What is Mariachimusic.com
MariachiMusic.com is the leading website for mariachi music news, information and events. Find out what’s happening in the mariachi world, read about mariachi artists, get information on favorite events, learn about the Mariachi Extravaganza and book mariachi talent.
The Mariachi Extravaganza
IIn 1995, publicist and former mariachi musician Cynthia Muñoz started a new chapter in San Antonio’s mariachi festival history when she instituted the Mariachi Extravaganza. Founded with the explicit mission of promoting and presenting world-class mariachi artists and preserving the cultural traditions of Hispanic heritage, today the Extravaganza is the largest and longest-running mariachi music festival in the U.S. for competitive mariachi on a national level. The music festival hosts the National Mariachi Vocal and Group Competitions, bringing together the most competitive young artists in the nation. Each year, dozens of extraordinary mariachi music performances are held during the multi-day festival, culminating in a gala concert featuring award-winning mariachi groups and vocalists and the internationally renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. The event draws thousands of people from throughout the U.S. who come together to proudly celebrate this music and culture — and enjoy performances from the best in the world.
Meet the Producer
Cynthia Munoz
San Antonio native Cynthia Muñoz, president of Muñoz Public Relations, began her career nearly three decades ago as a public relations account executive for the national Hispanic-market advertising agency of Sosa, Bromley, Aguilar & Associates. At age 26, she founded Muñoz Public Relations, where for 16 years she headed Ford Motor Company’s corporate education program Salute to Education. In 1995, with the help of Ford and Lincoln-Mercury, Muñoz founded the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. Through her production of numerous mariachi festivals and concerts that have reached national audiences, Muñoz has taken mariachi music to an unprecedented level. Her experience in Hispanic advertising and public relations, combined with her passion for presenting Hispanic cultural arts programs, has brought newfound popularity to this traditional genre so highly cherished by U.S.-based Hispanic audiences.
The Serenata para las Madres (a Mother’s Day Serenade), the Mariachi Extravaganza Summer Camp and shows with the New York City based Ballet Nepantla are also part of the MPR roster.
Muñoz currently serves on the UTSA COLFA Deans Advisory Board and is a member of the Rotary Club. She has served as a trustee for the Southwest School of Art, the San Antonio Area Foundation Hispanic Fund, the University of Texas Alumni Association and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Muñoz was named “Woman of the Year” by the San Antonio Business Journal in 2015 and is an alumnus of the international group Up With People. She is a strong believer that music helps build bridges of understanding between different cultures and countries.
Jonathan Palomar
Jonathan Palomar has served as the artistic director of Mariachi Extravaganza since August 2023. Prior to that, he toured as a lead vocalist and guitarist with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán for seven years, performing to sold-out audiences throughout the world. Most recently, he toured and recorded with Vargas as the group accompanied Luis Miguel in his Mexico Por Siempre Tour. He descends from a legendary musical family in Mexico: his father, Rafael Palomar, performed as a vocalist and guitarist with Mariachi Vargas for 23 years, and his grandfather, the legendary bandleader Román Palomar, is best known as the author of the famous cumbia “El Mariachi Loco.” In addition to serving as the artistic director of the Mariachi Extravaganza, Jonathan continues to perform with Mariachi Vargas and teaches mariachi music at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. Well known for his rendition of “Llamarada,” is our beloved Maestro Jonathan Palomar.
Sandra Guevara
Sandra Guevara has been an integral part of the Muñoz Public Relations team for 26 years, serving as the backbone of budgeting, operations, and personnel. Though she prefers to work behind the scenes, her contributions are vital to the success of every project, especially the Mariachi Extravaganza. Sandra’s meticulous attention to detail, organizational expertise, and deep love for music, culture, and the mariachi community make her an invaluable member of the team.
During the Mariachi Extravaganza, Sandra works closely with the Mariachi Directors to oversee the registration process, ensuring that students, directors, and groups enjoy a seamless experience. She excels at managing the countless details that most people assume “just happen,” turning challenges into smooth operations year after year.
Sandra’s dedication, precision, and passion have helped shape the growth of the Mariachi Extravaganza, making her a trusted and respected leader whose work continues to have a lasting impact on the community.
