GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- Mariachi, one of the oldest cultural
traditions in Mexico, is not just a style of music -- it embodies
the true essence of Mexico and its people.
Mariachi groups are often found performing at special events and
festivals or simply strolling through the city streets. And
mariachi enthusiasts have opportunities to visit and take in a
little of the local flavor of mariachi.
In Guadalajara, they can take the Tequila Express Tour. The tour
begins in the Guadalajara train station where guests are greeted by
a mariachi band.
From
the station, the tour heads to the town of Amatitan, where it
travels around the tequila manufacturing area. The tour costs
approximately $36 for adults and $30 for children under age 12 and
includes lunch. For more information, visit www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx.
The annual Fiesta Internacional del Mariachi y la Charreria also
takes place in Guadalajara. This year's event runs from Sept. 4 to
15. The festival's concerts will feature performances from artists
from 70 countries. For more information, visit www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx.
Guadalajara has a wide selection of accommodations. The
Presidente Inter-Continental Guadalajara is a 14-story hotel known
as the "crystal pyramid." Rooms start at $165 a night. For
information or reservations, call (800) 327-0200 or visit the Web
at www.intercontinental.com.
Hotel De Mendoza is a colonial-style hotel with rooms starting
at $95 a night. This hotel is one of the highlights of
Guadalajara's historic downtown and features one of the city's top
restaurants. For more information, call (011) 52-33 3613-4646 or
visit the Web at www.demendoza.com.mx.
Mariachi's origins can be traced to the 16th century, although
the mariachi we know today began in the 19th century in the town of
Cocula in the state of Jalisco.
Mariachi developed as a musical form that blended local and
Spanish traditions. Its original purpose was for religious
ceremonies, but as its popularity grew through radio, television
and films, it expanded beyond the church into a major component of
Mexican culture.
Today's mariachi groups play several instruments, including as
many as eight violins, two trumpets and a guitar.