Mariachi

Strum, strum, strum goes a happy guitar. Whee, whee, whee sings a sweet violin. Toot, toot, toot calls a bright, shiny trumpet. Can you hear me. I am the sound of smiles and wiggling toes. I am the music for clapping your hands and dancing all around. People laugh and sing when I am near. I am the sound of a happy, sunny party. I am the music that fills the air with sunshine. I am Mariachi.

My story begins a long, long time ago, in the 18th century. In a sunny country called Mexico, people wanted happy music for their special days. Farmers and their families would gather together in the big, green fields. They brought their instruments, like guitars and violins, to sing songs about their lives. They sang about love, the sunshine, and the pretty flowers. This is how I was born. I became the special music for celebrations like weddings and birthdays, full of happy feelings and love.

Over time, I grew bigger and brighter. I traveled from the countryside fields to the big, busy cities. The musicians who played my songs began wearing special, fancy outfits. They wore suits called 'traje de charro' with big, beautiful hats. Soon, new instruments like the loud trumpet joined the band, making my sound even bigger and more exciting. On a very special day, November 27th, 2011, people from all over the world decided I was a treasure to be shared with everyone. Today, when you hear my songs, you hear the happy heart of Mexico. I am here to make everyone feel joyful and want to dance together.