A mariachi is a name for a certain type of musical group, popular in Mexico. The average modern mariachi has a minimum of three guitars, one normal, one bass guitaron, and one a higher-tuned vihuela, as well as two trumpets, and three violins. Mariachi groups are easily identifiable by their traditional costume, an outfit with silver studs and distinctive wide hats. The name mariachi itself is of unknown origins, although some people believe it can be traced to the French word mariage, meaning simply marriage, and likely referencing the fact that mariachi bands were often performers at weddings.

The music of the mariachi band is first and foremost dance music, and a number of specific dances have sprung up to be danced to mariachi music. The most famous of these dances is undoubtedly the Mexican Hat Dance, which is in fact the national dance of Mexico. The broad technique of dance used with mariachi music is the Spanish style of zapateado, a percussive, high-energy dance style.

The mariachi form began sometime in the late-19th century, in the town of Cocula, in the state of Jalisco, in Mexico. Originally the mariachi would have had a harp in place of the deep bass guitarron, but the guitarron was later substituted for its easier portability. The early mariachi bands also had no trumpets as part of their ensemble, though they were added by the early-20th century.

In the early days, a mariachi band would have been associated with a number of haciendas, moving among wealthy patrons as temporary live-in performers. After the Mexican Revolution and the breakdown of the hacienda system, however, mariachi bands were forced to become more of roving buskers to make their livings. They would play in public squares or at communal gatherings for free, and hope to make a living off of tips.

Beginning in the 1930s, mariachi music started to migrate out of its native region and into Mexico City and other major city centers. The earliest largely successful mariachi band was the Mariachi Vargas, started by Gaspar Vargas at the end of the 19th century, and brought into the public eye by his son, Silvestre Vargas. Mariachi Vargas created many classic arrangements of mariachi music, added the trumpets to the ensemble, and influenced future generations of mariachi performers.

In the late-1980s mariachi music made a debut in the mainstream United States, when Linda Ronstadt released her album Canciones de Mi Padre. She drew her inspiration from her family’s Arizona ranch and their history of singing traditional Mexican folk songs.

Mariachi musicians can be found at a wide range of venues throughout Mexico, the United States, and even in parts of Central and South America. Mariachi music is often played at weddings or quinceñera, large celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday. A number of restaurants may also keep mariachi performers on hand to walk from table to table serenading diners who request a song. The repertoire of a mariachi band tends to be rather sentimental, and as such it is ideal for romantic courtship.