Miguel Márquez San Juan, the founder of Libros, Café y Jazz, passed away but leaves behind a vibrant legacy in Tijuana, Mexico. For sixteen years, he cultivated a space that merged literature, music, and community, becoming a beloved fixture in the city. His bookstore, a haven for book lovers and jazz enthusiasts alike, celebrated its unique blend of culture until his recent passing.
Márquez moved to Tijuana in 1984, and his journey led him to open Libros, Café y Jazz, located a short walk from the bustling Avenida Revolución. The bookstore, tucked away in a narrow alley, offered a refuge from the city’s noise, instead enveloping visitors in the soothing sounds of jazz. On October 18, 2024, Márquez was found in his bookstore, playing the iconic “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis while reading from Juan Rulfo’s classic novel, Pedro Páramo. The novel’s film adaptation is set to premiere on November 6, highlighting its enduring influence.
Inside Libros, Café y Jazz, the atmosphere is rich with books and music. Márquez often recited passages from literature, such as, “Vine a Comala porque me dijeron que acá vivía mi padre, un tal Pedro Páramo. Mi madre me lo dijo y yo le prometí que vendría a verlo como es en cuanto ella muriera.” This blending of spoken word and music was a signature of his approach, making literature accessible and engaging for Tijuana’s residents.
The bookstore has become a vital part of the community, offering a diverse selection of used books at affordable prices. From secondhand Manu Chao CDs to titles like “Bedtime Stories for Rebellious Girls,” Libros, Café y Jazz caters to various literary tastes. One of its unique features is a poetry vending machine, where patrons can purchase a poem for just 5 pesos, fostering a love for poetry among visitors.
While Tijuana offers some public libraries, options for taking books home are limited. The library at CECUT, the Centro Cultural Tijuana, allows visitors to read on-site but does not permit checkouts. Daniel Togliatti, CECUT’s press coordinator, emphasized the importance of spaces like Libros, Café y Jazz in supporting Tijuana’s creative community. “They feel an inspiration and they feel the possibility to new, different worlds in this communication between the writer and the reader,” he noted.
Márquez’s commitment to cultural enrichment extended beyond books. He regularly hosted jazz events in the bookstore, drawing crowds of 20 to 30 people. These gatherings created a sense of community and provided a platform for local musicians to showcase their talents.
Even after his passing, the spirit of Libros, Café y Jazz will continue to resonate in Tijuana. His daughter, Citlali Márquez Solórzano, now operates the bookstore, ensuring that her father’s vision endures. The atmosphere remains infused with the love for literature and music that Márquez championed.
As Tijuana mourns the loss of a cultural icon, Libros, Café y Jazz stands as a testament to his legacy. It remains a cherished gathering place where the sounds of jazz and the written word continue to inspire generations.
