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Musical Migrations: Son Cubano a la Veracruzana

Abstract:This paper illustrates the historical and contemporary ties that foster, via festivals and the cultivation of Son music, the creation of an Afro-Caribbean identity in the Port of Veracruz, Mexico. The relationship that Mexico has with the Caribbean is one of rich historical context. This includes sharing continuous firsthand contact with Caribbean peoples and cultures through the processes of transculturation, which has shaped Veracruz and further prepared locals for a broader acceptance of Afro-Caribbean influences such as those found in music. In Veracruz, this unique identity is crafted via festival performances sponsored by various groups. Consequently, the development of both local and state sponsored festivals has the ability to transform Veracruz into a cultural “battlefield” where popular cultural forms are threatened by appropriation and commodification. Ultimately, the struggle to “own” Son music in Veracruz illustrates ways in which music becomes cultural property and in effect a marker of local identity. After all, for many people Son is more than just a rhythm; it’s a way of life.