2. WHAT IS MARIACHI?
Mariachi is a musical genre originated in the 19th century
in Mexico
The earliest written version of the word Mariachi
dates back to 1852 in Rosamorada, Nayarit, carrying
the meaning of "fandango" or a popular festivity
3. ORIGIN
Hernan Cortes brought musicians with
him in 1519 to Mexico.
Over time, the music blended with the
native music. As well as the African music
of the imported slaves.
4. GEOGRAPHY
It is native to the region of
western Mexico that includes
what are today the states of
Jalisco, Nayarit, Zacatecas,
Aguascalientes, Guanajuato,
Michoacan, and Colima;
extending as far north as
Sinaloa and Durango and as
far south as Guerrero.
The exact birthplace of the
mariachi is unknown
5. OUTFIT
Wide Bow
Belt
Short Boots
Pants & Jacket
Sombrero
6. INSTRUMENTATION
Vihuela- A string instrument similar to a
guitar but smaller and with five strings.
Trumpet- The trumpets
were added to the Mariachi
bands in the 20th century.
Guitar- This is the modern
classical guitar.
Violin- Usually
several violins play
with a Mariachi.
Guitarrón- Literally meaning
"large guitar" in Spanish, it is an
accoustic bass with six strings.
8. DANCE
Mariachi also includes
regional dances
hard rhythmic heel
stomping
straight backed
with gliding
shuffling footwork
Waltzes
Polkas
zapatiado
9. THE MARIACHI AT SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Funeral
Serenata
Mariachis are commonly hired for:
-baptisms
-weddings
-patriotic holidays
-funerals
-serenatas (serenade)
Mariachi music has even been Wedding
incorporated into the Roman
Catholic Church's most sacred ritual
10. Mariachi Vargas
The most important group in
the history of mariachi music is
Mariachi Vargas.
It founded in 1898 by Gaspar
Vargas in Tecalitlán, Jalisco.
In the 1930s, its leadership was
taken over by his son, Silvestre
Vargas, considered the greatest
mariachi organizer and
visionary of all time.
11. SUMMARY
Mariachi is a musical genre originated in the 19th century in Mexico
It is native to the region of western Mexico extending as far
north as Sinaloa and Durango and as far south as Guerrero.
Mariachis wear the suit of the horseman or
traje de charro.
Instrumentation consists of a vihuela, guitar,
guitarrón, trumpet, & violin.
All members may sing
Mariachis include regional dances
Mariachis are commonly hired for baptisms,
weddings, patriotic holidays, and even funerals
The most important group in the history of
mariachi music is Mariachi Vargas.
