30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 26-JULY 2, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com CULTURE Before the Spanish invasion of Mesoamerica in the early 16th century, Aztec and Mayan cultures were thriving with their unique cultures, lifestyles and languages—Nahuatl and Purepecha, among others. But after Hernán Cortés and his soldiers showed up, only 10 percent of Indigenous populations survived. They left behind songs and instruments that still have modern-day practitioners in today’s Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and surrounding countries. “It was the largest documented genocide in the history of the world,” says Los Angeles-based musician Christopher Garcia, who has been presenting ancient songs and instruments of the Mexico and Central America region around the world. This Saturday, he will do so in Salinas. Garcia, joined by his wife Yolanda and his daughter Alegria, draws primarily from a collection known as “Xochicuicatl”—flower songs in English, or flor y canto in Spanish. The collection of about 90 Aztec songs and Cantares Mexicanos (Mexican Songs) is known to many performers, but not many know much beyond the music. Garcia and his family continue to discover stories and sites behind them (Alegria Garcia is an archaeologist and examines primary sources at ancient sites), digging deeper and deeper. They play string and percussion instruments that were used 2,000 years ago, such as the atecocolli (shell trumpet), ayacaxtli (rattle) and baa po wehai (water drum). The songs will be sung in Nahuatl, Purepecha, as well as in Spanish and English translations. Garcia adds some original compositions. His performances are often accompanied by lectures on Indigenous music and culture. “In ancient traditions, poetry and music are the same thing,” Garcia explains. “But there are songs we know, but we don’t perform publicly.” That’s because they belong to certain families and were passed to younger generations by a family elder. “We respect those family traditions.” Garcia has been pursuing music all his life. As a family, the Garcias have been performing since the early 2000s. Since then, the family has traveled the world, spreading consciousness about Indigenous music, poetry and history. Xochi Cuicatl: Flower Songs & Flor y Canto. 1-4pm Saturday, June 28. Boronda Adobe History Center, 333 Boronda Road, Salinas. Free. 757-8085, mchsmuseum.com. RUBEN MENDOZA Indie Music Xochi Cuicatl is a presentation of historic music of the Indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica. By Agata Popęda Christopher, Alegria and Yolanda Garcia perform Indigenous songs on instruments of ancient origin. They also research the stories behind the music. Custom Desigg! Repairs! Finished Jewelrr! Watch Baaeries! Lapidarr Serrices! Appraisals! Local Arrists Specimens Supplies & More 2245 Norrh Fremont St, Monterey (831)375-3027 www.peninsulagemandjewelrr.com Tuesday-Friday 10-5:30 Sattrday 10-4:00 GIFT One GET One MONTEREY LANES 2161 N. Fremont St., Monterey 373.1553 VALLEY CENTER BOWL 1081 S. Main Street, Salinas 422.9031 STOP IN TODAY AND RELIEVE THAT HOLIDAY STRESS! *Promotional gift card valid 1/2/15-3/31/15. Not valid for alcohol of for league fees. is Holiday Season, spread a little cheer …and keep some for yourself! Buy $100 worth of gift cards and get a $20 Promotional Gift Card FREE* Buy $50 worth of gift cards and get a $10 Promotional Gift Card FREE* Give the perfect gi that can be enjoyed by everyone on your holiday list, PLUS get a gi card for yourself! MONTEREY LANES 2161 N. Fremont St., Monterey 373.1553 VALLEY CENTER BOWL 1081 S. Main Street, Salinas 422.9031 Rolling on Independence Day? WE ARE OPEN 2PM - MIDNIGHT Join us for Lucky Train giveaways every hour!
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