The Influence of Mariachi on Puerto Vallarta - Jalisco, Mexico

Mariachi music, quite obviously the heart and soulworldwide and well known by almost everyone.
of Mexico to anyone that has traveled south ofNext, because numerous mariachi troupes were
the border, frequently permeates the Puertoperforming throughout the state of Jalisco and
Vallarta evening air. Mariachis can be heardthe music was ideal for dancing, their admirers
serenading women at weddings, special occasionsstarted the zapateado; the traditional mariachi
such as quinceaneras (girls' fifteenth birthdaydance technique which originated in Spain. It
celebrations) and baptisms, Mother's Day fiestas,became so popular that one of its varieties, the
and at private parties. The mariachis are alsoMexican Hat Dance from Guadalajara (the capital
often seen and heard in many of the restaurantsof Jalisco and the second largest city in Mexico),
and cantinas and can be found roving along thesoon became the national dance of Mexico. The
beachfront malecon and throughout public parks.female dancers with their beautiful costumes
The mariachis that perform at parties and specialprovide a memorable sight as they strike the
occasions are generally paid by the hour, whereasfloor with the heels of their shoes and flare their
those practicing their trade in public areas,brightly colored dresses of intricate patterns and
restaurants, and cantinas usually request a givendesigns while dancing around a sombrero.
amount of pesos per song. Other mariachis actingNow that we know that mariachi, the symbol of
as street musicians or buskers simply play theirthe Mexican Revolution, originated in the state of
beautiful music for the public enjoyment andJalisco, and that the national dance of Mexico, the
appreciate the tips they receive.Mexican Hat Dance, is also from Jalisco, we ask
We all recognize the unique sound of mariachihow these facts influence life in Vallarta today.
music when we hear it, however few of us trulyWell, aside from the perfect winter climate from
appreciate what differentiates mariachi fromNovember through May and the incredible scenery
other music. In order to be classified as mariachi,of the Sierra Madres and the Pacific Ocean, a
the group must include a guitarron (a smallvisitor to the region might not even realize he's in
acoustic base) and a yihuela (a high-pitched fiveMexico with all the taxi cabs, "big box" stores, air
string guitar) along with a Mexican guitar, three orconditioned shopping malls, multi-level parking
more violins, and one or more trumpets. Normally,garages, stadiums, airport, bus and maritime
at least one of the musicians will also sing. Theterminals, golf courses, hospitals, university,
appearance of the mariachis is also quite unique inconvention center, and other large and modern
that they commonly wear silver studded charrofacilities that you would expect in a city of
outfits with bow ties and wide-brimmed350,000 residents. Therefore, in order to obtain
sombreros.that unmistakable feeling of being in Mexico while
What is not so obvious and well known is thevisiting Vallarta, one should take in some mariachi
derivation of the word mariachi and the birthplacemusic and a hat dance (not to be confused with a
of mariachi. Although there are differing opinionslap dance!). Only then will the sensation of being in
regarding the origin of the word mariachi, manyMexico be fully appreciated; only then will the true
believe it was derived from the French wordflavor of Mexico be savored. The sights and
"mariage" meaning wedding or marriage. There issounds associated with mariachi are uniquely
no doubt that mariachi originated in the small cityMexican as they exemplify the centuries old
of Cocula, Jalisco, which is located in a farmingcultural mix of Latin America and Europe.
valley approximately 100 miles east of PuertoIn summarizing; picture this: you're with your wife
Vallarta. Cocula, known as "the cradle of mariachi",or girlfriend enjoying an evening dinner at one of
has a population of less than 30,000 inhabitantsthe fine beachfront restaurants with an ocean
with its roots from Franciscan monks whoview and mountain backdrop. The temperature is
persuaded the indigenous inhabitants of theperfect, there's a gentle evening breeze, tropical
surrounding areas to relocate to the valley soonflowers are on the table, and you're sipping a
after the Spanish Conquest around 1530AD. Theirfrozen margarita or cerveza while listening to
unique form of music was first documentedmariachis and watching the sunset in Paradise. It
around 1880 and has grown in popularity everjust doesn't get much more romantic than that!
since. In fact, mariachi music became the symbolMexicans are known to be very romantic by
of the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920nature, and influenced by mariachi, it's no wonder
because it represented the national spirit of thethat Puerto Vallarta is known as one of the most
indigenous Mexican blood. It really wasn't until afterromantic resort destinations in the world. What
1930 that this distinctive form of music was evenbetter place to retire, than amongst the romantic
recognized outside the state of Jalisco. Of course,sights and sounds of mariachis?
today the sights and sounds of mariachi are