Mariachi

Mariachi is an ensemble tradition from western Mexico, centered in Jalisco, in which violins, trumpets, vihuela, guitar and the deep-bodied guitarrón accompany singers in sones, rancheras, boleros, corridos and huapangos. Groups such as *Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán*, founded in 1897, standardized the lineup and repertory, while singers including *Pedro Infante*, *Jorge Negrete* and *José Alfredo Jiménez* made the mariachi sound the emblem of Mexican national identity through film and radio. The tradition was inscribed by UNESCO in 2011 and remains central to weddings, quinceañeras, funerals and public celebration.