Intro
In this episode of “The History of Rome,” we explore the fascinating world of street vending and the iconic street vendor call known as “Fiero Viejo” in Mexico City. From the distinctive sounds of scrap metal haulers to the creative and resourceful ways vendors grab customers’ attention, we delve into the cultural significance of this unique form of commerce.
Main Takeaways
The Sounds of Scrap Metal Haulers
- Mexico City is full of distinctive sounds, including the sound of scrap metal haulers playing a recording on a loop to pitch to prospective sellers.
- The recording lists household items and appliances that the scrap metal haulers are looking to buy, including mattresses, bed frames, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, and microwaves.
- The recording crescendos with the line “Fiero Viejo”, which means “any old metal thing you’re selling” and has become the recording’s name.
The Informal Economy and Street Vending
- More than 50% of Mexico City residents work in the informal economy, which includes street vending and collecting old appliances for scrap.
- Street vending is both a crowded and competitive space, with vendors using calls to grab customers’ attention in the middle of public markets or “Tionis”.
- “Pregon” has a long history in Mexico and can be traced back to Spanish colonial rule.
- Street vendors and their “Pregonistas” were often depicted during the golden age of Mexican cinema.
The Evolution of Street Vendor Calls
- Vendors use distinctive intonations, cadences, and often clever turns of phrase to create their own sonic niches.
- While the means by which vendors deliver their “Pregonus” have changed, their basic function has not changed.
- The “Fiero Viejo” recording is a stark departure from Mexico’s rich tradition of “Pregonus” and has a high-pitched voice that makes all the dogs in the neighborhood howl.
The Story of Marco and Marimar
- Marco and his daughter Marimar are both clowns, but making a living as a clown is not easy.
- Marco built a pushcart to move heavy appliances and would shout through an improvised cardboard megaphone to attract customers.
- Marco had the idea to make a recording of his pitch to save his vocal cords and turned to his 9-year-old daughter for help with the high-pitched voice.
- Every word of the recording was rehearsed and drawn out to make it easier for Marimar to read.
The Impact and Cultural Significance of “Fiero Viejo”
- The recording “Fiero Viejo” became popular among scrap metal crews and spread across the city through megaphones and loudspeakers of Mexico’s informal economy.
- Street vending is technically banned in some areas of Mexico City, but the government allows it due to the lack of capacity to generate economic growth and jobs.
- The state covers its eyes to the informal economy and tolerates it as a form of social redistribution.
- As parts of Mexico City become more gentrified, the tolerance for informal commerce may be wearing thin, as evidenced by recently enacted policies requiring standardized signs and noise pollution regulations.
The Legacy of “Fiero Viejo”
- Fierro Viejo is an iconic street vendor call in Mexico City that has become a source of inspiration for musicians and artists.
- The rhythm of Fierro Viejo has been sampled in electronic music and hip-hop tracks, creating a new genre of music that celebrates Mexican identity and ingenuity.
- Fierro Viejo is more than just a street vendor call, it represents the creativity and resourcefulness of Mexicans in solving problems.
- Fierro Viejo has become a symbol of Mexican pride and unity, with people around the world using it as an anthem to celebrate their heritage.
Preserving the Sounds of Mexico City
- French sound artist Felix Bloom recorded market vendors in Mexico City.
- The recordings were used in an exhibition called Coro Informal.
- Visitors could open wooden boxes to hear the recordings.
- Felix also made a CD called Disco Pirata featuring over 100 sounds of the city.
Summary
The Evolution of Street Vendor Calls in Mexico City
Mexico City is known for its vibrant street vending scene, where vendors compete for customers’ attention with their distinctive calls, known as “Pregonus.” These calls have a long history in Mexico and were often depicted in Mexican cinema during the golden age. While the means of delivering these calls have changed over time, with the use of recordings becoming more common, the essence of grabbing customers’ attention remains the same. However, the recording known as “Fiero Viejo” has gained notoriety for its departure from traditional “Pregonus” and its high-pitched voice that has become a symbol of Mexico City’s cultural landscape.
The Cultural Significance of “Fiero Viejo”
“Fiero Viejo” has become more than just a street vendor call; it represents the resourcefulness and creativity of Mexicans in solving problems. The recording has spread across the city through megaphones and loudspeakers, becoming a source of inspiration for musicians and artists. It has been sampled in electronic music and hip-hop tracks, creating a new genre that celebrates Mexican identity. Despite some complaints about noise pollution, “Fiero Viejo” remains an important part of Mexico City’s cultural identity and landscape.
The Informal Economy and Street Vending in Mexico City
Street vending is a significant part of Mexico City’s economy, with more than 50% of residents working in the informal sector. The government tolerates street vending as a form of social redistribution, as it provides economic opportunities for those who may not have access to formal employment. However, as parts of the city become more gentrified, the tolerance for informal commerce may be wearing thin, leading to policies regulating street vending and noise pollution.
Conclusion
The story of “Fiero Viejo” and its impact on Mexico City’s cultural landscape showcases the ingenuity and resilience of street vendors in the face of challenges. Despite the changing dynamics of the informal economy and the potential threats to street vending, the iconic street vendor call continues to resonate with Mexicans and serves as a symbol of pride and unity. Whether through music, art, or preservation efforts, “Fiero Viejo” remains a testament to the enduring creativity and resourcefulness of Mexico City’s residents.
