A new date has been announced for the 29th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza! The official date for the festival this year is November 30 – December 2, 2023. Like in previous years, it will be taking place at the Lila Cockrell Theatre, the Grand Hyatt at the Henry B. Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The Mariachi Extravaganza is one of the largest mariachi music festivals in the world. This week-long event is host to competitions, workshops, special events, and a one of a kind concert featuring top competition winners and, all the way from Guadalajara – La Excelencia de México – Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.

National Competitions

The 29th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza hosts 3 national mariachi competitions:

National Group Competition – Middle school, high school, and College/University groups compete in their respective categories. First, second, and third place winners are recognized and awarded. The first place winners in each category are also awarded an opening spot in the concert headlined by Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.

National Vocal Competition – Participants in this category must be enrolled in elementary/middle school, high school, or an accredited college or university to compete. Students must submit an audition tape for review by the October 1st deadline. Judges will select the finalists within each category. Finalists will be invited to compete on Saturday, December 2 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. First, second, and third place winners in each category are recognized and awarded. One overall vocalist will be selected Grand Champion Vocalist and will be invited to perform at the Mariachi Extravaganza evening concert on Saturday, December 2 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre.

Original Songwriting Competition – This competition was created to encourage young mariachi musicians to get involved in the songwriting and arranging aspect of music. It is the largest mariachi music songwriting competition in the nation and auditions are open to anyone – students and non-students. Entries must be submitted by October 1. Finalists will be selected and invited to compete during the Mariachi Extravaganza. First, second, and third place winners will be recognized.

Start making plans to attend the 29th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio Riverwalk is the official hotel for the music festival.

Future Dates

30th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza – December 5 – 7, 2024

31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza – December 4 – 6, 2025

The Mariachi Extravaganza is produced by MPR, a San Antonio based public relations agency. Our mission is to present and promote quality Latino cultural arts programming while preserving our traditions and Hispanic heritage. Together, with mariachi directors, parents and friends, our community utilizes the mariachi music platform to promote higher education and cultural preservation among Latino youth. For more information, contact 210-860-9633.