The Guadalajara Reporter

Mariachi Festival puts Guadalajara in the limelight

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.

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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.