International Mariachi Festival

A Week of Passion and Unity in Guadalajara

2026/08/22 - 2026/08/29

Every late August, the city of Guadalajara in Jalisco comes alive with the energy and music of the International Mariachi Festival. For a full week, hundreds of mariachi bands from around the world, dressed in dazzling charro suits, perform with heart and soul in plazas, theaters, and on the streets. The sounds of trumpets, violins, and passionate singing fill every corner, creating an atmosphere so vibrant that both locals and visitors can’t help but dance. Whether you’re a music lover, a fan of Mexican culture, or a family looking for an unforgettable experience, this festival is for everyone to enjoy to the fullest[3][4][5][6][7][8].

The festival is held every year from late August to early September in Guadalajara, uniting locals, tourists, and musicians from all over the world in a true celebration of music[3][4][5][6][7][8].

Main Attractions

Spectacular Parade (Desfile Inaugural)

The festival opens with a grand parade through Guadalajara’s historic center. Dozens of mariachi bands, folkloric dancers, and giant papier-mâché puppets (mojigangas) appear, while the rhythms of trumpets and boots echo through the city. The colorful costumes, music, and showers of flowers and candy make this parade a captivating start for all ages[4][5].

Mariachi Galas & Concerts

Every night, the city’s theaters and plazas host gala concerts by world-class mariachi groups. Whether in the velvet seats of Teatro Degollado or under the stars at an outdoor stage, the air is filled with passionate performances. From heart-stirring ballads to lively rancheras, the sound of guitars, guitarrón, and vihuela lets you feel the power and beauty of mariachi up close[4][5][6].

Costumes and Decorations

Mariachis perform in traditional charro suits—jackets and pants embroidered with silver, wide-brimmed sombreros, silk ties, and polished boots. Dancers swirl in colorful ruffled dresses, and the city is decorated with papel picado (cut-paper banners), flowers, and lanterns. The feel of embroidery, the shine of silver, and the glow of the lights transform Guadalajara into a festive wonderland[4][5][6].

Traditional Food & Drink

Food stalls and restaurants serve Jalisco’s specialties: birria (spicy stewed meat), torta ahogada (local sandwich), pozole, and crispy churros. The aroma of meats and spices, the tang of lime, the warmth of tequila or cantaritos (citrus cocktails), the heat of salsa, the crunch of tostadas, and the sweet cinnamon of churros all add to the festival’s flavor[4][5].

Cultural and Historical Background

The International Mariachi Festival began in 1994 to celebrate and preserve mariachi music, which UNESCO recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011[4][5][6]. Mariachi originated in western Mexico, especially Jalisco, blending indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. For people in Guadalajara, the festival is a week to reaffirm their identity, pride, and the unifying power of music. Now, it gathers hundreds of groups from over 20 countries and more than 500,000 visitors, making it the world’s largest mariachi event[3][4][5][6][7][8].

Participant Voices

“We traveled from Texas as a family. I’d never seen so many mariachis in one place! My daughter danced in traditional dress in the plaza with strangers who quickly became friends. You can feel the warmth of Mexican culture everywhere.”

Fun Facts

More than 1,000 mariachi musicians from over 20 countries participate each year[5][6].
Guinness World Records have been set here for the largest mariachi ensemble and the longest performance marathon[4][5].
In 2011, mariachi music was recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage[6].