It comes around once a year, and when it does, it brings a whole lot of noise and celebration to Greater Guadalajara, laced up in trajes de charro and gently swelling strings, belting brass and rhythmic guitar. A small army of Mariachis will descend on the city this August 29 for the International Mariachi Festival, bringing with them all the prestige and flair of centuries of tradition paired with a well-oiled cultural event.
The festival, in its 19th annual iteration, will have a soft open before the big parade on Sunday, September 2. The parade is one of the annual fixtures of the event, showcasing an unparalleled assembly of mariachi groups of all types — from the most traditional non-brass peasant groups to modern, gleaming ensembles. Catch the display free on Avenida 16 de Septiembre/Alcalde downtown at 10 a.m.
Mariachi music grew up out of a Jalisco variation of Son music, which came about in turn from indigenous Mexican musical styles blending with European instruments. It became popular in the region in the 19th century, emigrated to Mexico City in the early 20th, and from there became a national phenomenon when the post-revolution government turned to it to promote a national culture. Mariachi was a staple in some genres of Mexican cinema from the 1930s through the 1950s, giving it worldwide recognition and helping lead it, eventually, to be named a UNESCO Intangible Heritage last year.The Teatro Degollado will host several Mariachi Galas within its stately neoclassical walls. These galas will all feature the storied 115-year-old Vargas de Tecalitlán mariachi group along with varying others. The galas will take place August 31 and September 4-8. Tickets start at 450 pesos.
There will also be a folk dance concert at the Teatro Diana featuring the famous Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernandez. The group has been showcasing folk dances from many regions of Mexico since 1952 and has toured in over 80 countries. The show takes place September 3 and tickets start at 450 pesos.
Four popular Mexican female artists will team up to give a spectacle of a show at the Auditorio Telmex on September 1. Lila Downs, Maria Jose, Ely Guerra and Natalia Lafourcade will all bring their unique styles to the stage, from traditional to pop to world-influenced rock. The evening kicks off at 8:30. Tickets from 220 pesos.
In addition to all of that, every day of the festival will see various galas and concerts put on completely free of charge in venues such as the Plaza Liberacion and other downtown plazas and Plazas Galerias and Andares as well as presentations and discussions at various cultural and educational centers throughout the municipal area. A mariachi-backed Mass will be held at noon on September 2 at the Guadalajara Cathedral.
The festival also carries a related, though sometimes forgotten cultural component — the National Charro Championship, to be held at the Lienzo Charro Nito Aceves in Tlajomulco. The venue will host charro (Mexican rodeo) events from September 4-9. Entry is free from September 4-7, while the real competition on September 8 carries a 50 peso fee and the finals on September 9 will cost 150 pesos.
See www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx/programa for a full listing of events or the sidebar at right for a smattering of the best.