Big Blog 2: One Last Music Culture
Mariachi Music WHAT: Mariachi music is a lively and traditional style of music from Mexico. It usually features four or more performers who play traditional folk music instruments and sing together. The standard mariachi group today consists of as many as eight violins, two trumpets, and at least one guitar, including a high-pitched vihuela and an acoustic bass guitar called a guitarrón, with each player taking turns singing lead and backup vocals. Mariachi music was influenced by a blend of European, Indigenous, and African sounds. The Spanish brought string instruments to Mexico, which were originally intended for use during Mass, but they quickly became popular in secular events. Mariachi music is a fusion of Rock, Latin Pop, Cumbia, and Grupero music, and incorporates elements from other genres such as polkas and waltzes. Mariachi musicians also wear charro outfits, adding to their distinctive appearance. The lyrics of most songs are typically about themes such as machismo, love, b...