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Happy Birthday, Mariachi Music!
Tara A. Spears
Every September, Guadalajara celebrates Mexican music with the largest Mariachi Festival in the world. It begins with a parade through the main streets and continues with events such as: Mariachi Galas in the majestic Degollado Theater, popular free Mariachi performances in several parks and the National Charro Championship. What I like about mariachi music is that it is passionate and joyful; it’s a total sensory experience: the dynamic sound of 10 musicians, visual appeal in the charro costumes; kinetic because it draws you to your feet to dance. Mariachi music is a larger-than-life sound that reflects the culture of Mexico. Experiencing any of the concerts during September is an unforgettable experience and well worth the trip to Guadalajara.
The 33rd International Mariachi and Charrería Festival is happening now. For several days, Guadalajara is hosting concerts, galas, free shows, and competitions celebrating mariachi, charrería, and Jalisco culture. Between town parks, theaters and large stages, the Mariachi and Charrería festival brings together national and international musicians, tributes, symphonic concerts and charrería activities.
Historically organized by the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce, the festival celebrates Mariachi (named Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO) along with Tequila and Charrería, consolidating the three great icons of Mexican identity. The folkloric festival celebrates with concerts, music and dance performances, traditional charro championship and more than 50 free concerts.
This year’s festival agenda includes: a Grand Concert with Natalia Jiménez which is a symphonic performance featuring the Mariachi Internacional CHG and the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra, who will share the stage with Natalia.
The Degollado Theater will host five themed galas featuring some of the world’s best mariachi groups, accompanied by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra.
“Idols of Mexico” Gala features two giants of Mexican music: Vicente Fernández and Juan Gabriel. The show will bring together Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán, and the Orquesta Sinfónica para la Escena.
Free events at Plaza Liberación. Four days of Mexican music, dance, and folklore. In addition to artistic performances, this venue serves as a platform for performers of traditional music and for guest international mariachi groups.
The festival is not only about the music as there is a professional Charro Championship. Teams from different states across the country will compete at the traditional “Nito” Aceves Lienzo Charro, at the only festival in the world that includes a Charro Championship as part of its program. This uniquely Mexican form of music originated in Jalisco but has become an international genre. The mariachi sound is multicultural and is celebrated the entire month in Guadalajara.
In case you have not experienced Mariachi first hand, it is a type of music played by a group of musicians wearing dazzling outfits. The sound of the traditional Mexican mariachi music comes from the blending of instruments to create a distinctive and recognizable songs.
The Mariachi musician costume includes: embroidered jacket and pants, often with silver; Mexican necktie (mono); white shirt (often embroiders in cultural symbolism); leather boots, and gorgeous hats. Each of these elements contributes to the authenticity and unique style of the charro suit, from the leather boots to the hat adorned with intricate embroidery. The choice of a charro suit for special events, such as baptisms, is a sign of respect and admiration for Mexican tradition.
Mariachi music is a distinct type of traditional Mexican folk music that combines brass and string instruments. The music is accompanied by a distinctive singing style in its harmonies. Mariachi can feel rustic, aged, and inspiring in one moment, whimsical and comical in another song.
Although Mariachi began in the 1500s, by the end of the Mexican revolution in the early 1920s, the Mexican government began promoting mariachi. Mexican folk music was viewed as a unifying source of pride. The government pushed the uniquely Mexican style of mariachi music on the radio and in movies. Mexican mariachi band music became the most featured at political rallies in Mexico, and its most well-known musicians were catapulted into superstardom.
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of a mariachi band is that several musicians will often play the same instrument. This results in a loud style of music that has a festive feel. Mariachi has such an energetic sound.
According to Marriachi Music, typical instruments in a mariachi band include trumpets (adds a unique sparkle and emotional intensity), violins (in a mariachi group it often has a very dynamic role, alternating between thrilling solos and harmonic support for other instruments), acoustic guitars (adds a more percussive and robust sound, vihuelas (a guitar-shaped instrument with six double-strings), and guitarróns (large acoustic bass guitar). The guitar, vihuela and guitarrón form the rhythmic and harmonic backbone of mariachi, creating a solid foundation upon which melodies and vocals are built. Some mariachi bands also feature a Jalisco harp, and a Guitarra de golpe (small acoustic guitar). In addition to the specific instruments, mariachi utilizes a unique type of singing voice.
A mariachi band’s singers are integral to the ensemble’s sound. Masters of harmony, one interesting facet of the mariachi is the absence of a designated lead singer. Instead, the musicians take turns singing lead, often with different verses in the same song.
Another distinct characteristic of the mariachi band is the varied types of songs you’ll hear played. From traditional Mexican folk songs to numbers designed for specific types of dances, the one aspect you’ll find in every mariachi band is its versatility and range.
Whether lamenting lost love through sentimental and romantic boleros, revving up the crowd with foot-stomping country tunes (known as Canciones Rancheras), or encouraging folks to get out on the dance floor with a rowdy polka, mariachi music plays into all kinds of moods and emotions. Love, politics, country life, machismo, and death are common themes of mariachi music.
With such a vast and varied range of musical offerings, it’s no surprise that the genre is popular among people with Mexican heritage but also it attracts millions of followers from all different countries and cultures around the world. Mariachi is one of Mexico’s most treasured cultural exports.
Walk to Protect the Jaguars: 9 am Sunday 23 August
Tara A. Spears
Without our help, the vanishing Jaguar will not exist in Nayarit. One caring man, Javier Magaña, has spent more than 20 years striving to help the ranchers and hunters find a way to coexist peacefully with the jaguar. The Sunday 22 August event is enjoyable activity for the whole family-including your dog- that will benefit the dedicated volunteers trying to protect the jaguars in Sierra Vallejo, Nayarit. Meet at the Arches on the ocean front Jacaranda Walkway, Guayabitos, before 9 to register. There will be Tshirts, an auction, and photographs of participants to generate money for the jaguar project. You can donate that morning or afterwards at the Clinica San Miguel Arcangel in Los Ayala. Even the boxer, Armando “Toro” Resendiz, has confirmed he’ll be there. Come with your family or friends and bring your four-legged fur baby. No entrance fee.
Before humans took over their habitat these magnificent cats roamed through much of Mexico. Today, they are considered endangered and nearly extinct. But hikers can still see their tracks in the dirt around remote villages and the thick jungles of Nayarit. Factors that have contributed to the reduction in Jaguar habitat are the impact of human encroachment, such as foreign developers wanting to build mega resorts, the completion of the 4 lane bypass toll road into Vallarta, and the expansion of cattle ranches. “There are more livestock in Sierra Vallejo than wildlife so cattle are a regular part of the jaguar’s diet.” 
As of 2024 the Sierra de Vallejo, Nayarit, was made a new protected area by the federal government. This sparsely inhabited area of 225,300 hectares is divided into 13 buffer areas for jaguars. Wildlife Conservationists have been seeking to have a preservation declared since 1999. The environmentalist and founder of Sangre Azul Kennel Jaguar Protection, Javier Magaña, noted that Sierra Vallajo is listed among the areas with the largest number of jaguars in 2024. However, there have been 26 cattle killed already in 2026 (and the jaguars responsible) rehomed.
Javier and his volunteers work to mediate cohabitation between jaguars and the ranchers by setting camera traps—activated by motion sensors—placed simultaneously in areas believed to be jaguar territory. When a jaguar kills livestock, Javier’s team tracking dogs to try to move the jaguar deeper into the jungle, away from ranches. The dogs help locate the jaguars and scare them off so the jaguars don’t get killed by the angry cattleman. 
Mingling with wild creatures is an essential part of nearly every experience in Mexico. More than 500 species of mammals roam the country, and nearly 9,000 species of birds either inhabit the country or pass through on annual migrations. But the loss of the magnificent jaguar is too horrible to contemplate; it deserves protection. Come walk for jaguars or if you are out of town, contact Dr. Alex Fernandez to arrange a donation.
Bring School Supplies for Mexico! 
Posted by Vera C Teschow
It’s that time of year! Back to school shopping and sales have begun.
If you’re heading from Canada or the USA down to Guayabitos this winter, ideally in November or at the very beginning of January, please consider bringing along any of the following items:
Anything with Canada printed on it or the Canadian flag: pencils, erasers, decks of cards, stickers, etc.
Enjoy the Unexpected in Jaltemba Bay Mexico: Crocs in the Ocean
Tara A. Spears
Sea lion, sea weed, crocs, oh my! 2026 is quite the year for unique and unexpected animal interactions in Guayabitos, Mexico. It seems that not only do the tourists love the beaches of Jaltemba Bay but the exotic wildlife does, too. You can blame it on the loss of natural habitat due to development; or blame the effects of climate change to alter the tides, water level, and rain patterns; or the explosion of human inhabitants in what was previously wild jungle; and the species adapting to the presence of cities and people. All of these changes help explain why the increase in crocodile sightings on Mexican beaches in the last month. It’s an environmental alert rather than an isolated coincidence.
Western Mexico, from Puerto Vallarta to Mazatlán, have witnessed an unusual and alarming phenomenon: the increase in crocodile sightings near the ocean. Tourists and locals alike are surprised, even frightened, by the presence of these reptiles, especially considering that there are no native saltwater crocodiles in Mexico.
Not salt water critters: Mexico is home to the Crocodylus acutus, commonly known as the American crocodile. Although this species primarily inhabits freshwater environments such as rivers, lagoons, and mangroves, it is capable of tolerating brackish water and sometimes even ventures into the sea. The recent exceptional rainfall during storms creates swollen rivers and estuary overflows that propel crocodiles into the ocean.
In some Mexican states like Jalisco, Nayarit, and Sinaloa, authorities have established protocols to capture and relocate crocodiles that approach tourist areas. They also place warning signs to inform visitors of potential risks. Although sightings are increasing, biologists clarify that crocodiles do not naturally attack humans unless they feel threatened or cornered. However, it is vital to maintain a safe distance and report any crocodile presence to local authorities.
Crocodiles tend to stay in one area—except during mating season. During this time, they search for suitable partners, and males become territorial as they compete for females. Actually, all crocs establish territory so be alert when hiking or hanging around streams. The crocs generally do not go looking for confrontations. They lead a solitary life and prefer to be alone, retreating from trouble. However, if they feel threatened by another animal (including a human), they will attack. On rare occasions, they have attacked and even killed humans.
Nayarit, the rut season is May-June which explains why there have been so many crocodile sightings earlier this summer. It’s important to be extra vigilant if walking thru or near a mangrove/estuary where crocodiles live. Crocodiles bellow to convey health and size information to surrounding crocs for breeding, social, and territorial reasons- which gives the hiker a chance to avoid the wild animal. Crocs bellow year-round but with much more frequency in the breeding season.
At this time of the year, the rains cause the local waterways to expand, which encourages the crocs to explore. To add to the problem, urban expansion and tourism have encroached on the wetland habitats of these creatures, making encounters more likely. Sightings of crocs in local rivers and runoff canals have become more common. Surprisingly, there are resident crocodiles in the canal near Decameron in south Guayabitos, a high traffic tourist zone. Visitors post photos of the crocodiles all year round.
Vacationing in the tropics with its exotic animals and flowers is a unique and memorable experience. Just remember to keep a safe distance if you see a crocodile. If you see one in the ocean, contact the Bomberos immediately, 327 274 3578. While authorities are working to mitigate the risks, the responsibility of protecting nature also falls on each of us. Respecting wildlife and preserving ecosystems is the best way to ensure a balance between tourism and nature.
