This year is the Chinese Year of the Monkey. A very special Mexican folk band is now in Beijing to promote Mexican music and culture. Mono Blanco, or White Monkey, is energizing the Chinese capital with their best selection of the cream of Mexican music.

No fancy stage sets, no elaborate lighting, no glamorous outfits: and it was one of the capital's plainest theaters, the Chaoyang Cultural Palace, where the Mexican folk musicians made their official debut in Beijing on Monday night. But the music conquered all.

Founded in 1978, the multi-generational ensemble has become a national symbol of Mexican folk music. They perform local folk music from deep within the central American country, particularly from the southern part of Mexico known as Veracruz. Mono Blanco are hailed for their authentic music, poetic lyrics and vigorous dance routines.

This leading Mexican folk band has been brought to China by the Mexican Embassy. And the embassy believes there are very good reasons for choosing Mono Blanco to represent their country.

Edgardo Bermejov Cultural Attache of Mexican Embassy in Beijing, said, "The first is because they represent the authentic, the deep old tradition of the folk music in Mexico. The second is because they're already quite famous around the world, it's a world-acclaimed band. "

Mono Blanco raised temperatures with 11 rousing pieces during their hour and a half show, and the audience simply couldn't get enough.

After Beijing, the band will tour the neighboring cities of Tianjin and Shijiazhuang. The tour represents a great chance for Chinese audience to experience the joys of Mexican popular culture.

(CCTV.com September 16, 2004)