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Mariachi
La música más mexicana del mundo — Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial UNESCO
Culture
La música más mexicana del mundo — Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial UNESCO
History
Mariachi was born in the state of Jalisco, probably in the 18th century, in the rural communities of the municipality of Cocula. The word 'mariachi' has a debated origin: some say it comes from the French 'mariage' (marriage), introduced during the French invasion; others argue it is a native word from Nahuatl. The first mariarchi groups played harp, guitar and violin without trumpets — the brass instruments arrived in the 1930s when Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán began performing on national radio. President Lázaro Cárdenas brought them to the National Palace in 1936, turning mariachi into an official symbol of Mexico. In 2011, UNESCO declared it Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Cultural significance
Mariachi is not just music: it is a ritual. A 'gallo' (unexpected serenade) at 3 in the morning, a 'mañanitas' for birthdays, the 'Cielito Lindo' at every celebration. The most famous songs — 'Guadalajara', 'El Rey', 'Cielito Lindo', 'La Negra' — are anthems that every Mexican knows by heart. The charro suit (the mariachi outfit) is also Cultural Heritage and can cost up to 3,000 dollars.
Where to experience it
Plaza Garibaldi
The Mecca of mariachi. More than 200 groups perform simultaneously in the plaza. The best mariachi at any time of day or night.
Guadalajara
The birthplace. The Teatro Degollado is the temple of classical mariachi. The International Mariachi Festival in August is the most important in the world.
Cocula
The town where mariachi was born. Mariachi festival and competition every year in September.
Tlaquepaque y Tonalá
The artisanal towns of Guadalajara where mariachi sounds in every restaurant and market.
Tepic
A town near Jalisco that maintains the tradition of harp mariachi — the original without trumpets.
Best dates to experience
The International Mariachi and Charrería Festival in Guadalajara is celebrated in August and is the largest event of its kind in the world. Plaza Garibaldi in CDMX is active 24 hours, 365 days a year. Day of the Dead and the Christmas Posadas (December) are the times of highest demand.
Mexican Culture
Trumpets, violins, guitarrón and charro sombreros — the musical voice of Mexico to the world.