"Vendors and entertainers" Mexico Things to Do Tip by alza

In Veracruz, vendors approach you constantly. You won't be bothered at all if you avoid making eye contact or gazing at their merchandise. They'll come to your table anyway but if you don't look, just smile and shake your index left to right, and say "No, muchas gracias" -- they will walk on.

If a musician or a trio or musicians walk to your table, unless you wish to pay for the serenading, do exactly the same as for vendors. After the music is done, you're expected to give about 50 pesos for three songs ($5).
There are marimba, danzon, jarocho etc bands all over the old town and just about everywhere all the way to Boca del Rio. If you stop and listen or dance in front of them while they're playing, it's nice to give them something. Maybe 10 pesos, which is about a dollar.

Clowns, missionaries, singers, vendors, everyone tries to make a living here by getting on the bus and doing their thing, hoping that people will be interested or amused and will give a few pesos. Be generous if you can. I don't like to buy stuff but I'm always happy to encourage a performer.