Since the 1930s, the mariachi has been widely considered the quintessential Mexican folk-derived musical ensemble, and has become an institution symbolic of Mexican music and culture. Mariachi groups are currently found in many countries around the world.

The music originated in the center-west of Mexico. Most claims for its origin lie in the state of Jalisco but neighboring states of Colima, Nayarit, and Michoacán have also claimed it.

The History of Mariachi The music that was called "mariachi" as early as the 1850s emerged from the ranches and small towns of western Mexico, particularly in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Colima, and Aguascalientes.

A mariachi band consists of a minimum of 3 up to 9+ musicians. An authentic mariachi band will have hundreds of songs in their repertoire, and as well as performing traditional mariachi music, can include other Mexican and Latin style rhythms.