The Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition is the most prestigious mariachi vocal competition in the U.S. For nearly three decades, it has been recognized for launching careers, awarding scholarships and prizes, and creating performance opportunities that help young artists grow and thrive.

Since it was added to the Mariachi Extravaganza in 1997, the competition has become one of the most competitive and inspiring events of its kind, giving students a platform to perform on a world-class stage in front of a live audience in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Texas – the birthplace of the U.S. mariachi festival movement.

What is it?

The vocal competition is open to students up to the age of 25 from across the U.S. Students may register as part of their mariachi group or as independent vocalists. Participants showcase their talent before a live audience and a panel of esteemed judges.

Grand Champion Vocal Winner – Receives the opportunity to represent the Mariachi Extravaganza throughout 2026. Travel opportunities may apply along with the honor of opening for the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán in concert on Saturday, December 6. The Grand Champion Winner will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship thanks to support from presenting sponsors H-E-B and KHS Alianza Academica. Additional matching scholarships from UTSA and Texas State University may apply for graduating seniors accepted into these universities. Trophies, medals, scholarships and grants are awarded to first, second and third place winners in all categories and all finalists will be awarded medals.

COMPETITION ROUNDS

Qualifying Round (Sept. 1 – Oct. 1)

• Students submit a video audition with their registration.
• Semifinalists are chosen in four categories:
  • Elementary (PreK–5th grade)
  • Middle School (6th–8th grade)
  • High School (9th–12th grade)
  • College/University (up to 25 years old)
• Note: First-place winners from the Mariachi Extravaganza in Las Vegas automatically qualify for semifinals.

Semifinals – December 4

• The top 40 vocalists compete live at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in San Antonio before an audience and panel of judges.

Finals – December 6

• Top vocalists in each category perform before Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, who select the Grand Champion Vocal Winner.

Important Dates & Deadlines

• September 1 – Registration Opens
• October 1 – Vocal Competition Deadline
• October 31 – Semifinalists Announced
• December 4 – National Vocal Competition Semifinals
• December 6 – National Vocal Competition Finals
• December 6 – Grand Champion Winner opens for Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán

Tickets & Registration

• Rules and Regulations
• Register Here
• Mariachi Vargas Concert Tickets
• A Taste of the Mariachi Extravaganza, Boerne, TX

Previous Grand Champion Vocal Winners (2015–2024)

• 2024 — Lorraine Garza (Grulla/Roma, TX)
• 2023 — Yasmine Dueñes (Las Vegas, NV)
• 2022 — Nayelli Peña (Rio Grande City, TX)
• 2021 — Melanie Olivarez (La Joya, TX)
• 2020 — Ashley Treviño (McAllen, TX)
• 2019 — Kaylee Bucio (Salt Lake City, UT)
• 2018 — Nathania Flores (Edcouch, TX)
• 2017 — Jizelle Rodriguez (Kyle, TX)
• 2016 — Kassandra Juarez (Rio Grande City, TX)
• 2015 — Alexa Michelle Posas (Rio Grande City, TX)
• 2015 — Kamryn Ramirez (McAllen, TX)

A full list of winners dating back to 1997 is available at mariachimusic.com.

LAST MINUTES TIPS

– Read the rules and regulations.
– Please keep your entries to under 4 minutes. During the competitions, there are always students that go over the 4 minute limit and you will be penalized. When in doubt, keep the song under 4 minutes and not at 4 minutes.
– Submit a YouTube link at the time of registration. Do not send Instagram/Facebook links or files that need to be downloaded.
– Be sure that your voice can be clearly heard over any prerecorded or live music.
– Select a song appropriate for your level. Often times, students submit entries with songs that are too difficult for their level which prevents them from having a fair chance to to make it to the semifinals.
– Videotape your entry up close from the mid thighs or waist on up so judges can see your face clearly.
– Submit the complete song. No partial songs will be accepted!!!!
– Make sure you know the complete song. Do not read the lyrics from your cellphone as judges can not be sure that you’ll know the song by the time the semifinals are held.
– If you’re a parent, or a mariachi director, who is completing the online application for the student, make sure you have all the information handy before you start the application process. Have the parent’s email address and phone number, the mariachi director’s email address and phone number and the student’s email address and phone number.
– Dress for success! You do not need to be in full show traje or dress attire, however, shorts, low cut tops/dresses or pajamas are inappropriate. Prepare, plan, have fun and good luck!
– Complete entries with videos will be accepted up until 11:59PM on Oct. 1. The registration page automatically closes after this. If you submitted the online application without the video, your video will not be accepted as a late entry!!! Please do not call and ask if your entry can be submitted late as the answer will be no. If in doubt, call Sandra at 210-414-8409!

About the 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza

The 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza takes place December 4–6, 2025 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre on the San Antonio River Walk.

This year’s event includes:

• 3 full days of competitions
• Workshops with top artists
• Concerts featuring the nation’s best student mariachi musicians and special guests

Sign up for our monthly newsletter at mariachimusic.com to stay updated.

Special thanks to our sponsors:
KHS Alianza Academica • H-E-B • Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert