Celebrate Mariachi

Craft: Guitarrón
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
South El Río
Create and decorate your own guitarrón to pluck along to performances!

Photo Booth
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
El Río
Have your picture taken in our hands-free photo booth! Digitally share your pictures and tag us with #MIMphx for a chance to be featured on our social media.

Curator Talk: Inventing Mariachi—Regional and International Roots of Mexico’s National Music
9:45–10:15 a.m.
Event Room 2
Learn from Daniel Piper, MIM’s curator for Latin America, about the broad cultural and musical fusion that led to modern mariachi. Explore the origins of Mexican stringed instruments such as the guitarrón and vihuela and the eclectic stylistic influences reflected in mariachi’s many song types.

Youth Performance: Rosie’s House
10:30–11:00 a.m.
Main Courtyard
Start the day with a fun mariachi performance from up-and-coming young musicians! 

Dance Break: Payaso de Rodeo
11:30–11:45 a.m
Founders Room
Learn the steps of the payaso de rodeo with MIM’s curator for education, Mike Silvers.

Performance: Mariachi Rubor
12:15–12:45 p.m.
Main Courtyard
Hear the power of an all-woman mariachi ensemble as they bring tradition to life through bold harmonies and vibrant instrumentation.

Guest Talk: Lauryn Salazar
1:00–1:30 p.m.
Event Room 2
Join leading mariachi scholar and performer Lauryn Salazar for a presentation on the cultural power of mariachi, highlighting her role as a consultant for Disney-Pixar’s Coco.

Performance: Mariachi Alma de mi Pueblo
1:45–2:15 p.m.
Main Courtyard
Hear the Phoenix mariachi ensemble fuse the spirit of mariachi with contemporary music in this engaging performance!

Guest Talk: La Moda del Mariachi—A Visual History of Elegance and Identity
2:30–3:00 p.m.
Event Room 2
Explore the rich visual legacy of mariachi attire in this talk on fashion, culture, and identity from Yvonne Lopez of Mariachi Rubor, and discover how mariachi style has evolved as a powerful symbol of Mexican heritage.

Performance: Ollin Yoliztli Dance Academy
3:15–4:00 p.m.
Main Courtyard
See a vibrant showcase of traditional Mexican folklórico dance highlighting cultural storytelling, rhythmic footwork, and the deep connection between mariachi music and folklórico as a way to preserve Mexican traditions and art.