What is Mariachi to me?

It’s the pounding of the guitarron in sync with your heartbeat.

It’s the strumming of the armonias setting the mood.

It’s the harp, singing like a bird in the trees of Veracruz.

It’s the trumpets calling the attention of passers by.

It’s the beautiful voices, singing the songs of past years.

It’s the sadness and melancholy in the voice of the guest singer when he or she sings a heartbreaking love song.

It’s the energy from a Polka or a Ranchera like Relampago or La Negra.

It’s the stories behind the songs.

It’s the honor knowing that you are carrying on a long tradition.

It’s the smell of fresh leather boots and belts.

It’s the beautiful embroidery and stitches on the trajes.

It’s the confidence you feel when you know the song by heart.

It’s the feeling of peace and tranquility when I listen to another mariachi play my favorite songs.

It’s the spine tingling sound when they play Cascabel.

It’s the toddlers staring with their sparkling young eyes in awe.

It’s the applause from the audience after you’ve played a great tocada.

Translations

Guitarron- A large bass instrument that leads the whole mariachi.

Armonia- The rhythem section of the Mariachi that consists of guitars and vihuerlas.

Polka, Ranchera- type of songs.

Relampago, La Negra, Cascabel- songs often played by Mariachis’

Trajes- The traditional suit worn by Mariachis’

Plata- silver pieces that are attached on the traje.

Nanas’, Tatas’- grandparents

Tocada- performance