By Bel Hernandez Castillo
Mariachi USA is like a family coming together for a reunion. Such was the feel, once again, this past Saturday at the Hollywood Bowl, as the largest Mariachi Festival in the country took place for the 35th year. The celebration was epic, with not one Mariachi group, but six and over 15,000 people celebrating under the stars.
It’s a tradition. Every year thousands of music lovers make it a point to buy their tickets to celebrate the richness of Mariachi music. They know the songs and sing along with family and friends. For some it is a reunion of sorts because this festival is where some have met and see each other every year. It never gets old, it is a musical ritual that includes dancing, singing along and dressing up. This year was no different.
The Mariachi groups change, but the music remains a classic staples of Mariachi music. This year the participating groups showcased were Mariachi Cobre traveling from EPCOT Center Walt Disney World Resort where they have been playing for over 30 years. This years also included the L.A. based all women’s Mariachi Divas and Mariachi Los Reyes, and from San Antonio, Texas Mariachi Campanas de America and one of the U.S.A.’s first Mariachi groups and L.A. ‘s very own Mariachi Los Camperos. Each Mariachi group brings their unique style and a few surprises. Among the classic Mariachi songs were adaptations of Gloria Estefan’s Conga, and a Mariachi rendition of Charlie Daniels Band’s The Devil Came Down to Georgia which had the 15,000 “Bowl” attendees up on their feet dancing and singing…nuevo Mariachi style.
From its inception thirty five years ago, there are two things that are a constant at Mariachi USA, Mariachi music and Rodri Rodriguez the host for the evening, and producer of this event since its inception under her banner Rodri Entertainment.
Mariachi USA never disappoints. It is now a tradition and has become a reunion of sorts, where you bump into friends you haven’t seen in a while…other than on social media, you grab a partner and dance to the music and throw a few gritos (a loud passionate Mexican gutteral yell). It’s a night of festive attire, with most everyone dresssing for the occasion with their cultural attire, embroidered dresses, rebozos, flower headdresses, boots, and cowboy hats. There is not another Hollywood Bowl event quite like this one.
Although the evening starts at 6PM and goes to 10:30PM, it always goes by too quickly, and before you know it the classic Mariachi songs like El Rey, La Negra, reserved for the finale, sung en masse at the end of the evening to a spectacular display of fireworks. A perfect way to end the night! Until next year’s show which has already been slated for June 28. Claim your tickets now at www.mariachiusa.com and join the fun!
To further commemorate the 35th anniversary, and keep you informed about the Marachi genre until next year, Rodri Entertainment has launched the MARIACHI USA The Podcast, hosted by MARIACHI USA founder Rodri. The podcast delves into the rich history and vibrant culture of mariachi, exploring its roots, celebrating its icons, and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the festival’s illustrious history.