Guadalajara’s International Mariachi and Charrería Festival – the landmark shindig that celebrates Jalisco’s great musical gift to the world—returns in full force this month following the disruptions of the past two years.
There is only one major change. Despite the reduction in Covid infections over the past few months, organizers have decided to eschew the lively opening parade—which attracts thousands onto city center streets—although they have lined up a complete schedule of performances that does full justice to previous festivals.
The 11-day bash welcomes many of the country’s top mariachi bands and singers, as well as groups from Colombia, Chile, the United States, Bolivia, Israel, Peru, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Apart from the “galas” at the Degollado Theater and Conjunto Santander, nearly all the events are free of charge. The 29th edition of the festival also branches outside the Guadalajara metropolitan area, with shows planned in several towns, including Chapala and Jocotepec.
INAUGURAL CONCERT. Mariachi Nuevo Tecatitlan, supported by the Zapopan Symphony Orchestra kick off the festival in the Plaza de las Americas (facing the Basilica) in Zapopan on Thursday, August 25, 6:30 p.m. Free.
KERMES MEXICANA. Stage set up in the Plaza Liberacion in the Guadalajara city center showcases international and Mexican mariachi bands and singers daily Saturday, August 26 though Friday, September 1. Monday to Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. The final of the Voz de Mariachi competition to find the “Voice of the Festival” takes place on this stage on Saturday, August 26, 6 p.m. All free.
MARIACHI GALAS. All held, bar one, at the Teatro Degollado, these full-fledged, emotive concerts feature the top-of-the-line groups of the genre, including Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Nuevo Tecalitlan, Sol de America, America de Rodriguez de Hijar, plus others, accompanied by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra. Dates: August 26, 27, 30, 31; September 2 and 3, all 8 p.m. The gala on Thursday, September 1, 8:30 p.m. takes place at the Conjunto Santander. Tickets at Ticketmaster.com.mx, or 33-9690-2055. Prices from 950 to 2,950 pesos.
GALA PUBLICA. Free, open-air concert in the Plaza Liberacion, showcasing Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Nuevo Tecalitlan, Sol de America and America de Rodriguez de Hijar, along with the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra. Sunday, August 28, 6 p.m.
VERBENAS DE MARIACHI. International groups head to plazas in the Guadalajara suburbs to give open-air recitals. Tesistan: Friday, August 26, 7:30 p.m.; Glorieta Chapalita: Saturday, August 27, 7:30 p.m.; Parque San Jacinto: Saturday, August 27, 6 p.m.; La Primavera: Sunday, August 28, 7:30 p.m.; Atemajac: Friday, September 2, 7:30 p.m., Nextipac: Saturday, September 3.
MARIACHI MASSES. Guadalajara Cathedral, Sunday, August 28, noon. Zapopan Basilica, Sunday, September 4, noon.
MARIACHI ROCK-O. The revamped acoustic shell in the Agua Azul Parque will host a unique concert fusing mariachi and rock music. Wednesday, August 31, 7 p.m. Free.
GUADALAJARA MALLS (Centros Comerciales).
Andares. August 26, 27, 28, September 1, 2, 3, 4. All at 6 p.m.
Punto Sur. August 26, 27, 28, September 1, 2, 3, 4. All at 5:30 p.m.
Plaza Patria. August 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, September 1, 2, 3, 4. All at 5:30 p.m.
Distrito La Perla. August 27, 28, September 2, 3. All at 6 p.m.
La Gran Plaza. August 26, 27, 28, September 2, 3, 4. All at 5 p.m.
CONCERTS OUTSIDE GUADALAJARA. Chapala Malecon: Friday, August 26, 7 p.m. Cocula main plaza: Saturday, August 27, 7 p.m. Jocotepec main plaza: Monday, August 29, 7 p.m.; Tequila main plaza: Thursday, September 1, 7 p.m.; Mazamitla main plaza: Friday, September 2, 7 p.m. Tapalpa main plaza: Saturday, September 3, 7 p.m.; Puerto Vallarta at Los Arcos amphitheater: Sunday, September 4, 8 p.m. All free.