If there was a genre of music that defined Mexican culture, hands down, for me, it would be Mariachi music. Trio Los Panchos, Chente, Alicia Villareal, Flor de Toloache, Pepe Aguilar, and so many more artists have been at the forefront of the genre for decades, gracing us with beautiful melodies that tell the history and talk about love.
Dating back to the eighteenth century and originating specifically in Jalisco, Mexico, this music is distinctive and traditionally consists of violins, trumpets, guitar, and acoustic bass guitar, with vocals.
You can even find a Plaza de Mariachis in the heart of downtown Guadalajara, with mariachi bands dressed in their traditional mariachi charro suits, so intricately detailed with stunning embroidery, walking around with their instruments, just waiting to sing to you. It is a travel destination that needs to be on everyone’s list of places to visit.
International Mariachi Week is celebrated from April 21 to 28 and was established by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. UNESCO is an organization established to promote the exchange of information, ideas, and culture.
I encourage you to take some time to listen to some mariachi music if you haven’t already done so. It just makes me happy listening to the upbeat tempos, lyrics that are thought-provoking that hit your soul, and adds life to any occasion.
Here are my top five Mariachi songs that you have got to listen to:
Volver, Volver – Vicente Fernandez, nuestro chente, is my favorite version, of course!
La Llorona – Carmen Goett has a beautiful version of this timeless song.
Malagueña Salerosa – I’m really digging Gaby Moreno’s live version; it’s so powerful!
Jarabe Tapatío – To change it up a bit, I am loving the violin version by Adrian Justas.
Si Nos Dejan – Pedro Fernandez is the ultimate voice of romance and tenderness for me. He just has it. This song is so beautiful and sung by so many greats! But Pedro, oh Pedro! You’re it for me!
Album Honorable Mention: The entire album by Pedro Fernandez – Deseos Y Delirios Sus Éxitos 1996.
