More than 1,000 mariachis assembled in Mexico City’s main plaza on Sunday, filling the air with the strumming of guitars and the melodious strains of classics like “Cielito Lindo” as they brought a mariachi congress to a rousing conclusion. This spectacular gathering seemingly surpassed the previous record of 700 mariachis, which took place in the culturally rich city of Guadalajara.
The Guinness World Records organization has yet to confirm if this remarkable assembly bested the prior record, despite inquiries from The Associated Press.
Musicians from various cities across Mexico flocked to the capital, exuberantly sharing their joy and pride at performing in such a historically significant venue. For many, mariachi music is a cherished family tradition passed down through generations from a tender age.
Jesús Morales, whose introduction to the violin came at the age of eight under his father’s guidance, reminisced about joining the Mariachi Morales with his uncles in Hidalgo at thirteen. “The heritage that my dad mainly instilled in us is having respect for music and respect for our roots,” he fondly recalled.
The ensemble featured an array of traditional instruments including guitars, trumpets, and violins, showcasing the rich diversity of mariachi music.
Among them was Aida Juárez, a trailblazer with two decades of experience in women’s mariachi groups. “We feel proud that we broke the record; it is a pride because we are Mexicans,” she declared with evident emotion.
The event drew not just musicians but also fervent admirers of the genre. Diana Rocío Campos, a local merchant enchanted by the music, observed, “Anyone who listens to the mariachi gets very excited, whether they are Mexican or not. People come from many countries like Colombia or Japan to listen to the mariachis.”
