Mariachi music is unique in its ability to incorporate different musical traditions while remaining closely associated with mestizo Mexican identities. It has become one of the most salient symbols that people associate with Mexican culture.

The mariachi is native to a region of western Mexico that includes what are today the states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Colima; extending as far north as Sinaloa and Durango and as far south as Guerrero.

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.