San Antonio will be filled with extraordinary young talent next week as more than 1,000 student musicians and vocalists from across the U.S. gather for the 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza—a three-day celebration of culture, competition, and world-class mariachi music. The event culminates in a spectacular concert featuring el mejor mariachi del mundo, the world-renowned and Mexico City–based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
“These young artists are all superstars,” says San Antonio based Jonathan Palomar, Artistic Director of the festival and vocalist and guitarist for Mariachi Vargas. “They are student musicians and vocalists who are engaged, self-motivated, and talented beyond belief. San Antonio will have the opportunity to enjoy their beautiful performances over three full days packed with competitions and concerts.”
Elite Groups and Rising Stars Vie for Top Honors
Highly competitive ensembles from across the nation return to San Antonio, including:
- Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy’s Mariachi Sol Azteca (Grand Prairie)
- UT San Antonio’s Mariachi Los Paisanos (San Antonio)
- Monaco Middle School’s Mariachi Los Gavilanes (Las Vegas)
They’ll be joined by strong first-time competitors such as Mariachi Los Halcones (Harlan High School) and Mariachi Palomino and Mariachi Portillo (Palo Alto College). Click here for a complete list of the 48 groups competing.
The vocal competitions are equally fierce, bringing together newcomers and seasoned returning competitors. First-time contestants Nicolas Siller, a UT Austin student from Boerne who also plays in a country-western band, and Melanie Garza, a San Antonio College student from a local legendary mariachi family, will compete against returning finalists. Among the veterans are Isabella Gonzalez of UT Rio Grande Valley, competing for her fourth year, and Taytum Rangel from UT San Antonio, marking her fifth appearance.
“I love performing on the big stage at the Lila Cockrell Theatre” says Taytum Rangel. “I also appreciate the opportunity to win scholarships because it helps with my college tuition and, opening for Mariachi Vargas, would be a dream come true,” she added.
Click here to see the complete list of 46 vocal semifinalists.
Mariachi Vargas Continues to Shine on International Stages
Mariachi Vargas, currently performing at every Dallas Cowboys home game through a unique partnership with the team, returns to headline the Mariachi Extravaganza. Under the direction of Carlos Martínez—vocalist, violinist, and internationally respected musical director—the group continues to reach new artistic heights.
Martínez’s work includes recording on Luis Miguel’s GRAMMY Award-winning album ¡México Por Siempre!, completing more than 300 tour dates with the legendary singer, and producing the group’s 2023 album Mexicano Desde La Raíz, which features original works and a modern reinterpretation of “La Bikina” with the Spanish group Mocedades. Prior to joining Mariachi Vargas, Martínez served as musical director for Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.
A Celebration of Excellence, Culture, and Opportunity
The Mariachi Extravaganza National Group and Vocal Competitions run December 4–6, culminating in a grand concert featuring competition winners and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. The festival is dedicated to advancing the highest standards of mariachi performance while celebrating cultural pride and appreciation.
With generous support from sponsors including H-E-B, KHS Alianza Académica, and Raising Cane’s, approximately $30,000 in scholarships, matching scholarships, prizes, and travel opportunities will be awarded to competition winners this year.
How to Attend
- Concert Tickets: Available at ticketmaster.com
- Competition Wristbands: Available at the Lila Cockrell Theatre Box Office
- Full Schedule: Visit MariachiMusic.com
About the Mariachi Extravaganza
The Mariachi Extravaganza is the longest-running, largest, and most competitive mariachi festival of its kind, attracting top student mariachi groups and vocalists from across the nation. Produced by Muñoz Public Relations, the event promotes excellence in performance, cultural preservation and higher education.
For more information visit MariachiMusic.com.
