Mariachi is no postcard. It is a living tradition.
Strings, trumpets and learning by ear, as documented by UNESCO.
Mariachi was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011. Its entry describes traditional string groups as well as modern ensembles with trumpets, violins, vihuela and guitarrón.
The repertoire spans different forms and regions. UNESCO also notes the ranchera, bolero ranchero and cumbia. The documented tradition is no frozen photograph.
Transmission matters, too. Learning by ear and playing at family, religious and civic celebrations help keep the practice alive.
Our reading: to talk about Mexican music today, listen to these processes as well as the hits. A root is also a way to learn, share and change.