Tucson's longest-running cultural celebration returns this week, as the International Mariachi Conference marks its 43rd year with four days of student competitions, professional performances, folklorico dancing, and a new culinary experience.

The Tucson International Mariachi Conference was established in 1982 as a celebration of Mexican culture. The four-day long event kicks off April 29 at the MSA Annex with a national vocal competition, El Mariachi Canta, featuring elementary and middle school performers.

(The event brings) “a lot of energy. You can feel it,” said mariachi conference board member Jose Jimenez. “There's something in the air about it”

On Thursday, students from across the world will participate in a showcase at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall. Winners will perform with professional artists. 

“We had so many (students and participants) this year we had to break up the show,” Jimenez said of the student competition’s two contests, which is new this year.

Also new this year is Thursday’s Mariachi Dinner, hosted by Tucson City of Gastronomy Chef Ambassador Pablo Valencia. Participants will enjoy a four-course meal that takes them on a culinary journey through different parts of Mexico. Diners will be treated to a mariachi performance, connecting music to the meal, which will pair entrees with Mexican wines.

Around  350 folklorico dancers and 944 mariachi students are expected to perform during this year’s celebration. The conference has grown so much that it has expanded to the Phoenix area.

“We have a record number of students,” Jimenez said.

On Friday, the annual Espectacular Concert will feature an evening of music by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, featuring vocalist Angélica Vargas, with the celebration continuing Saturday with the Fiesta de Garibaldi at Jácome Plaza.

The fiesta features ballet folklorico dancers along with art, music and food from local vendors including Donut Blitz, OnlyWings, El Golden Taco, La Bufadora Fish Tacos and Churros El Rey.

While the conference officially wraps up Saturday, a mariachi mass is happening Sunday at St. Augustine Cathedral. A combination of culture and faith, the event features dancers and local mariachi and ends with a release of white doves. All are welcome and there’s no cost to attend.

Proceeds from the event will benefit La Frontera Arizona. Additional information, including a full schedule and ticket prices, can be found at tucsonmariachi.org/ or on the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

“Come on down if you want to experience culture in Tucson,” Jimenez said.

Emma Diaz is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist based in Tucson.

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