 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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