Music is an integral part if community life in Latin America. It is used to entertain, to honor local, regional, and national leaders, and as an audible expression of devotion to saints and other religious figures. Many small towns in Latin America still have a central plaza where important secular and religious buildings are located. Some still have elaborate kioskos (gazebos) that are used for political gatherings, but mainly for weekend band concerts.

Marion Oettinger, Jr., "Village Band," The Folk Art of Latin America: Visiones Del Pueblo (New York: Dutton Studio Books in association with the Museum of American Folk Art, 1992), 96.