mariachi

American  

[mahr-ee-ah-chee, mah-ryah-chee] / ˌmɑr iˈɑ tʃi, mɑˈrjɑ tʃi /

adjective

1. relating to a genre of Mexican dance music, characterized by trumpets, guitars, violins, and vocals, usually played by a small band of strolling musicians dressed in traditional costumes.

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noun

• mariachis
  plural

1. a member of a small band of strolling musicians who play a genre of Mexican dance music, characterized by trumpets, guitars, violins, and vocals.

mariachi British  

/ ˌmɑːrɪˈɑːtʃɪ /

noun

1. a small ensemble of street musicians in Mexico

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• mariachis
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of mariachi

First recorded in 1940–45; from Mexican Spanish mariache, mariachi, perhaps from French mariage marriage; the music is said to have been played at weddings in the state of Jalisco, where it originated

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Explanation

A mariachi can refer to a lively Mexican musical tradition, a group that performs it, or an individual performer. A mariachi band or ensemble may play at a wedding, a birthday, or a serenade. Mariachi bands and ensembles often feature violins and trumpets, along with a vihuela and a guitarrón, a large bass guitar. A group may perform at weddings, birthdays, community festivals, or serenades. Mariachi brings together instrumental music and singing, with a repertoire that includes many musical styles. The genre developed from son jalisciense in the state of Jalisco, and became a national symbol of Mexico during the 20th century.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mariachi mariachis

Emmanuel Banuelos spent weeks planning the perfect proposal, selecting a picturesque spot at a Laguna Beach park, enlisting his soon-to-be sister-in-law as a videographer and booking a mariachi band to play his girlfriend’s favorite music.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026

Perhaps no one genre of music screams “Mexican” more than mariachi music.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

Garcia, who is of Mexican heritage, took considerably longer over his entrance, walking out to mariachi music on Mexican Independence Day weekend.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

There was a lively atmosphere as a mariachi band entertained the crowd on Mexican Independence Day weekend, before Mexican-American Garcia took to the stage.

From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026

After that the afternoons faded away into syrupy mariachi and taco pop music, which the people tolerated with friendly bemusement.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

I will remember mi Tío Santos as the life of all the family parties, the Arellano who loved to belt rancheras alongside mariachis or karaoke tracks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2024

He recalls rushing over to his motor home, grabbing his bicycle and riding around to tell other mariachis to sign up for the housing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 9, 2024

Many mariachis started living in their cars, while others moved in with family in places like Downey, Bellflower, Pomona or Pacoima, De León said, making it hard for them to get to Mariachi Plaza.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 9, 2024

In happier times, the facade at La Golondrina Cafe was flanked by hungry patrons serenaded by mariachis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2023

For Marfa’s mother It’s the music, The mariachis With their Guitar, trumpets, And the romance Of two violins.

From "Neighborhood Odes" by Gary Soto

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