A new date has been announced for the 29th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza! The official date for the festival this year will be November 30 – December 2, 2023. Like in previous years, it will be taking place at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in San Antonio, Texas. We hope that this date will give competitors more time to prepare as well as to make travel arrangements. Registration dates will be announced soon.
The Mariachi Extravaganza is one of the largest mariachi music festivals in the world. This week-long event is host to competitions, workshops, special events, and a one of a kind concert headlined by one of Mexico’s best mariachi groups La Excelencia de México – Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.
National Competitions
The 29th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza hosts 3 national mariachi competitions:
National Group Competition – Middle school, high school, and College/University groups compete in their respective categories. First, second, and third place winners are recognized and awarded. The first place winners in each category are also awarded an opening spot in the concert headlined by Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán. Registration dates to be announced.
National Vocal Competition – Participants in this category must be enrolled in a middle school, high school, or college/university mariachi program to compete. Students must first submit an audition tape for review. The audition will get reviewed by a panel of judges who will select the finalists within each category. Those selected will then have the opportunity to perform in the competition. First, second, and third place winners in each category are recognized and awarded. One overall vocalists will be selected Grand Champion Vocalist and will earn an opening spot in the concert. Registration dates to be announced.
Original Songwriting Competition – This competition was created to encourage young mariachi musicians to get involved in the songwriting and arranging aspect of music. It is the largest mariachi music songwriting competition in the nation and auditions are open to anyone without restrictions. First, second, and third place winners are recognized and awarded.
We encourage anyone planning to attend the festival start making travel arrangements. The official hotel for the 29th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza is the Grand Hyatt San Antonio Riverwalk and participants will get special rates by booking here.
Dates for the 2024 and 2025 Mariachi Extravaganza are already booked and will be taking place the first week of December.
