Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque

The Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque meets Community Needs

• Promoting culture, arts & excellence in art education that demonstrate Albuquerque’s vibrant artistic, cultural and ethnic Heart & Soul
• Providing a foundation for life-long participation in the arts
• Encouraging and allowing interested parties who want to learn, develop skills, be entertained or increase their understanding of cultural diversity to attend its activities
• Participation builds bridges for inter-cultural understanding and appreciation in Albuquerque and other New Mexico communities
• Contributing to the cultural understanding and appreciation of folk and Mexican music
• Providing scholarships to students who otherwise would not be able to attend.

Yahoo! Travel recently stated that the Albuquerque Mariachi Spectacular, “Fills the air with vibrant rhythms and lush melodies and takes listeners away and lifts them to new heights.” This festive event thrills New Mexicans and visitors every July, while it provides a unique opportunity for aspiring and professional musicians to learn from the world’s finest and most accomplished Mariachi artists.

Over 700 students, ages five through 65 attend three-day workshops to learn techniques used by master instructors. They are also given opportunities to learn about Mariachi and cultural history, musical theory, ensemble presentation, musical arrangements and, now, ballet folklorico.

On Friday evening, the Showcase Concert & Competition gives the greater Albuquerque community a unique opportunity to gather and support these musicians and dancers as they compete for top prizes. As the student groups showcase their talent and abilities, they are judged by experts in the field. The student mariachi group with the highest overall score becomes the Grand Prize Winner. They are given a beautiful trophy and are invited to open the next evening’s Spectacular Concert at the Sandia Resort & Casino’s Amphitheater, where they will share the stage with the world’s finest professional Mariachi groups, before a sold-out audience of over 4,000 Mariachi aficianados.

The Mariachi Spectacular Mass closes out the week-long festivities. The Mass is held at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park, a beautiful outdoor venue, and is attended a congregation of several thousand.