If mariachis sang the blues, ‘Las Golondrinas’ (The Swallows) would surely be in their repertoire. It’s the traditional Mexican song that is sung when someone is leaving for other pastures. Like many traditional blues songs, the words talk of absence, longing for return and the memory of a place brought on by the sweet song of the swallow.

Jake and Lorraine, two dear friends, are leaving Mexico City for the San Francisco Bay area. The goodbye party (despedida) was on the roof of their house last Saturday night. It was chilly for sure, but as you can see, the mariachis brought people together and that generated the necessary warmth. During  ‘Las Golondrinas’, it’s the custom that those who are leaving receive an ‘abrazo’ from everyone present.

While both of them are gringos, both Jake and Lorraine were also card-carrying Chilangos. They love the DF in all it’s craziness and lived their lives immersed in the city. If I were to guess, I’ll bet the Bay Area will prove a tad sedate.

So when you all have found yourselves a good cantina over there, and you’ve had a couple of Don Julio’s, remember the the words that the mariachis sang on your rooftop:

Ave querida, amada peregrina, 

mi corazón al tuyo estrecharé, 

oiré tus cantos, bella golondrina, 

recordaré a México y lloraré.