 Guadalajara,
as Mexico's second largest city, celebrates her cultural
heritage through being the Mariachi center of Mexico and
the world. Every year she showcases Mariachi and the other
Arts through the Festivales de Octubre and the Mariachi
Festival every fall.
Fiestas de Octubre
Octoberfest in Guadalajara
draws thousands of participants from around the world during
the enormous month-long event which includes more than 300
special art exhibits, craft displays, parades, musical,
religious, agricultural, carnival and sports events promoting
tourism, industry and entertainment.
With 35 years of experience
in developing the annual month-long extravaganza, Guadalajara
organizers have put together a seemingly endless list of
international performers, events and exhibits as colorful
and magical as the city it celebrates. The spectacular opening
parade of bands, floats and charro groups is held in downtown
Guadalajara.
Most of the events are
held at the Benito Juarez Auditorium, where entry is about
15 pesos for adults. Daily concerts, cultural exhibits,
and more than 700 vendors are located in the main area.
Mariachi
Festival Inaugural Parade
The parade route begins
at the intersection of Niños Heroes and 16 de Septiembre,
traveling east along 16 de Septiembre until it reaches Juárez,
then along Corona where it will pass beneath the balcony
of the Palacio de Gobierno.
Spectators will be able
to see all of the participating Mariachi bands as well as
floats, folkloric ballet groups and representatives from
a variety of both local and national Charro groups. Last
year's parade had an attendance of over 2,000,000 spectators,
so be sure to get there a little early in order to get a
good spot and be prepared to have some fun.
Gran Fiesta Mexicana
A free event open to
the public, it is held at the Plaza de la Liberación
and strives to recreate the atmosphere of a Mexican Serenade.
This is one event not to miss, as you will be able to witness
performances by Mariachi groups from around the world.
Sung Masses
Catholic mass accompanied
by a selection of Mariachis. The mass that is held at the
Cathedral Guadalajara will give you the opportunity not
only to hear the mariachi, but also to visit one of Guadalajara's
most beautiful historical monuments. This same mass can
accommodate up to 1,200 people, so you might want to show
up a bit early to get a good spot.
Mariachi Gala
Held at the historical
Teatro Degollado, some regard this to be the finest of all
the events organized around this festival. Such talent as
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, América and
Los Camperos perform with the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by Phone, as long as
you are an American Express cardholder and prices range
from $80.00 pesos (less than $10.00 USD) to $400.00 pesos
(less than $50.00 US) per person.
Shopping Center Performances
Enjoy Mariachi music
and fine shopping at three of Guadalajara's finest shopping
centers. Held daily at Plaza México from 5:00 to
6:00 pm, Friday at Plaza San Isidro from 5:00 to 7:00 pm
and Saturday at Plaza Bugambilias from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Street Music
Both days provide the
opportunity to enjoy the Mariachi in a relaxed atmosphere.
Both performances include fireworks and folkloric dancers
and recreate a bit of Mexican tradition, free of charge
for all to enjoy.
 Spectacular
Mariachi Concert
As the name implies,
another opportunity to see all of the competing Mariachi
groups in action, this time at the Benito Juárez
Theater. This event also provides a great opportunity to
sample regional food and beverages including tequila and
locally produced (and really tasty) candies.
Parade of Stars
A massive concert combining
the best of the visiting mariachi groups with National and
International celebrities. The event has a Cost of $60.00
pesos ($7.00 US) per person and is held at the Benito Juárez
Theater.
Expo Pinturas and Expo Artesanías
An event such as this,
which shows off our local pride in our music and tradition,
would be incomplete without a fabulous display of its art
and artesian. Take advantage of these exhibits while they
last.
Popular Concerts
These free events set
Mariachi groups against the beautiful backdrop of the Instituto
Cultural Cabañas located at one end of the Plaza
Tapatía. While there, take a peak at the murals painted
by Jalisco's own José Clemente Orozco.
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