Mariachi Luz de Luna goes beyond simple music, and is reputed to be a cultural revolution expressed through a group of professional musicians. Their performances are full of energy, cultural spirit and a unique representation of Mexico. This is an experience not to be missed.
Other highlights include a Mariachi Apache performance. Mariachis often dress in popular clothing called Charro suits; encompassing the essence of Mexico and its people. The word mariachi refers to the musicians now commonly seen in restaurants or strolling the streets, dressed in silver studded Charro outfits with wide brimmed hats playing a variety of instruments which include violins, guitars, basses, and trumpets.
Their songs speak about machismo, love, betrayal, death, politics, revolutionary heroes and even animals. A well recognized particularly famous song is "La Cucaracha".
The mariachi originated in the southern part of the state of Jalisco sometime in the 19th century. It has also been suggested that the name comes from a festival in honor of a virgin known as Maria H. (mah-ree-ah AH-chay) at which musicians played and that over time they were given this name. The truth is that no one knows where the name originated, but it is one which is associated with a great deal of prestige not only in Mexico, but around the world.
The origins of the mariachi itself (the group, culture, music, etc.) are not much easier to trace. The mariachi is the sum of a cultural evolution which has taken place over the last century or so in Mexico. |
