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.

Mariachi has long been considered a uniquely Mexican sound, representing a homegrown tradition that embraces both indigenous and foreign elements. The mariachi orchestra emerged in the late 1700s or early 1800s in west-central Mexico.

Today, mariachi bands usually feature at least four musicians. Often, they include as many as a dozen or more! Traditional mariachi instruments are the violin, guitar, guitarrón, and vihuela (a small five-string guitar with a round back).

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.