MEXICO: Celebration of mariachi music and the Christian patron saint of the mariachi, Saint Cecilia

Record ID: 190343

  • Title: MEXICO: Celebration of mariachi music and the Christian patron saint of the mariachi, Saint Cecilia
  • Date: 25th November 2005
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) MARIACHI, JAVIER GRANADOS, SAYING: "One walks on stage and they (audience) begin to applaud it is something you will never forget."
  • Embargoed: 10th December 2005 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz,Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVABDQ4HADGBS8WIR3X2KS5M3WY0
  • Story Text: Thousands of mariachis celebrated the most traditional form of Mexican music on Tuesday (November 22, 2005) in Mexico City. The celebration coincided with the Christian celebration of the day of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of these Mexican musicians.
    "There may be bands, nortea trios but the mariachi will always be mariachi no matter who comes they will never dethrone the mariachi," said Cristobal Jimenez who attended the celebrations.
    From the early morning hours, mariachis in full regalia filled the famed "Plaza Garibaldi" before heading off on a religious procession carrying a statue of St. Cecilia to the Guadalupe Basilica where they sang traditional songs. "One walks on stage and they (audience) begin to applaud it is something you will never forget," said Javier Granados about his experience as a mariachi.
    Many historians trace the origins of the mariachis and their music to the 17th century French invasion in western Mexico. During that time, the indigenous people in the area played this festive music at weddings and parties. The term mariachi derives from the French word for marriage.
    Mariachis dress in their typical large "sombreros" or hats, short-cropped jackets and pants decorated in colourful threads and silvery buttons. Their instruments are traditionally guitars, violins, and horns. To this day the mariachi continues to represent Mexican music around the world and is a source of national pride.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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