When thinking about Miami in terms of music, many people think of conga, rumba, merengue and cumbia rhythms. With about seventy per cent of Miamians being Hispanic of mainly Cuban, Dominican, Colombian, Nicaraguan and Honduran descent, it's no wonder that the city is known as the Capital of Latin America. However, another sound is moving in along with a growing Mexican population. These days you won't have any problems finding mariachis in Miami.
Mariachi is probably Mexico's most famous musical export. This style of folk music originated in the central and western parts of Mexico such as Jalisco state during the nineteenth century, but became especially popular during the early twentieth century. With a little help from radio and film, it became an integral part of Mexican identity.
Today it's almost impossible to attend any kind of Mexican-themed event without the presence of a group of musicians in charro suits. Whether it's a Cinco de Mayo celebration or a wedding, there will be a band serenading the guests. Good Mexican restaurants all over the world hire these musicians to create an authentic sound to complement the tamales, mole, quesadillas and of course Jalisco's other famous export, tequila.
Strings make up the biggest part of a mariachi band's instrumental arsenal. The high-pitched guitar known as the vihuela, with its rounded back, provides much of the rhythm. A couple of other guitars may be added too. An essential is the guitarron for its bass sound. This instrument resembles a guitar in looks but is closer to a cello or double bass in size.
Guitars are not the only stringed instruments to feature. Violins are essential in creating the melody and a group will have several violins, as much as eight in some cases. A harp may feature too, but is not essential. Trumpets are important, though, adding to the melody. Some bands also feature an accordion. When it comes to the vocals, all the band members sing along for the chorus while they take turns to sing the lead vocals.
Traditionally only men played in the bands. However, in recent years it has become more accepted to include female musicians too. There are now even a growing number of all-female bands, especially in the United States.
Male and female musicians alike don an outfit known as a charro suit. This is a tailored three-piece suit with lots of embroidery and silver buttons, often along the seams of the pant legs. The suit, usually black, is worn with boots, a soft tie and a sombrero, which is a kind of wide-brimmed hat. Even though charros are actually Jalisco horsemen, Mexican Western-style movies known as 'comedia ranchera' inextricably linked the outfits with mariachi musicians.
There is an ever-increasing number of mariachis in Miami. They cater to the growing population of Mexican descent, but you can hire their services even if you don't have a drop of Mexican blood. Tunes like 'Cielito Lindo' and the ever-popular 'La Cucaracha' are universally recognizable and standard in a mariachi repertoire, so your guests will be able to enjoy the music even if their Spanish is limited to words like 'tortilla' and 'burrito'. All you need to add to the mix is the tequila.
Mariachi is probably Mexico's most famous musical export. This style of folk music originated in the central and western parts of Mexico such as Jalisco state during the nineteenth century, but became especially popular during the early twentieth century. With a little help from radio and film, it became an integral part of Mexican identity.
Today it's almost impossible to attend any kind of Mexican-themed event without the presence of a group of musicians in charro suits. Whether it's a Cinco de Mayo celebration or a wedding, there will be a band serenading the guests. Good Mexican restaurants all over the world hire these musicians to create an authentic sound to complement the tamales, mole, quesadillas and of course Jalisco's other famous export, tequila.
Strings make up the biggest part of a mariachi band's instrumental arsenal. The high-pitched guitar known as the vihuela, with its rounded back, provides much of the rhythm. A couple of other guitars may be added too. An essential is the guitarron for its bass sound. This instrument resembles a guitar in looks but is closer to a cello or double bass in size.
Guitars are not the only stringed instruments to feature. Violins are essential in creating the melody and a group will have several violins, as much as eight in some cases. A harp may feature too, but is not essential. Trumpets are important, though, adding to the melody. Some bands also feature an accordion. When it comes to the vocals, all the band members sing along for the chorus while they take turns to sing the lead vocals.
Traditionally only men played in the bands. However, in recent years it has become more accepted to include female musicians too. There are now even a growing number of all-female bands, especially in the United States.
Male and female musicians alike don an outfit known as a charro suit. This is a tailored three-piece suit with lots of embroidery and silver buttons, often along the seams of the pant legs. The suit, usually black, is worn with boots, a soft tie and a sombrero, which is a kind of wide-brimmed hat. Even though charros are actually Jalisco horsemen, Mexican Western-style movies known as 'comedia ranchera' inextricably linked the outfits with mariachi musicians.
There is an ever-increasing number of mariachis in Miami. They cater to the growing population of Mexican descent, but you can hire their services even if you don't have a drop of Mexican blood. Tunes like 'Cielito Lindo' and the ever-popular 'La Cucaracha' are universally recognizable and standard in a mariachi repertoire, so your guests will be able to enjoy the music even if their Spanish is limited to words like 'tortilla' and 'burrito'. All you need to add to the mix is the tequila.
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