‘Flor de Toloache’, The First Episode in Subway Video Series Focuses on New York City’s All-Women Mariachi Band

In the first episode of Rhythm in Motion, a 10-part subway music video series produced in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, filmmaker Jenny Schweitzer focused her lens on Flor de Toloache, an all-women mariachi group in New York City.

Mariachi is “passed on from generation to generation,” says Mireya Ramos, a musician who lives in New York City. “It’s very traditional and very macho.” Ramos tells filmmaker Jenny Schweitzer that she had “negative experiences” with other bands—that is to say, with the men who performed in them—and decided to form Flor de Toloache, a seven-piece, all-women mariachi group. “For people who are used to seeing men play, we’re making a statement. We’re breaking that concept,” says Ramos.

submitted via Laughing Squid Tips

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.