Mariachis

Mariachis are a long tradition and they are a synonymous of Mexico. Their origin is in the state of Jalisco, northwest of the country, in the 1800's. But Mariachis and their typical music are now well known all over Mexico and the world.

The original mariachi group includes two violins, two trumpets, one guitar, one "vihuela" (a high-pitched, five-string guitar) and one "guitarron" (a small-scaled acoustic bass), but there are several options as you will certainly discover while visiting Mexico. There are small Mariachis bands of 4 to 5 people, and large bands with 20 or more musicians.

It is believed that in the beginning Mariachis had an itinerary as musicians, going from hacienda to hacienda. With the Mexican Revolution and the decrease of the workload, many Mariachis were left without a job, and they started traveling all over the country singing and playing their music for a tip. Today they still use the same method earning their income from the public.

You will see Mariachis with their traditional "charro" outfits playing in restaurants in most of the cities in Mexico, especially near Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco, the state where Mariachis are most popular. Their music comprises traditional Mexican songs and we encourage you to ask them for the most famous such as "El Mariachi Loco" (crazy mariachi), "Como quien pierde una estrella" (as someone losing a star), etc.