I never gave much thought about mariachi bands or mariachi music. I was one of those teenagers who just wanted to spend all their in front of a computer and TV. That’s how I missed the magic.
Interest in Mariachi sparked
But that changed my interest in mariachi, I still like to spend time with my computer. My interest in everything took a 360 when my parents dragged me to an event( a church wedding). And ever since I’ve taken quite a liking to mariachi. The music was just so sweet and made a mental note to see some more mariachi band performances on YouTube. Not a week goes by that I don’t see at least two of these videos.
I did some research and discovered that mariachi originated in Mexico – old news. I also discovered that although many people loved mariachi, a lot more do not appreciate it. I’ve been led to believe that a lot of travelers in Mexico think nothing more of mariachi but a shoe for tourists. If only they knew! Mariachi has been around for so long it has been woven deep into the Mexican culture. For over 300 years mariachi has lived, entertaining and filling the hearts of listeners and performers alike.
Origin of Mariachi
It’s quite hard to really trace where in Mexico mariachi music originated from. Several Mexican towns and cities claim to be the originator of mariachi. Why won’t they? Regardless of these claims, one particular keeps popping up as the origin in many mariachi circles. Jalisco is the state. It is considered the birthplace of mariachi.
A certain “myth” about mariachi music claims mariachi evolved from the various musical tradition indigenous to its origin. This was during the era of colonization. This particular “myth” has circulated so much it is considered a fact. I don’t know how true that is. All I’m able to get is that it’s a myth.
Mariachi Band Attire: Dressed for the magic
During its early day, mariachi performers didn’t wear the elaborate suits we see them wear today. They perform on occasions as they do today. And here’s some that might surprise you, they played for free! That’s right, they occasionally settled for food and drinks from the hosts. These performers loved what they do so much they played in the streets for the fun of it.
Mariachi music great quickly in popularity that mariachi band traveled to the then Mexican President Porfirio Dias. As technology advanced, so did mariachi grew. Eventually mariachi left the Borders of Mexico, moving into countries like the United States. It was very obvious the people loved mariachi. At the rate mariachi grew, it could only be magic!
Mariachi Band in Arizona
As mariachi left Mexico’s borders, there was a need for the performers to wear something suitable. It was some time at this point the charro suit so familiar was adopted. Today, we can recognize a mariachi band by the charro suit and somewhere hats which they wear.
Regarding the effect mariachi Jay on a person, it’s great. Let me describe how I feel when I hear mariachi music. The first time I listened to mariachi music, I had the chills, bad chills. I felt tingles all over my skin but mostly centered at my head. Mariachi music makes me calm and at peace. I may not understand some of the Spanish lyrics but I feel I do on a different level I can’t explain. That’s how I feel when I listen to mariachi music. Seeing how far mariachi has come, I’m willing to bet the music has similar effects on people.
