’d seen no previous funeral processions up the beach.

As the music drew nearer, the beat stayed true, but I was increasingly regretting the melody, which seemed to be comprised more of sounds than harmonies. I could tell that they had stopped in a nearby restaurant, though, so I grabbed my camera and made it to my porch just as the small cluster of boys with huge drum, jerrybuilt horns and impressive drum stand carried by a small boy who also carried a well-decorated tip jar made their way up the beach in my direction.

Spotting my camera, they set up in front of my porch and played one (very long) piece seemingly of their own authorship and possibly impromptu as well. The drum player belted out the lyrics while the others tooted their toots. Morrie seemed to be fascinated, although it’s hard to tell whether it was the music or the shoe of the tip jar bearer that intrigued him more. A very hefty tip was called for since none of the neighbors seemed to be appreciating this concert as much as I did and they thanked me heartily before moving once more up the beach.

Click on first photo to enlarge all.