Mexico's Beach Bands Prevail Amid Noise Complaints

In a victory for tradition, Mazatlán's beach musicians continue to play despite protests from tourists and a violent skirmish with police.

Mazatlán's beach bands, known for their vibrant Banda music, have overcome attempts to silence them following noise complaints, primarily from foreign tourists.
The dispute, which included a violent confrontation between musicians and police, has highlighted the tension between preserving local traditions and catering to tourist preferences.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha have expressed support for the musicians' rights to perform, emphasizing the importance of their livelihood and cultural tradition.
Despite no city-wide ban, at least one hotel had attempted to restrict the bands from playing to beachgoers, sparking significant backlash and public protest.
The controversy arises as Mazatlán prepares for the April 8 eclipse, drawing attention to the balance between enjoying natural phenomena in silence and celebrating with traditional music.