Did you know? That although its historical references appear since the second half of the 18th century, it wasn't until 1950 that female groups of this genre emerged. Las Coronelas is the oldest female mariachi to be known as of today and its opening in this world was even slower. Not until the 1980s arrived they reached worldwide relevance with Mariachi Las Perlitas, native of Guadalajara, Jalisco. Today the mariachi repertoire includes polkas, waltzes, serenades, corridos and traditional songs of rural life. The lyrics continue to speak of love for the land, the native country, religion, beautiful Mexican women, and the country's strength. Continue reading our blog to learn more about the amazing story of women entering the world of Mariachi!
The Beginning of Mariachi
Source: Letras Libres
The mariachi tradition had humble beginnings, and its roots are lost in time with little or no written reference to clarify it. Small ensembles made up of a guitar, violin, a vihuela and a harp brighten up family parties and gatherings such as baptisms and weddings. Many say that the word mariachi came from French decent but researchers disprove this theory and claim that the name and origin came from the indigenous people. The Cora, Wixárika, Nahua, Huichol and Purépecha, all contributed to its diversification in the western region of Mexico (Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán and Zacatecas), also known as the cradle of the genre. This couldn't be verified until 1981, when a letter by Father Cosme Santa Anne was found in an 1848 church archive. The letter was addressed to the archbishop of his diocese and in it he denounced the scandals caused in his town by the "mariachis." The date of this letter is before the French invasion, which contradicts the popular version that the word is of French origin.
Women in Mariachi
Source: MXCity
When you hear the word mariachi the first thing that comes to mind is a man dressed in a charro suit with a sombrero and a musical instrument, but little or nothing is thought of women. For years the mariachi women were forgotten. In part, it's due to the fact that traditional music itself represents a sector of popular culture rooted in conservative attitudes where machismo persists. The mariachi sings to the beloved woman, not the other way around. It is said that this is how its always been and how it will always be. This fight is paved by a generation of combative women who, at the end of the 50s, broke the cycle and began to form the first groups of female mariachis in Mexico. Although they appeared in important films from the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, they were never given much recognition. Today, the mariachi women are still fighting against these stereotypes and slowly have become a stronger community.
To the sound of "el Mariachi"
Source: Excelsior
Dressed in colorful typical costumes, dancers of all ages showed their talents to the rhythm of the traditional Mexican song "El jarabe tapatío", a Guadalajara icon, performed by a group of mariachis. Around 882 dancers broke the Guinness Record for the largest folkloric dance in the world in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico, as part of the International Mariachi and Charrería Meeting. How awesome! Would you like to attend an event like this?
We could't help get inspired by these beautiful hand embroidered designs worn by the mariachi women. The colors, embellishments, and each intricate design takes time and lots of patience to make. Check out our wonderful collection of hand embroidered designs made in Hidalgo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Mexico City. Click here to shop our Embroidered Blouse Collection!
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