Miniteko

In Arito de Montes-the small town where I grew up- we have lots of magic characters. This story is about the simplest and quietest, but most interesting of all. Miniteko is his name. Well, that's how the youngsters in town called him, as his main talent was to always figure out a way to stand next to the loudest speaker, and dance -non stop- to the Miniteka (Sound System) music until the end of every party, until the very end. He would do so at every possible occasion: weddings, Independence Day, political events, AND even Easter Sunday.

That's it. That's all I ever knew about Miniteko, at least up until a couple of weeks ago when he suddenly graduated from my list of the 'locos' in town, and ended up on the other side of the river next to all the Freedom Fighters and Próceres de la Patria. Why? Because I finally understood that Miniteko totally had it down; he had life all figured out. We just did not see it back then as we were too busy with other more important stuff like looking great, and walking from La Plazuela to El Parque (and back) millions of times checking out the boys.

Miniteko was great at living the present by focusing so intensely on enjoying each song, always pulling his best dance moves. And, what a way to adjust! no matter what tune was thrown at him- super hip, or outdated and ñero- Miniteko would quickly adapt and keep dancing. I never saw Miniteko complain about any song.

He definitely did not mind. Miniteko always received every good or horrible mixeo of music with a big smile. And, who would ever forget how he could totally care less about what we thought or said about him; his top priority was definitely not to impress others.

Miniteko: you pretty much thought us a bunch of wisdom. Thanks! And hey, I don't know what you are up to these days, but I surely hope to see you in town dancing to some Villancicos and Vallenatos next time I'm around.