We’re thrilled to announce the debut of Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas, a vibrant celebration of mariachi music and culture, taking place at the prestigious Artemus W. Ham Hall on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

This groundbreaking event is a collaborative effort between UNLV and Muñoz Public Relations (MPR) and will showcase the extraordinary talents of student mariachi groups and vocalists from across the United States. Participants will compete in high-energy group and vocal competitions, culminating in an unforgettable evening performance featuring competition winners and guest artists from the U.S. and Mexico.

Event Highlights:

• Date & Location: Saturday, March 8, 2025, Artemus W. Ham Hall, UNLV campus.
• Competitions: Full-day mariachi group and vocal competitions featuring students from across the U.S. vying for top awards.
• Evening Performance: Winners will perform in a 90-minute Mariachi Extravaganza show alongside guest artists from the U.S. and Mexico.
• For those new to competitive mariachi, the Netflix documentary “Going Varsity in Mariachi” provides a glimpse into the passion and dedication of young performers striving for excellence. This same energy will be on full display in Las Vegas, with hundreds of talented artists gathering for this premier event.

Key Information:

Why Las Vegas?

• Las Vegas has emerged as a hub for mariachi education, with Clark County School District boasting over 7,000 students
• As the entertainment capital of the world, it’s a natural choice for hosting this dynamic cultural event.
• According to the U.S. Census data, approximately 35% of the population in and around Las Vegas is Hispanic. The Mariachi Extravaganza fills the need for quality Latino cultural Arts programming. 

How Is Las Vegas Different from San Antonio?

• The Las Vegas event focuses on a single day of competitions and an evening show, targeting student based mariachi music programs.
• The Mariachi Extravaganza evening performance will spotlight competition winners and Jonathan Palomar. 
• First place winners of the Vegas Vocal Competition will automatically qualify for entry into the Mariachi Extravaganza Vocal Semifinals in San Antonio on Thursday, December 4, 2025. 

Registration Details:

• Eligibility: Open to elementary/middle school, high school, and college/university groups and vocalists.
• Vocal Entries: Submissions may include a pista (music bed), live mariachi accompaniment, or a single guitar. Multiple song entries are allowed, with a $25 fee per entry. Click here for a sample of a vocal submission. Click to register. 
• Deadline: Vocal competition entries must be submitted by the January 31st deadline.
• Finalist Selection: Jonathan Palomar, artistic director of the Mariachi Extravaganza, will select finalists within seven days of the submission deadline.

Awards:

• Group Competitions: Trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Elementary/Middle School, High School, and College/University categories will be awarded. Winners will open for the Mariachi Extravaganza evening concert.
• Vocal Competitions: Trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in four categories (Elementary, Middle School, High School, College/University). First-place winners will also receive:
  • Automatic entry to the Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition Semifinals in San Antonio (December 2025).
  • Scholarship/Grant
  • Opportunity to open for Jonathan Palomar

FAQs:

1. Can students submit the same video entry as San Antonio? Yes, just include the link during registration.
2. Who will accompany vocal finalists? Ideally, their school group. If unavailable, contacts for other group directors will be provided.
3. Eligibility for College Students: College students enrolled in a talent academy are welcome, provided they meet age and enrollment requirements.

Important Dates:

• Vocal Finalist Announcement: February 6, 2025, at 4 PM GMT/6 PM CST on mariachimusic.com.
• Competition Day: Full-day competitions and evening concert in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Join Us in Celebrating Mariachi Excellence

For 30 years, the Mariachi Extravaganza has celebrated higher education and cultural preservation among Hispanic youth, fostering artistic and personal growth. Expanding to Las Vegas marks a new chapter in creating unforgettable experiences for students and audiences alike.

Thank you for your interest and participation. For questions, feel free to reach out via phone, email, or text. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!

Register now at mariachimusic.com!