Mariachi music has taken the world by storm. Considered Mexico’s most symbolic musical genre for nearly a century, it extends far beyond national borders and has a world-wide following. While mariachis have long been a popular source of entertainment at all types of events and social gatherings, in recent decades mariachi concerts and festivals have increased greatly in popularity, particularly in the United States. Additionally, mariachi music’s recent sanctioning by UNESCO contributes significantly to its prestige and world-wide appeal.

In 2011, UNESCO added mariachi music to its Representative List of cultural heritages worthy of national and international safe-guarding, an effort it defines as “…the identification, documentation, research, preservation, protection, promotion, enhancement, [and] transmission…” of this tradition. This declaration has resulted in greater prestige and support for mariachi music in general.