The Mexican military under President López Obrador has been given increasing responsibility in a wide range of functions, from building airports and trains to managing the customs system and airports.
But soldiers still have time to play music.
A military band was in Puerto Escondido on the weekend to play at a couple of events for the Fiestas de Noviembre.
The first venue was as unusual as the concert itself: early Friday morning, a group of soldiers walked into the Mercado Benito Juárez and set up their instruments and music stands and played in what was described as a flashmob, an organized action in which a large group of people meets suddenly in a public place, performs something unusual and then quickly disperses.
The second concert was presented in a more formal manner, that same evening at the Agencia Municipal.
Sedena explained that booking the 8th Military Region band from Ixcotel, Oaxaca, is generally available, for the purpose of socializing with the public and providing recreation and enjoyment.
The band can go anywhere in the state, as long as its participation is requested by a municipal administration.
Also playing on the weekend were soldier-musicians from the 44th Military Zone, headquartered in Miahuatlán de Porfirio Díaz, and the 54th Infantry Battalion, based in Puerto Escondido.
With reports from El Imparcial
