San Antonio’s Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is a 7-day mariachi music festival that features the best mariachi music in the world. The event dates back to 1979 when the world renowned and Mexico City based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán performed in San Antonio in what was established as the first mariachi festival of its kind in the U.S. Events held from the late 70s to the early 80s combined mariachi group performances with a full symphonic orchestra for the very first time. Now 4 decades later, mariachi festivals have blossomed throughout the Southwestern part of the United States, Latin America and beyond. The mariachi music tradition continues and the growth of mariachi music programs in schools has exploded. San Antonio’s 18^th Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is now the largest and longest running mariachi music festival of its kind in Texas and serves as host to the largest and most competitive mariachi group and vocal competitions in the United States. The music festival culminates in a concert featuring competition winners and the world’s preeminent Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán on December 1 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. It’s an event you don’t want to miss.

San Antonio’s 18th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza serves as a platform to promote cultural preservation and higher education among the Hispanic community. Over 1,000 mariachi musicians convene each year in San Antonio to participate in mariachi music workshops, competitions, concerts, mariachi-themed art exhibits, presentations, jam sessions and more.

Join us in San Antonio for the 18th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza November 25 through December 1 and experience the best of San Antonio, the best of mariachi music and lo mejor de nuestra cultural.