Mariachi

A happy strum from a guitar, a sweet soaring violin, and then a bright, cheerful shout from a trumpet! I am the sound that makes your feet want to tap and your heart want to sing. I can be loud and fun for a party, or soft and sweet for a special song sung under a window at night. You might see musicians wearing fancy suits with big, wide hats called sombreros. They are my family. But what am I? I am not a person or a place. I am a feeling, a story, a celebration. I am Mariachi, the music of Mexico!

My story began a long, long time ago, in the 19th century, in the beautiful countryside of a part of Mexico called Jalisco. I was born from the songs of farmers and ranch workers. After a long day, they would gather and play their instruments. At first, my voice was made of strings: violins that sang high, a small, round-backed guitar called a vihuela that strummed cheerfully, and a great big guitar called a guitarrón that gave me my deep, steady heartbeat. As time went on, I traveled from the farms to the big cities. Around the 1930s, I gained a brand-new voice: the trumpet! It made me sound bolder and brighter than ever before. The musicians who play my songs started wearing special outfits called traje de charro, inspired by Mexican horsemen, decorated with shiny silver buttons that sparkle in the sun.

For many years, I have been a part of the biggest moments in people's lives. I sing at birthday parties, weddings, and holidays. I help people say 'I love you' with a special song called a serenade. My music tells stories of heroes, love, and the beauty of Mexico. My sound traveled beyond Mexico, sharing these happy feelings all over the world. On November 27th, 2011, I was given a very special honor. A group called UNESCO said that I was an important treasure for all of humanity. Today, when you hear my trumpets and violins, you are hearing the heart of Mexico. I am more than just music; I am a song of family, joy, and community. I hope that whenever you hear me, you feel like clapping, dancing, and singing along, because I am a celebration that belongs to everyone.