Local and international artists will come to Boyle Heights Sunday for the 26th annual Mariachi Festival.
Mariachi Plaza has been an iconic neighborhood gathering place for musicians and this Sunday will bring a full day of performances to the community. Mariachi groups that are expected to appear include Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar, Mariachi Nuestras Raíces de José A. González, and Mariachi Arcoiris, which claims to be the world’s first and only mariachi group that is openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.
TimeOut.com reports that the festival will also pay tribute to Mexican singer Juan Gabriel who died earlier this year.
The Mariachi Festival started as a way to combat local violence in the 1980’s, TimeOut writes. Festival organizers say their mission is, “to celebrate the heritage of Mariachi Culture, nurture it’s presence in our community and invite new audiences to experience its intricate magnificence.” The festival is traditionally held on a date close to the Feast Day of Santa Cecilia —the patron saint of musicians– which is next Tuesday, November 22.
The 26th Mariachi Festival takes place Sunday, Nov. 20, 9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Mariachi Plaza, 1831 E 1st St, Los Angeles.
