The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza—one of the largest and most prominent festivals of its kind in the world—presents the very finest in mariachi music. This seven-day celebration takes place November 15-21, at the start of the holiday season, in the beautiful city of San Antonio. The festival is jam-packed with unique events, including a world-class concert featuring Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán along with the winners of the largest, longest running and most competitive mariachi group and vocal competitions on the planet. Offering more than a dozen entertaining and culturally enriching events, this festival draws more than 10,000 attendees annually.
Here are some of the Extravaganza’s highlights:
Mariachi Instrumental and Vocal Workshops
Friday, November 20, 8:00 a.m-1:00 p.m. at the Lila Cockrell Theatre and the Henry B. González Convention Center. Pre-registration is required for participating individuals and groups. Register by Oct. 23 at mariachimusic.com.
National Mariachi Group Competitions
Friday, November 20, 5:00-10:00 p.m. at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. Forty of the best mariachi groups in the U.S. gather to compete in the largest and most competitive mariachi competitions in the world. Wristbands are required, and are included with group registrations. They can also be purchased on the day of the competition at the Lila Cockrell Theater.
National Mariachi Vocal Competitions
Saturday, November 21, 9:00 a.m-1:00 p.m. at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. Experience mariachi music at an entirely new level as 40 stunning, young vocalists face off in a competition that is like no other. The contest’s judges will select one student as the “Best Mariachi Vocalist in the U.S.” who will be invited to open for that evening’s Mariachi Vargas concert. Students may register and submit their audition recordings by Oct. 1 at mariachimusic.com. Wristbands are required to attend, and these may be purchased in advance with group registrations, or at the Lila Cockrell Theater on the day of the competition.
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Concert
Saturday, November 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Lila Cockrell Theater. Diehard Mariachi Vargas fans make their annual trek to San Antonio to experience a live performance with el mejor mariachi del mundo and winners of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza group and vocal competitions. Audiences will experience the sixth generation of the greatest mariachi in the world and hear live renditions of their latest recordings, along with classics that have been performed for decades. Resounding with cultural pride, this concert inspires and delights thousands every year.
Tickets to see Mariachi Vargas and National Competition winners are available through ticketmaster.com starting September 1. Starting August 28, be the first to purchase tickets before they are released to the general public, using the code word MARIACHI. Stay at the beautiful Grand Hyatt and secure your rooms by 11/3/15 to lock in the special rate of $109! Visit mariachimusic.com for a complete schedule of events.
The 21st annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is sponsored by Sprint, TV Azteca and La Prensa de San Antonio, and is produced by MPR.
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. Call us anytime at 210-225-3353 and let us help you plan your visit to San Antonio!
—Cynthia
I received a phone call this week from a woman who has been attending the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza since 1997. She made me smile when she talked about how much she looks forward to attending this event every year. She says she goes all out and makes it a really special. She gets her manicure and pedicure, gets her hair done for the evening, plans on a nice dinner and just really looks forward to seeing the entire show with the winners and Vargas. I love our core audience that comes back year after year after year. It’s what keeps me going. I love seeing people happy and excited to enjoy this amazing evening of incredible talent!