Mariachi+bands+and+music

Mariachi Bands  Cecily Devoto      The Mariachi bands and music originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco sometime in the 19th century, however, the specific origins of this Cultural Revolution are unknown. Musicis important in Mexico, and Mariachis really have helped to shape the culture of Mexico. With the many songs that speak about love, death, politics, animals, heroes, and even “machismo.” (Scroll down to hear a sample song!)  Early History:  There is no direct link to any theory of the origins of the Mariachi. Some believe that the name came from the French word “marriage” but this Cultural Revolution took place before the French even arrived. Others think that the name comes from the indigenous name of the Pilla or Cirimo tree. The wood coming from this tree is used to make guitars, however, if this were the case of the origin, the name would only apply to the instruments, not the people playing them. The last theory says that the name comes from a festival that honors the virgin Maria H. Truth be told, no one really knows where the name comes from, but everyone is entitled to believe what they want. (Collins)   Instruments: The instruments used by the Mariachis come from Spain even though the indigenous groups of Mexico did make music with drums, whistles, and flutes. The instruments coming from Spain are: violins, guitars, basses, vihuelas (a 5-stringed guitar), harps, and trumpets. (Gonzales)  Clothing:  The Mariachi outfit is one that is very recognizable. The groups wear charro suits – horseman suits. The pants are tightly-fitted and silver studded, they wear short jackets, embroidered belts, boots, bow-ties, and sombreros (or wide-brimmed hats). Famous Mariachis: One of the most famous Mariachi groups is the music of Mariachi Vargas. Even though it was founded in 1989 by Gaspar Vargas, the Mariachi Vargas was only truly discovered until 1934, when the son of Gaspar Vargas (Silvestre Vargas) was invited to play for the President of Mexico. Because Mariachi Vargas caught the attention of the President, soon the elite took the music to their hearts. Instantly, Mariachi Vargas was the number one band of Mexico. Since this time, Mariachi Vargas has been the model ensemble for the Mariachi bands that would come and go. (Clark)

Events:         Mariachis can bee seen strolling down popular streets in towns, or in restaurants. They play at weddings, festivals (El Dia de Los Muertos), parties, and events. media type="custom" key="2857903"

 Sources:  <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left; display: block;"> __<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Collins, Camille. "History of Mariachi." __<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mexico Connect __<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">. 2004. 2 Dec 2008 < <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/guadalajara/marhis.html <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">>. __   <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left; display: block;"> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left; display: block;">

<span style="font-size: 80%; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clark, Johnathon. "Mariachi Tradition." __<span style="font-size: 80%; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mariachi __<span style="font-size: 80%; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">. 2007. 7 Dec 2008 <http://www.mariachi4u.com/mariachi4u/registered_groups/mariachi_tradition.html> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left; display: block;"> __<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; line-height: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sylvia, Gonzales. "History of the Mariachi." __<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Puro Mariachi __<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">. 2005. 8 Dec 2008 <http://www.mariachi.org/history.html>. __