Ask anyone from Jalisco what is the most emblematic tradition of this state, and the likely answer will be mariachi music.
The Encuentro Internacional de Mariachi y Charreria gets underway in Guadalajara for the 22nd occasion this weekend, with bands from all over Mexico and the world participating. Those who are able to should make a beeline for Avenida Chapultepec on Sunday morning for the rousing opening parade. And why not take in one of the many free concerts offered at city malls or in the Plaza de la Liberacion in the city center. Those with deep pockets can enjoy one of the galas at the Degollado Theater.
A quick guide to the major festival events
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
Cultural Pavilion (Plaza de la Liberacion): International Mariachi bands, 4 p.m.; Mayra Calderon, 5:15 p.m.; Orquesta Típica del Estado, 6:30 p.m. Free
Mariachi recitals: Gran Plaza Fashion Mall, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Patria, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Andares, 6 p.m. Free
Gala concert: Teatro Degollado, 8 p.m. 450-2150 pesos.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
Cultural Pavilion (Plaza de la Liberacion): International Mariachi bands, noon, 1, 4 & 7:15 p.m.; Chilakil Brass, 4:45 p.m.; Máyela Orozco, 6 p.m. Free
Mariachi recitals: Plaza Patria, 5:30 p.m.; Gran Plaza Fashion Mall, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Andares, 6 p.m.; Plaza del Sol, 6:30 p.m. Free
Gala concert: Teatro Degollado, 8 p.m. 450-2150 pesos.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
Inaugural parade: Av. Chapultepec, 10 a.m.
Mariachi Mass: Guadalajara Cathedral, noon
Mariachi recitals: Plaza La Gourmetería, 5 p.m.; Plaza Patria, 5:30 p.m.; Gran Plaza Fashion Mall, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Andares, 6 p.m.; Plaza del Sol, 6:30 p.m. Free
Cultural Pavilion (Plaza de la Liberacion): Opening gala with Vargas de Tecalitlan, América de Don Jesús Rodríguez de Hijar, Camperos de Nati Cano and Nuevo Tecalitlan, 6:30 p.m. Free
MONDAY, AUGUST 31
Cultural Pavilion (Plaza de la Liberacion): International Mariachi bands, 4 & 5 p.m.; Concierto Especial Mariachi Vargas, 6 p.m. Free
Mariachi recitals: Plaza Galerías, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Patria, 5:30 p.m.; Gran Plaza Fashion Mall, 5:30 p.m. Free
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Cultural Pavilion (Plaza de la Liberacion): Ballet Folclórico Quetzacoatl, 4 p.m.; International Mariachi bands, 5:15 & 7:15 p.m.; Rojo Frenesi, 6 p.m. Free
Mariachi recitals: Plaza Galerías, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Patria, 5:30 p.m.; Gran Plaza Fashion Mall, 5:30 p.m. Free
Gala concert: Teatro Degollado, 8 p.m. 450-2150 pesos.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Cultural Pavilion (Plaza de la Liberacion): International Mariachi bands, 4 p.m.; Omar Vega and Jerónimo Rubio with Mariachi bands, 5:15 p.m.; Redes y Cantos de Chapala choir, 6:30 p.m. Free
Mariachi recitals: Plaza Galerías, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Patria, 5:30 p.m.; Gran Plaza Fashion Mall, 5:30 p.m. Free
Gala concert: Teatro Degollado, 8 p.m. 450-2150 pesos.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Cultural Pavilion (Plaza de la Liberacion): International Mariachi bands, 4 p.m.; Ballet Folclorico Cipactli with Mariachi son de mi Tierra, 5:15 p.m.; Los Morenos, 6:30 p.m. Free
Mariachi recitals: Plaza Patria, 5:30 p.m.; Gran Plaza Fashion Mall, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Andares, 6 p.m.; Plaza Galerías, 7 p.m. Free
Gala concert: Teatro Degollado, 8 p.m. 450-2150 pesos.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Guinness Record attempt sees 250 jimadores (agave harvesters) working simultaneously, Minerva Glorieta, noon.
Cultural Pavilion (Plaza de la Liberacion): International Mariachi bands, 4 p.m.; Ballet Folclórico UDG, 5 p.m.; Espumas y Terciopelo, 6:15 p.m. Free
Mariachi recitals: Plaza Patria, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Andares, 6 p.m.; Plaza del Sol, 6:30 p.m., Plaza Galerías, 7 p.m. Free
Gala concert: Teatro Degollado, 8 p.m. 450-2150 pesos.
Lunadas Tapatias: Mariachi music, tequila & snacks, Chamber of Commerce (Av. Vallarta 4095), 8 p.m.-midnight. 450 pesos.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Mariachi recitals: Plaza Galerías, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Patria, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Andares, 6 p.m.; Plaza del Sol, 6:30 p.m. Free
Verbena Popular: Glorieta Chapalita, 5:30 p.m. Free
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Mariachi Mass: Zapopan Basilica, noon
Mariachi recitals: Plaza Galerías, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Patria, 5:30 p.m.; Plaza Andares, 6 p.m. Free
Closing gala concert: Major bands, Plaza Juan Pablo II in Zapopan (facing Basilica), 7:30 p.m. Free