For many years mariachi bands consisted of only men (and that was just the way it was). Mariachi music has been completely male-driven from the beginning. Women were only there to cheer on the mariachis and dance.

However, this practice has changed dramatically in the past 100 years.

Three women are known for breaking through the all-male boundaries that had been there for so many years.

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There is a plaza in Mexico City called Plaza Garibaldi where mariachi groups stand on the sidewalks (as they have done since the 1920s), waiting for someone to hire them to play at a special occasion.

Some groups even perform serenades right there in the plaza. They are usually already dressed in full charro gear and equipped with their instrument in hand, sometimes playing a portion of a song to grab the attention of potential clients.

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Some people say that mariachi songs sound all the same but there are significant differences in rhythm and tone.

Just like any other genre of music, mariachi music has many variations; some of which has to do with the region of Mexico where it was established in or the era it became popular.

In this article you will learn about the different mariachi styles that have been around many years, such as corridos and rancheras (and its variations: Polka, vals and bolero).

Ready? Ok, let’s dig in…

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You’re having a fiesta soon, or a special event such as a wedding, quinceañera, sweet sixteen or a graduation…

And you have decided to hire a mariachi band to play.

If this is the case, good for you!

Now, the hard part for you is… what steps do you take to hire a mariachi band? Or, what mariachi do you hire?

This decision process can be difficult or frustrating — especially if it’s your first time.

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