The Annual Mariachi Extravaganza Music Festival celebrates its 30th year in San
Antonio . This event features the largest national mariachi
group and vocal competitions, showcasing top-tier talent from school-based mariachi
programs across the U.S. The multi-day festival includes three days of highly skilled
performances, culminating in the National Competition Finals on Saturday, December 7.
Attendees can expect a fiercely competitive atmosphere, rich with cultural pride and
tradition, and a grand finale concert featuring competition winners and the world-
renowned and Mexico City-based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.

Schedule:

Thursday, December 5, 2024 

5:00 pm National Mariachi Vocal Competition Semi-finals

The Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition Semi-finals is a showcase of exceptional talent, featuring the nation’s best young vocalists from elementary to college level. In this high-stakes event, competitors face off in a fierce battle of vocal skill, where every note counts. Judged by an esteemed panel, participants must impress with their vocal technique, projection, intonation, pronunciation, and stage presence—all scrutinized down to the finest detail. Only the strongest will advance to the finals on Saturday, Dec. 7, where they will compete for the prestigious Grand Champion title. Don’t miss this thrilling competition, packed with the nation’s top rising stars. Wristbands are required for entry to this electrifying event!

Location: Lila Cockrell Theatre, 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Wristbands: $25 at the theatre’s Box Office on day of the event. Good for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday events.

Friday, December 6, 2024

8:30 am – 12:30 pm Mariachi Workshops

Students have an incredible opportunity to deepen their knowledge of mariachi music during the Mariachi Extravaganza. Instrumental and vocal workshops will be led by the renowned members of Mariachi Aztlán from UTRGV, one of the most respected collegiate mariachi ensembles in the country. With a prestigious reputation built on years of award-winning performances and a current tour with Mexico’s legendary ranchera singer Aida Cuevas, Mariachi Aztlán stands at the pinnacle of mariachi excellence. Their workshops, held alongside Artistic Director Jonathan Palomar and esteemed vocalists Octavio Moreno and Vanessa Alonso, offer students expert instruction in traditional rhythms such as sones, huapangos, rancheras, and romantic ballads. Participants will also gain access to rare, one-of-a-kind compositions—treasured pieces of music perfect for use in classrooms and beyond. This is a unique chance to learn from the very best, and the knowledge gained will be cherished for a lifetime. Pre-paid registration is required for this exceptional experience.

Location: Lila Cockrell Theatre, 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Registration: Click here to pre-register by November 12

2:00 PM National Mariachi Group Semi-finals

The National Mariachi Group Semi-finals are the ultimate arena for the nation’s top mariachi groups, showcasing the best middle school and high school ensembles in the largest and most fiercely contested mariachi group competitions in the U.S. As the number of mariachi groups continues to grow, the semi-finals provide a platform for all participants to compete at the same starting point. Over the course of 8 hours of electrifying performances, each group comes to San Antonio with one goal: to secure a coveted spot in the finals on Dec. 7.

The excitement culminates as the middle and high school semi-finals transition into an evening of elite performances by collegiate mariachi ensembles, inspiring young artists to pursue mariachi music at the highest level, in a competitive environment.  The competition is open to the public, but wristbands are required for entry to this unparalleled display of mariachi mastery.

Location:Lila Cockrell Theatre, 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Wristbands:$25 at the theatre’s Box Office on day of the event. Good for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday events.

Saturday December 7, 2024 

9:00 AM The Finals

The Finals showcase the best competitors in the nation, promising an unforgettable experience. The event kicks off with the middle school group competition finalists, where students captivate audiences with their remarkable talent as they compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in their category.

The spotlight then shifts to the highly anticipated high school group finals, renowned for being the toughest and most fiercely competitive showdown of them all. In this thrilling contest, final scores are so close that mere fractions of a point determine the rankings between first, second, and third place winners, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.

The excitement culminates with the vocal finalists battling for the prestigious title of Grand Champion Vocal Winner. The top winners will earn the incredible opportunity to open for the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán in concert on Saturday night, making this event a true celebration of mariachi excellence!

Location: Lila Cockrell Theatre, 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Tickets: $25 at the theatre’s Box Office on day of the event. Good for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday events.

7:30 PM Mariachi Extravaganza Concert featuring Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán & National Competition Winners

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and culture at the grand finale of the Mariachi Extravaganza music festival, featuring the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán from Mexico City and the National Competition Winners! This extraordinary concert brings together the finest mariachi talent from across the U.S. and Mexico, all sharing the same stage for one breathtaking evening.

Mariachi Vargas, known for their unmatched performance excellence, will captivate you with a repertoire of timeless classics and fan favorites. Expect exquisite arrangements, seamless transitions, and impeccable voices and musicianship that will leave you in awe. If you’ve never experienced Mariachi Vargas live, prepare for a life-changing event. Their musical mastery, infused with operatic and symphonic influences, have impacted audiences worldwide.

For mariachi fans, this is more than just a concert—it’s a journey that elevates the genre to the highest levels of performance. Students and spectators alike walk away with a newfound appreciation and admiration for our music and culture. Year after year, discerning audiences from across the nation make their way to San Antonio for this sensational showcase of excellence.

This is the show of the year that you absolutely don’t want to miss! Tickets are going fast, so grab yours now and be part of a night that will leave you speechless!

Location: Lila Cockrell Theatre, 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Tickets: Click here for tickets.

Date:December 5-7,2024 

Location:Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 East Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205

Click Here For More Information