The culture of South Texas is a unique blend, with a significant portion of it defined by Mexican cultural carryovers from its predominantly Hispanic population. Among these carryovers is that of music or, more specifically, the history-rich folkloric sounds of Mariachi. This musical style resonates deeply with many in the area and is celebrated often and proudly.
Among the celebrants is Texas Southmost College, which has stepped up efforts over the past few years to provide another platform for Mariachi music through its educational properties. The college has begun to incorporate more formal music classes centered around the genre of Mariachi music, created its own Mariachi Escorpion ensemble as an extension of these classes, and, beginning in 2024, hosted its first significant event in the form of the TSC Mariachi Festival.
The festival brought together mariachi students from middle and high schools across the Rio Grande Valley to compete in vocal and ensemble competitions. Each competition was evaluated by a panel of skilled judges. In addition to the competition, other students were given the benefit of clinic sessions with various experts in different instruments vital to the mariachi sound.
With the event’s debut such a rousing success, it was only natural that there would be interest in a follow-up. After months of careful planning, the 2025 installment of the TSC Mariachi Festival has been announced and it seeks to continue moving forward with the same momentum. The festival will feature the same attractions as the first, with vocal and mariachi competitions making up much of the first day and the Grand Concert capping off the second day, with this year’s headliner being the distinguished Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles.
The TSC Mariachi Festival will take place Friday, April 25and Saturday, April 26, 2025. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit tsc.edu/news/ mariachi-festival. With support from the TSC Foundation, proceeds generated from the event will go toward the TSC.
Mariachi Program, ensuring that more students will be able to benefit from music education for years to follow.
