Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza returns for 24th consecutive year

Tickets for the 24th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza go on sale to the general public July 16.

El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo; Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán returns to San Antonio for the 24th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza on Sunday Nov. 18 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre (200 E. Market) at 7:00 p.m. With a history that spans nearly four decades, the seven-day music festival continues to be the premiere event of its kind in the nation and one of the most prominent in the world.

“This isn’t just a concert. It’s a life-changing experience,” Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Producer Cynthia Muñoz said. “When I began producing the Extravaganza in 1993, watching Mariachi Vargas perform changed my life, and they continue to influence me and thousands of others annually.”

Mariachi Vargas Violinist Andres Gonzales smiles as he interprets a song at the 23rd Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravanza. (Photo, Javier Vela)

San Antonio is like a second home to Mariachi Vargas, who performed the first-ever U.S. mariachi conference in San Antonio in 1979. The festival took a brief hiatus, until Muñoz Public Relations, (MPR) restored it in 1993, dubbing the conference Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza with a focus on higher education. Since then, the group comes annually without fail.

MPR is host and producer of the top mariachi events in San Antonio such and the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, Serenata para las Madres Mother’s Day Celebration and the Annual Mariachi Extravaganza Summer Camp.

For six generations, Mariachi Vargas has shaped and defined mariachi music with an iconic sound and style. Under the musical direction of Carlos Martinez, the 14-piece ensemble continues defying borders and enthralling audiences. Since taking the rein, Martinez has created arrangements keeping the tradition alive, while pushing limits and drawing more fans into the genre.

Mariachi Vargas Musical Director Carlos Martinez sings his heart out to the audience at the 23rd Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. (Photo, Javier Vela)

Mariachi Vargas collaborates with many high-profile art organizations internationally, including the Seville-based Orfeón Donostiarra, Orquestra Filarmónica de Jalicso, and the Houston Grand Opera.

Earlier this year, Mariachi Vargas accompanied international superstar and idol Luis Miguel on his North American and Canada leg of the ¡México Por Siempre! tour, spanning more than 50 cities. They will continue touring Mexico and Spain for the remainder of 2018.

Pre-sale tickets to the concert are available from July 5-11 for American Express Cardholders and Mariachimusic.com subscribers before going on sale to the general public July 16. A resale code will be sent to Mariachimusic.com email insiders to gain early access to tickets. Visit the website for more information and join our mailing list by clicking the button that says ‘sign up for newsletter.’

Tickets range from $35-$205 and are can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, at the Alamodome Box Office, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.