Busking in Bucerias Mexico

     I know that I'm getting old, but the last time I had my hearing tested, I had perfect auditory ability. So, am I hearing it right, when I watch a video on YouTube showing Cambridge resident, 19 year old Liv Gaines being handcuffed and arrested for busking outside of Giant Tiger on Main Street?  Did I hear correctly that she even had permission from Giant Tiger management to play her guitar and sing in that location?
     What's happening in my fair city?  With the advent of some long awaited warming temperatures, I was hoping that spring fever would be in the air before we returned to southern Ontario from Mexico!  I envisioned people smiling, bird singing, and the drab white and grey of winter being replaced with  more vibrant colours.
     Having lived in the warm Mexican climate for a few months each year, I have come to appreciate the Mexican culture for many reasons.  One of the most important being, the celebration of art in all its forms. Busking, here in Bucerias Mexico, plays a huge part of that celebration.  It wouldn't be Mexico without the buskers!  They are everywhere... on the beach, on the buses, at the stop lights, on the street corners, in front of the restaurants.  They are young, old, female, male, "special needs" individuals or groups, who sing, dance, juggle and play every type of instrument.  They even perform short skits.
     Just today, we witnessed busking at its finest.  As we waited to cross the busy highway at an intersection in Bucerias Centro, a young man waited by the side of the road for the approaching traffic to stop, and with unicycle ( a tall one, I might add ) in one hand,  bowling pins in the other, and lively music playing for motivation, he moved to the front of the automotive lineup, where he proceeded to climb onto his cycle, and began tossing the 3 pins.  He even dropped one pin and substituted it with his hat, and then dropped another pin and replaced it with his shoe.  Before he was finished his performance, the light changed to green and all the vehicles sped away.  Not a coin was collected until we crossed the road and thanked him and filled his tin can with money.  The busker boy was obviously not performing to get rich.  True artists perform for others because they love to do that and they know how important the arts of all kinds are to a healthy community.
     We are returning to Cambridge in 10 days.  Hopefully, the snow will be gone and the buskers will be everywhere.

The Arts are an essential part of public education. From dance and music to theatre and the visual arts, the arts give children a unique means of expression, capturing their passions and emotions, and allowing them to explore new ideas, subject matter, and cultures. They bring us joy in every aspect of our lives.  

Arts education not only enhances students' understanding of the world around them, but it also broadens their perspective on traditional academics. The arts give us the creativity to express ourselves, while challenging our intellect. The arts integrate life and learning for all students and are integral in the development of the whole person. 

The Arts communicate and speak to us in ways that teach literacy and enhance our lives. We must continue to find a place for arts programs and partnerships not only for what it teaches students about art, but for what it teaches us all about the world we live in.

--Dr. Terry Bergeson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington State, November 2001

Bucerias Mexico is just 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta on the coastal highway.  Bucerias was established in 1930 and has 17ooo people.  Puerto Vallarta has 300,000 people.  There are no busking laws in either city.