Pedro Infante
Coleccion Original
15 Exitos Inmortales de Jorge Negrete
La Santa Cecilia

Latin » Mexican Traditions » Mariachi

Mariachi is an urban style of son jarocho that originated in the central part of Mexico and was found from the city of Guadalajara to the south-central state of Michoacan. The origin of the name has been attributed to its being a derivation of the French word "marriage," but it may be a combination of the name "Maria" with the Nahuatl diminutive suffix "chi" (Nahuatl was an indigenous Indian language widely spoken in the area). The original ensemble consisted of two violins, a vihuela (also known as guitara de golpe -- a regional name for a small guitar with five strings), jarana (a slightly larger five-string guitar), and harp. In the 20th century, guitarron (a large, acoustic bass guitar with four strings) replaced the harp, which was awkward to transport. In the 1930s, two trumpets were added, and the resulting ensemble -- two trumpets, two violins, jarana, vilhuela, and guitarron -- has been popularized through films, radio, TV, and sound recordings. There are professional and semi-professional mariachi groups, but the main purpose of these groups is to make a living playing music rather than being attached to particular community functions. Aside from the sound of a mariachi band, they are most recognizable for their "uniform," which is quite ornate. Because mariachis usually make their living by strolling from place to place in search of good money -- on street corners or restaurants -- their instruments are portable. Mariachis are a common sight in the Zona Rosa and the Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City.

Mariachi Artists Highlights

Pedro Infante
Pedro Infante
La Santa Cecilia
La Santa Cecilia
Juan Gabriel
Juan Gabriel
Vicente Fernández
Vicente Fernández
Pedro Fernández
Pedro Fernández
Carlos y José
Carlos y José

More Mariachi Artists

Mariachi Album Highlights

Coleccion Original
El Mariachi Vargas de ...
Coleccion Original
15 Exitos Inmortales de Jorge Negrete
Jorge Negrete
15 Exitos Inmortales de ...
30 Exitos, Vol. 2
Pedro Infante
30 Exitos, Vol. 2
Best of Mariachi from Mexico
Various Artists
Best of Mariachi from ...
Prenda del Alma
Antonio Aguilar
Prenda del Alma
Hoy Más Fuerte
Gerardo Ortíz
Hoy Más Fuerte

More Mariachi Albums

Mariachi Song Highlights

Title/Composer Performer Stream
Si Dios Me Quita la Vida Javier Solís
Sombras Javier Solís
El Rey Vicente Fernández
Paloma Negra Lola Beltrán
Volver a Los 17 La Santa Cecilia
El Jarabe Tapatio
El Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán
Guadalajara El Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán
El Zopilote Mojado Silvestre Vargas
Yo Soy Mexicano Jorge Negrete
El Pecador Alberto Vazquez

More Mariachi Songs

Other Styles in Mexican Traditions