 La Mesa de los
Indios
La Mesa de los Indios, is known by Merideños as the Musical Pueblo of the Andes. The people of La Mesa are different. They believe that they have been "gifted" with a special ear for music. This is a musical town, where the tradition and love of music is passed on from one generation to the next. There are many families, where everybody plays musical instruments. The State of Mérida has declared
La Mesa de los Indios : "Patrimonio Cultural y Musical " ( A Historical
Place of Culture and Music ) in honor of the wide participation and student
activity of the famous La Mesa de los Indios School Band; Antonio
Valero. The school band began 1968, but traces its history to 1963 when a group of students first played together under the direction Professor Crisanto Araque, who taught the young students how to read music, melodies, and poetry. His dream was to instill in the youth of the pueblo, the beauty and expression of life through music and poetry. CAN YOU HELP? Note from andesholidays.com: La Mesa is a typical Andes Pueblo. It is clean, safe, interesting, and the people very friendly. It's buildings date from Colonial times. While not considered primarily as a "tourist town" there is good lodging and food available. For many tourists, La Mesa may worth a days visit? Most residents earn their livelihood working as farm laborers. They are proud of La Mesa, their "special gift", and their love of making music. Most are poor. They would not ask of you, what we at andesholidays.com are asking for them. They can use your help Currently, there are six students sharing one clarinet. The same is true with other insturments. The families do not have the money to buy the needed instruments, and the pueblo lacks the funds as well. Make your vacation to the Andes an extra special occasion in your life. If you have a musical instrument that is gathering dust in the closet, and not: "making music" come, visit, and give it to the Director of Music of the Pueblo of La Mesa. You will feel good, and more important you will help further and enrich the musical lives, and history of this nice Andes town. The Band of La Mesa performs under the Direction of Professor Antonio José Rangel Flores. Their weekly concerts are free and held on the street in front of the town park. The music begins at 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and lasts about an hour. On Sunday mornings the towns artisanas and bakers sell their crafts and homemade foods from a building located across from the park. When we last enjoyed a La Mesa concert there were 20 musicians. The atmosphere is typical Latino with the audience scattered about the street and park. Best "seats"are on the curb directly in front of the band. The children swing around the lamp posts to the sound of the music, and the town dogs scamper about wagging their tails. National, and international selections, were enjoyed by all. La Mesa de los Indios Band Needs the following musical instruments :
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