Mariachi is a genre of regional Mexican music that dates back to at least the 18th century, evolving over time in the countryside of various regions of western Mexico. Mariachi music has origins deep in Mexican history. The sound of its string instruments and its oldest rhythms are rooted in Mexico’s colonial times (1519-1810).

Mariachi means a certain repertoire of music, a special grouping of instruments, and a distinctive style of singing that create an unmistakable sound unique in the world. It has special meaning for many Mexican Americans as an emblem of their cultural heritage and a source of pride and community connections.

In 2011, UNESCO recognized mariachi as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, joining six other entries on the Mexican list of that category.

One of these folk musical styles was the son. This music featured string instruments. Son music divided into various regional varieties; the variety popular in the Jalisco area was called son jalisciense, whose best known song, also referred to as “the mariachi national anthem”, is “La Negra”.

Early mariachi players did not look like those of today; they played only string instruments such as guitars and harps and dressed in typical peasant clothing: white pants and shirts with huarache sandals.

The common perception of the music and look of mariachi developed in the 20th century, as the music was transformed from a regional rural folk music to an urban phenomenon that came to represent Mexico.

The International Mariachi Festival in Guadalajara is an annual ten-day event that attracts more than 500 mariachis, who perform in concert halls and city streets.

Guadalajara (map) is the capital of the central state of Jalisco in Mexico, and the second-largest city in the country. It is considered a colonial city, though much of its architecture dates from the independence period. Although it has a far more relaxed feel than Mexico City. All in all, however, it is a lovely city and contains many nice areas for walking, not just in the center.

Busca Tu Ruta – bus routes around the city

BUS: mexicoautobuses.com • ClickBus. If traveling by bus, be sure to take the express (first class) buses (directo, sin escalas, primera clase), if available ⇒ ADO, Primera Plus, and ETN.

TRAIN: Amtrak (San Diego, Yuma, Del Rio и El Paso). The only available passenger train is the Chihuahua al Pacific Railway (CHEPE) operated by Ferromex between Los Mochis and the city of Chihuahua, through the Copper Canyon.

AIRPORT: aeropuertosgap.com.mx – operates 12 airports in the Pacific region of Mexico.

FERRY: Baja Ferries – Provides ferry services between Baja California and the mainland (La Paz ⇔ Topolobampo). Ultramar – Offers ferry services to popular destinations like Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. Ferries Mexico – Offers information on ferry services in Mexico, including routes, schedules, and fares.

Mariachis from around the world gathered in the city of Guadalajara to take part in the International Mariachi Festival on Sunday.

⇒ video source: TeleSUR English / youtube.com /

A foreign national wishing to enter Mexico must obtain a visa unless they are a citizen of one of the 68 eligible visa-exempt countries.

Chichén Itzá is the largest of the archaeological cities of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.

The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and to remember friends and family members who have died.