International Mariachi Day.

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Why is this musical style known worldwide?


In Puerto Vallarta, mariachi is an integral part of the local culture, and although International Mariachi Day is celebrated on January 21, there are no specific events recorded in the city for this date in 2025, we can commemorate it by learning a little about its history.

International Mariachi Day, celebrated every January 21, recognizes and honors one of the most representative musical genres of Mexico, whose influence and recognition transcend borders. This date has a special purpose: to highlight the cultural richness of mariachi and celebrate its designation as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2011. Below, I explain the origin of this celebration and how mariachi achieved worldwide fame.

Although there is no official record that explains the exact reason for choosing this date, January 21 is ideal to recognize mariachi as a musical emblem of Mexico and its historical and cultural importance. This day aligns with various efforts to preserve and promote Mexican traditions in the early months of the year, marking a tribute to mariachi at a time of relative calm in the holiday calendar.

Mariachi has its origins in the western region of Mexico, especially in Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima and Nayarit, since the 19th century. It was initially played with string instruments (vihuela, guitarrón, harp) and popular songs that reflected peasant life.

In the first decades of the 20th century, mariachi groups began to migrate to the cities. There they adopted charro suits and began to include trumpets, creating a more vibrant and characteristic sound.

In the 1930s, mariachi was consolidated as a national symbol thanks to the films of the golden age of Mexican cinema, where figures such as Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete popularized this musical style.

Mexican cinema: Films starring charros and accompanied by mariachi have reached various countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia, consolidating the image of mariachi as the symbol of Mexican identity.

Festivals such as the International Meeting of Mariachi and Charrería, held in Guadalajara, Jalisco, bring together mariachis from around the world every year, showing how this style has influenced other cultures. In 2011, UNESCO declared mariachi as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which increased its global prestige. Since then, efforts have multiplied to bring this genre to more corners of the world.

Mariachi has managed to stay current by interpreting not only traditional Mexican songs, but also popular songs from contemporary genres, attracting new generations.

On this day, concerts, cultural presentations, and tributes to outstanding mariachi musicians are usually organized. Puerto Vallarta celebrates in a big way, but on other dates, such as the International Mariachi and Charrería Meeting, this prestigious festival, which usually takes place in Guadalajara, has extended its activities to Puerto Vallarta in previous editions. For example, in 2024, performances were held at the famous Aquiles Serdán Amphitheater, known as Los Arcos del Malecón.

From June 27 to July 1, 2023, Puerto Vallarta hosted the first edition of the "Al Calor del Mariachi" festival. This event included workshops, conferences, and performances by local and international mariachis, with concerts at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center and the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center.

The most famous mariachi in Mexico is, without a doubt, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, known as "The best mariachi in the world." Founded in 1897 in the town of Tecalitlán, Jalisco, by Gaspar Vargas, this mariachi has been a pioneer in the evolution and professionalization of the genre, bringing traditional Mexican music to international stages.

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán continues to be a reference and source of inspiration for mariachis around the world.