Mariachi band
Mariachi music expresses the heart of Mexican culture and tradition. The songs convey themes of bravery, love, deception, death, revolutionary heroes, and even animals. For example, have you heard of the mariachi song “La cucaracha”? Do you know what the title means? Mariachi bands usually include between five and fifteen musicians, some of whom sing. The typical instruments they play are the guitar, the violin, the guitarrón (a large acoustic bass guitar), the vihuela (a high-pitched, round-backed, five-string guitar), the trumpet, and sometimes the flute, French horn, accordion, or organ. . Mariachis tend to wear costumes consisting of embroidered pants and matching waist-length jacket with shiny silver or brass buttons, a ruffled shirt, and sometimes a sombrero.
Mariachi music inspires dancing. Many dance styles are associated with mariachi, including the famous Mexican hat dance, or jarabe tapatío, which originated in the state of Jalisco. Mariachis often entertain at special occasions such as weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, and patriotic holidays. Men also traditionally hire them to serenade women with their beautiful tunes of love and romance. In Mexico City, mariachis can be seen at the Plaza Garibaldi in the historic center of the city. This plaza is considered Mexico City’s home of mariachi. They perform most hours of the day and night to crowds of onlookers.
Explore More:
1. There are conflicting theories about the origin of the word Study these theories using Spanish-language resources and determine which one you think makes the most sense. Prepare a report in Spanish that summarizes several of the theories and share it with your class. Survey the class to see which theory they think is the most logical. Do you all agree?
2. Mariachi originated in Cocula, a town in the state of Jalisco, in the nineteenth century. Every September towns in Jalisco hold mariachi festivals. Research the history of mariachi bands and their music. Include a look at Mariachi Vargas and this band’s huge influence on the development and popularity of mariachi music. There are music videos of Mariachi Vargas, as well as other mariachi bands, on the Internet.
3. Learn about different mariachi bands and singers. Listen to their music on the Internet or on CDs. Which band or singer is your favorite? Why?
Share What You Know:
Have you ever heard or seen a mariachi band perform? Do you like this style of music? Why or why not? 2. Do you perform in a band? Do you play an instrument that is used in mariachi bands? Compare and contrast the songs, style, instruments, and clothing of bands you enjoy with those of mariachi bands.