We’re beyond thrilled to announce that Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán will be back in San Antonio this December for the 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza — the most anticipated mariachi music event in the world!
Their return continues a legacy that spans generations, inspiring young musicians and captivating audiences through breathtaking performances that define excellence in mariachi music.
A Historic Connection with San Antonio
Mariachi Vargas first performed in San Antonio in 1979 as part of the city’s inaugural mariachi music festival, which laid the groundwork for what would become a deep and lasting bond between the ensemble and this cultural capital of Texas.
In 1987, Mariachi Vargas recorded and toured with Linda Ronstadt on her groundbreaking Canciones de Mi Padre album — the best-selling non-English-language album in U.S. history, with over 2 million copies sold and certified double platinum.
After nearly a decade, Vargas returned to San Antonio in 1995 and has since performed nearly every year for three decades — with only brief pauses in 2022 and 2023.
Setting the Standard for Excellence
“It’s the largest gathering of the most talented mariachi musicians in the world,” says Carlos Martínez, musical director of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, in reference to the Mariachi Extravaganza. The group’s presence elevates the event, inspiring countless students and musicians to further their growth and development of mariachi music. Mariachi Vargas’ dedication to performance and cultural excellence makes them a cornerstone of the Mariachi Extravaganza experience.
A Year of Global Impact
Mariachi Vargas has had an extraordinary year, performing in 52 concerts and solidifying their reputation as one of the most in-demand ensembles in Mexico and internationally.
Highlights include:
- A landmark performance at Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City with the Amalia Hernández Ballet Folklórico(Jan. 26)
- A sold-out concert at the L.A. County Fair (May 10)
- Launching their “El Legado Tour 2025/2026” which they also in Spain, where they recently performed with Spanish legends Mocedades
Before launching this new tour, Mariachi Vargas spent 18 intense months accompanying Luis Miguel on a world tour with 194 performances, and contributed to his México en la Piel and ¡México Por Siempre! albums.
Now, reenergized and touring as independent artists, Mariachi Vargas continues to set the gold standard for mariachi music worldwide.
Get Ready, San Antonio!
While Vargas has several performances ahead of them before arriving in San Antonio, anticipation is already building. Their appearance at the Mariachi Extravaganza will be the highlight of a weekend that features the largest and most competitive national mariachi group and vocal competitions in the U.S.
Mariachi Vargas brings with them history, culture, tradition, and immense Mexican pride — and we cannot wait to welcome them back this December!
TICKET INFO
Tickets for the Mariachi Extravaganza concert — featuring Mariachi Vargas and national competition winners — go on sale:
- July 28 for MariachiMusic.com subscribers
- August 1 for the general public
Mark your calendars — this is one performance you do not want to miss!
The 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza is produced by San Antonio based Muñoz Public Relations (MPR) and sponsored by KHS Alianza Academic with U.S. offices in Nashville, TN. Its brands of instruments include H. Jimenez guitars and strings, Jupiter trumpets and Hohner accordions. Thanks to everyone who has supported this event over the past 3 decades!!! Let’s keep it going!
Mariachi Vargas Members
Carlos Martinez, Musical Director, Violinist/Vocalist
Andres Gonzalez, Vocalist/Violinist
Daniel Martinez, Vocalist/Violinist
Roberto Lopez, Vocalist/Violinist
Daniel Arellano, Vocalist/Violinist
Ivan Garza, Vocalist/Violinist
Angel Lopez, Vocalist/Violinist
Jonathan Palomar, Vocalist/Guitar/Mariachi Extravaganza Artistic Director
Enrique De Santiago, Guitarrón
Victor Alvarez, Harp
Gilberto Aguirre, Vihuela
Austin Sandoval, Trumpet
Juan de Dios, Trumpet