08262014Tue
Last updateFri, 22 Aug 2014 3pm

Mariachi Festival schedule Aug. 29-Sept. 7

It comes around once a year, and when it does, it brings a whole lot of noise and celebration to 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 August 29 for the International Mariachi and Charreria Festival, bringing with them all the prestige and flair of centuries of tradition paired with a well-oiled cultural event.

The festival, in its 22nd annual iteration, will have a soft open before the big parade on Sunday, August 31. 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.  

The event also heads out to the provinces, and this year to Ajijic and the Auditorio de la Ribera.

OPENING PARADE
- Dozens of local and international mariachi bands, folk dancers and charro horsemen and women take part in the colorful opening parade on Sunday, August 31, starting at 10 a.m. at the Glorieta La Normal and heading down Avenida Alcalde to the city center.  It’s a great spectacle but get there early for a good view.

MARIACHI GALAS AT TEATRO DEGOLLADO/AUDITORIO TELMEX (with paid ticket)
- Celebrated Mexican tenor Ramón Vargas with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán kick off the annual festival. A rare appearance in this city by one of the world’s most respected tenors. Teatro Degollado, Thursday, August 28, 8 p.m.
- Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, América de Don Jesús Rodríguez de Hijar and Nuevo Tecalitlán, accompanied by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra. Teatro Degollado, Friday, August 29, 8 p.m. 450-2,150 pesos.
- Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Los Camperos de Nati Cano and Nuevo Tecalitlán, accompanied by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra. Teatro Degollado, Saturday, August 30, 8 p.m. 450-2,150 pesos.
- Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, América de Don Jesús Rodríguez de Hijar and Nuevo Tecalitlán. This show is without the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra. Teatro Degollado, Tuesday, September 2, 8 p.m. 450-2,150 pesos.
- Mariachi América de Don Jesús Rodríguez de Hijar, Los Camperos de Nati Cano and Nuevo Tecalitlán, accompanied by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra. Teatro Degollado, Wednesday, September 3, 8 p.m. 450-2,150 pesos.
- Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, América de Don Jesús Rodríguez de Hijar and Los Camperos de Nati Cano, accompanied by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra. Teatro Degollado, Thursday, September 4, 8 p.m. 450-2,150 pesos.
- Mariachi América de Don Jesús Rodríguez de Hijar, Los Camperos de Nati Cano and Nuevo Tecalitlán, accompanied by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra. Teatro Degollado, Friday, September 5, 8 p.m. 450-2,150 pesos.
- Angeles Azules Sinfónico and guests, Auditorio Telmex, Saturday, September 6, 9 p.m.

PUBLIC GALAS (free to all)
- Free recitals by local and international mariachi groups, singers, dance groups and other musical outfits are held daily on the stage set up in the Plaza de la Liberacion (facing the Teatro Degollado), from Friday, August 29 through Friday, September 5, beginning at 4 p.m. The program kicks off on August 29 with a performance by the Ballet Folclorico Teocalli, along with mariachi accompaniment. Performers include the Jalisco State Choir (Tuesday, September 2, 6:30 p.m.), Mariachi Vargas (Wednesday, September 3, 4:30 p.m.), the Redes y Cantos de Chapala choir (Thursday, September 4, 6:30 p.m.).   The programs end at around 8 p.m. each day.
- Concert at the Trompo Mágico Children’s Museum, Sunday, August 31, 3 p.m.
- Closing gala in the Plaza Juan Pablo II (facing the Zapopan Basilica), featuring Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan and pop group Pandora. Sunday, September 7, 5 p.m.
    
VERBENAS POPULARES (open-air festivals, free of charge)
- Verbena Popular Nextipac Zapopan, Saturday, August 30, 6:30 p.m.
- Verbena Popular El Batan  Zapopan, Sunday, August 31, 6:30 p.m.
- Verbena Popular Glorieta Chapalita, Friday, September 5, 6:30 p.m.
- Verbena Popular Tesistan, Zapopan, Saturday, September 6, 6:30 p.m.

MARIACHI MASSES
- Guadalajara Metropolitan Cathedral, Sunday, August 31, noon.
-  Basílica de Zapopan, Sunday, September 7, noon.

MARIACHI RECITALS IN RESTAURANTS
- Karnes Garibaldi García Barragán - Saturday, August 30; Sunday, August 31; Saturday, September 6; Sunday, September 7, 3-5 p.m.
- Karnes Garibaldi Santa Tere (Garibaldi 1306) – Monday, September 1 through Friday, September 5, 3-5 p.m.
-Karnes Garibaldi Carretera hacia Tesistan (Av. Juan Gil Preciado 1999, 100 meters after Hospital Angel Leaño) – Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31 and Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7, 3-5 p.m.
- Karnes Garibaldi Mariano Otero (Mariano Otero 3019) – Monday, September 1 through Friday, September 5, 3-5 p.m.

FREE RECITALS IN COMMERCIAL MALLS
- Plaza Andares (Patria & Acueducto): Aug. 29, 30, 31, Sept. 5, 6, 7, at 5 p.m.
- Plaza Patria (Patria & Avila Camacho): Aug. 30, 31, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m.
- Plaza Galerias (Rafael Sanzio & Vallarta): Sept. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, at 5:30 p.m.

OTHER EVENTS
- Guinness Record attempt for the largest number of mariachis singing together in harmony. Plaza Juan Pablo II (facing the Zapopan Basilica), Sunday, September 7, 3 p.m.

CHARRO FESTIVAL
- 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 3-7. Entry is free from Wednesday, September 3 through Friday, September 5, when two daily sessions are held at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.  The real competition begins on on Saturday September 8, when three sessions begin at noon, 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.and carry 50-peso fee.  Sunday’s finals start at noon and 4 p.m. and cost 150 pesos.