Reviews and Blog Posts: Mexico

Carlos Fuentes, November 11, 1928 – May 15, 2012

Submitted by Stefanie on May 16, 2012 - 12:46pm
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The Writings of Carlos Fuentes

Prolific Mexican intellectual, novelist, essayist, and occasional commentator Carlos Fuentes died suddenly May 15, 2012 at the age 83. The author of The Writings of Carlos Fuentes quotes Fuentes as saying that "writing implies an engagement with history, culture and identity." There is no doubt that Carlos Fuentes engaged generations worldwide in truly seeing and contemplating Mexico.

Carlos Fuentes gave many fascinating interviews and many of them are available to watch online. The library has many titles by and about Carlos Fuentes, in Spanish and English. Here are a few:

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Submitted by KristinG on April 13, 2011 - 10:27am
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RyG playing in Paris in November 2010

There's a reason why Rodrigo y Gabriela's upcoming concert in Boulder is sold out—the Latin acoustic guitar duo is getting too big for little venues. Their powerful songs defy accurate comparison and genre. Out of Mexico and residing in Dublin, Ireland, this group's rhythms will make you wish they were local.

From adventurous originals like Tamacun to an all-acoustic guitar version of Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven, truly each and every song is musically impressive and interesting. The band has said that though your ears might hear flamenco, that's not what it is. More specifically, they blend "Latin harmonies and rhythms but the structure is rock," according to their bio on Jambase (a great band profile website). Their influences include salsa, classic rock, and Mexican metal.

Día de los Muertos

Submitted by Tara on October 30, 2010 - 10:54pm
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The Day of the Dead, a celebration originating in Mexico, occurs in connection with the religious holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, on November 2. November 1 is also known as Día de los Inocentes, Day of the Innocents, for remembrance of deceased infants and children, also called angelitos, the little angels.

In addition to the documentary, Food for the Ancestors, the library has several books that shed light on this festive holiday.

All books listed are printed with both Spanish and English text.

The Best of Banda

Submitted by Tara on August 10, 2010 - 12:24pm
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Banda is more than one type of music as it incorporates many different important influences including cumbia, corrido and bolero. These ensembles are usually a big band (10-20 people) with an emphasis on brass and percussion, including the tambora, and are best known for their rancheras.

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