busking

A young busker packs up his violin.

They play real good for free. Well, they hope you will gift them a peso or two. There is music in the air day and all night in San Miguel. (And fireworks and dogs barking and other things that make noise 24-7.) What is the relationship between busking and begging? Or selling a 5-cent bag of roasted pumpkin seeds or a little burro? None of these people would be on the streets but for tourists. And beware the seven-man mariachi band that surrounds your table and sings just for you. The novelty soon wears off, and you find yourself responsible for an unanticipated outlay.

An old busker leads his trio.