The Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition has come a long way since its inception in 1997, just two years after the music festival’s debut in 1995. What began as a modest event at the Buena Vista Theater on the downtown UTSA campus quickly became a standout competition. From its start, this vocal showcase drew out the hidden talents of young singers who yearned to share their passion for mariachi. Many exceptional vocalists have graced the stage over the years, captivating audiences with beloved traditional mariachi songs and claiming their place among the top talents in the genre.
Unlike the group competition, which emphasizes teamwork, the vocal competition offers students the chance to shine individually. This event has evolved into one of the festival’s highlights, awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships and creating opportunities for participants to open for Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and other renowned mariachi artists. Today, the vocal competition is a true spectacle of artistry, where elegant presentation, exquisite vocals, and remarkable showmanship take center stage.
This year, 40 semifinalists from 27 cities across the country were selected from a record breaking number of submissions. Semifinalists will come together for a thrilling competition at the Lila Cockrell Theatre on Thursday, December 5, starting at 5 PM. For the first time, we’re excited to add a semifinals round, which brings an extra level of excitement to the competition. Previously, competitors submitted videos, and a selected finalists performed live. But with the increase in the number of participants and their incredible talent, adding a semifinals round ensures that each competitor has the best opportunity to showcase their skills in front of two different panels of esteemed judges. This new format raises the stakes, leading up to a finals round where the most outstanding voices will take center stage.
Wristbands are required for entry and can be purchased at the door for $25 each. A wristband grants access to all three full days of competitions from December 5-7 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre.
We extend our deepest thanks to our sponsors: KHS America Academic Alliance, H-E-B, Raising Cane’s, the San Antonio Film Commission, and Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert. Their generous support enables us to award scholarships to competition winners, helping them continue their musical journeys.
Join us for what promises to be a spectacular evening as we celebrate the passion, talent, and dedication of mariachi’s next generation. Congratulations to those who advanced to the finals! With so many exceptional submissions, the judges faced the challenging task of selecting a group of semifinalists from an extraordinary pool of talent. And to those who may not have made it this year—remember, your courage and dedication in auditioning already make you a winner. Life has a way of opening new doors, so hold tight to your passion and keep moving forward.
A heartfelt thank you to the Mariachi Directors who guided and encouraged these students through their auditions. Your support and commitment are invaluable, helping shape and inspire the next generation of mariachi artists. Thanks also to Andrea Daniela from Houston and Federico Chavez from San Antonio for selecting this year’s finalists.
It has been an honor for my team and I to witness so much talent over the years, to get to know each competitor, and to be part of their journey in mariachi. Working with these students and watching them grow has been an absolute pleasure.
For 30 years, the Mariachi Extravaganza has been a driving force for cultural unity and appreciation, bridging the U.S. and Mexico through the universal language of music. It has brought together top artists from both countries, enriching San Antonio’s cultural landscape and fostering immense pride in Latino cultural arts. The festival has served as a platform to promote higher education and cultural preservation among Hispanic youth, inspiring generations to pursue excellence in mariachi and embrace their cultural roots.
The Mariachi Extravaganza is produced by San Antonio based Muñoz Public Relations (MPR).
