Mariachi Extravaganza Music Festival

The Annual Mariachi Extravaganza Music Festival celebrates its 30th year in San
Antonio . This event features the largest national mariachi
group and vocal competitions, showcasing top-tier talent from school-based mariachi
programs across the U.S. The multi-day festival includes three days of highly skilled
performances, culminating in the National Competition Finals on Saturday, December 7.
Attendees can expect a fiercely competitive atmosphere, rich with cultural pride and
tradition, and a grand finale concert featuring competition winners and the world-
renowned and Mexico City-based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.

Schedule:

8:30 am – 12:30 pm Mariachi Workshops

Students have an incredible opportunity to deepen their knowledge of mariachi music during the Mariachi Extravaganza. Instrumental and vocal workshops will be led by the renowned members of Mariachi Aztlán from UTRGV, one of the most respected collegiate mariachi ensembles in the country. With a prestigious reputation built on years of award-winning performances and a current tour with Mexico’s legendary ranchera singer Aida Cuevas, Mariachi Aztlán stands at the pinnacle of mariachi excellence. Their workshops, held alongside Artistic Director Jonathan Palomar and esteemed vocalists Octavio Moreno and Vanessa Alonso, offer students expert instruction in traditional rhythms such as sones, huapangos, rancheras, and romantic ballads. Participants will also gain access to rare, one-of-a-kind compositions—treasured pieces of music perfect for use in classrooms and beyond. This is a unique chance to learn from the very best, and the knowledge gained will be cherished for a lifetime. Pre-paid registration is required for this exceptional experience.

Location: Lila Cockrell Theatre, 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Registration: Click here to pre-register by November 12

2:00 PM National Mariachi Group Semi-finals

The National Mariachi Group Semi-finals are the ultimate arena for the nation’s top mariachi groups, showcasing the best middle school and high school ensembles in the largest and most fiercely contested mariachi group competitions in the U.S. As the number of mariachi groups continues to grow, the semi-finals provide a platform for all participants to compete at the same starting point. Over the course of 8 hours of electrifying performances, each group comes to San Antonio with one goal: to secure a coveted spot in the finals on Dec. 7.

The excitement culminates as the middle and high school semi-finals transition into an evening of elite performances by collegiate mariachi ensembles, inspiring young artists to pursue mariachi music at the highest level, in a competitive environment.  The competition is open to the public, but wristbands are required for entry to this unparalleled display of mariachi mastery.

Location:Lila Cockrell Theatre, 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Wristbands:$25 at the theatre’s Box Office on day of the event. Good for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday events.