Preserving Mariachi Traditions in Puerto Vallarta

In 2011, UNESCO inscribed mariachi music onto its “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” calling the music form a “fundamental element of Mexican culture.”

No matter where you travel in Mexico, it is hard to miss the ubiquitous music form.

From strolling mariachis plying guests with a romantic tune at local restaurants to massive mariachi festivals starring hundreds of musicians, it is not difficult to find a mariachi performance underway. While Mariachi music is a “versatile” art form, according to Felipe Romero Figueroa, the director of Mariachi Vallarta 2000, a Puerto Vallarta-based group, it should also endeavor never to change its very essence.

So where to go to indulge in authentic mariachi music, at its most classical, traditional roots?

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A good place to start is Velas Vallarta Puerto Vallarta, an all-inclusive resort on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, where Romero and his group have been performing every single day for the last 12 years. Puerto Vallarta, located in the state of Jalisco is an excellent location to begin your explorations, as Jalisco is widely credited as the birthplace of mariachi music. According to Romero, some historians say the music first emerged in Cocula, Jalisco back in the 18th century.

Romero is no neophyte when it comes to mariachi. Like most Mexican mariachi performers, his love for the art form was passed down naturally from his father, Felipe Romero Huerta, who was the founder of a legendary mariachi group "Los Pipianes" which performed from 1950 to 1982.

The younger Romero has his own list of established credits, including collaborating with multi-Grammy award winner Linda Ronstadt's on her album Canciones De Mi Padre, which featured traditional Mexican music. Romero has also shared mariachi music around the world and has spent much time touring Mexico, the United States and Europe.

In 2000, he started Mariachi Vallarta 2000, and—continuing in Mexican tradition—has also passed the love of the music form down to his own son, who is now a member of the group.

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“The highest form of education is being mentored, apprenticing, from generation to generation,” said Romero. “Whoever wants to be a mariachi must know music, learn and begin to practice with his family from a very young age.”

While mariachi music does have its traditions, it is also open to change. For example, while many consider mariachi a male-dominated art form, there are many female performers according to Romero. In fact, he said, a common misconception is that female mariachis have only recently burst onto the scene.

Actually, however, the first female mariachis began performing in Mexico City in the 1950s, said Romero.

Speaking of traditions, a full mariachi group should consist of eight musicians, including two trumpets, three violins, a guitarrón, a vihuela and a guitar. All members of the group must also sing and do it well. In general, songs tend to follow certain themes, including the king, sunsets, divine women, Guadalajara, love and a little piece of heaven.

While there are distinctions between modern and traditional mariachis, Mariachi Vallarta 2000 maintains a very traditional air. A member of the group must be “well-dressed, without a beard and well-groomed,” according to Romero. “He must wear a black charro suit with silver buttons up the trousers, long sleeve shirt, necktie, and jacket with brooches (ornaments fastened with a clip) along the sleeves and the chest.”

READ MORE: Q&A with Juan Vela of Velas Resorts

To catch Mariachi Vallarta 2000 in action, make a reservation at velasvallarta.com.