The vibrant rhythms and sweet harmonies of mariachi, the enormously popular musical genre reflecting the essence of Mexico believed to have originated in Jalisco, will reverberate across the city and the state’s Magic Towns during the 31st International Mariachi and Charrería Festival, between August 23 to September 4.
The festival will draw mariachi groups from various parts of Mexico, as well as other countries, including the United States, Colombia and Chile.
While some events begin on August 23, the official opening concert, which is free to the public, takes place on Sunday, August 25. Featuring several of the best mariachi groups, accompanied by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra (OFJ), the concert will be held on a stage set up beside the Rotunda of Illustrious Citizens in Guadalajara’s city center, where other performances will take place throughout the festival.
The main revenue for festival organizers comes from the exciting nightly galas at the Teatro Degollado, which feature top groups and singers accompanied by the OFJ. Two additional galas are scheduled at the Conjunto Santander and Auditorio Telmex.
The participating mariachi bands will also take their instruments and voices to metro area suburbs, offering free recitals in plazas, parks, shopping malls, and at the city’s two major religious landmarks, the Guadalajara Cathedral and Zapopan Basilica.
This year, performers will visit Jalisco’s Magic Towns, though unfortunately, Ajijic is omitted from the schedule.
As the festival’s name suggests, it also celebrates the Charrería equestrian discipline, with a special competition included in the program.
Sadly, the colorful parade in the city center, a beloved tradition, has not been held since the Covid pandemic, and organizers have not indicated whether it will return. Additionally, the schedule does not include the restaurant performances that were part of the festival in previous years.