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Auraria Campus Transforms Into Plaza Garibaldi to Celebrate Mariachi

CELEBRATING ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY| Mariachi Cobre will perform at the King Center at the Auraria Campus of MSU-Denver. (Picture/LCAC)

VIVE SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE FROM APRIL 19^TH TO 20^TH

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The city of Denver is gearing up to once again host the Grand Mariachi Celebration as part of the annual Viva Southwest Mariachi event. Led by Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo, this initiative aims to promote education about this representative musical discipline of Mexican culture. The event brings together top Mariachi performers from the American Southwest to impart their knowledge to students and young musicians.

This year, the acclaimed group will give lectures to students of all educational levels in Colorado, including those who are part of school or university mariachis, such as the Mariachi Correcaminos from the Metropolitan State University (MSU-Denver). Additionally, Mariachi Cobre will offer a special performance on the evening of Saturday, April 20th, at the King Center, promising an unforgettable night.

“We welcome mariachi musicians of all ages and backgrounds—performers of the guitarrón, trumpet, violin, and all mariachi instruments, as well as singers. In this sixth edition of the conference, we are joined by distinguished educators like Maestro Jeff Nevin and the renowned members of Mariachi Cobre. We will provide unique opportunities for learning and growth in this traditional Mexican art,” said Trujillo.

MARIACHI AND DANCE | The Garibaldi Festival at San Cayetano Plaza at Auraria Campus.

Garibaldi Festival in San Cayetano Square

The celebration will kick off on Friday, April 19th, with educational workshops during the day. Meanwhile, in the evening, San Cayetano Plaza at the Auraria Campus will transform into Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi. About 250 instrumentalists from around 12 Mariachi groups in the metropolitan area will perform at the venue. Additionally, five Mexican folk dance groups will join this presentation.

“We will have expressions of mariachi and dance united in a free show. We have incorporated a session that takes attendees into account. The community present will be able to sing and play along with the local mariachi groups. It will be a way to pay homage to all the great songs of the genre, which are surely the songs many of us grew up with,” said Jessi Martínez, organizer of the Garibaldi Festival.