| The
little town of El Recodo, which is 45 km (about a one hour drive)
from central Mazatlán on the north side of the Presidio River,
has a population of less than 1000 people. But the little town
has a big claim to fame. The town is best known as the birthplace
of Banda El Recodo-- Sinaloa's most famous musical group. Don
Cruz Lizarraga, who created tambora music (a mix of German oompah
with Latin flavor), founded Banda El Recodo in 1937, naming
it after the town in which he |
|
lived. He was director and a member of the band (he played the
clarinet) until his death in 1995, when his son Germán took
over as director. As a tribute to Don Cruz, El Recodo returned
"home" to play a benefit concert in 1999 during the feast of
Santa Cruz (Holy Cross). Every year on the days surrounding
May 3, El Recodo has a festival to honor the symbol adopted
as its religious patron. Carnival rides, street stands, dancing
and sometimes a rodeo are all part of the celebration. |
