Mariachi began in the Jalisco region of Mexico, particularly in Guadalajara. The stringed instruments introduced by the Spaniards were intended to be used for church masses, but the Spanish began using them for secular music as well.
Traditional mariachi groups consist of between seven and nine instruments, including a guitarron (a large bass guitar), a vihuela (a small rhythm guitar), guitars, violins, trumpets and sometimes a folk harp. The violins and trumpets play the melody, often harmonizing in thirds, while the guitars provide a rhythmic background.
Traditional mariachi groups have a repetoire of "sones" or folk melodies, such as "Cielito Lindo" and "La Bamba." The words of mariachi songs may speak of love, machismo (manly courage), betrayal, death, politics or revolutionary heroes, according to MexConnect.com.
The musicians' traditional attire is called a "traje," and consists of a wide-brimmed hat called a sombrero, a large bow tie, a short jacket called a "chaleco" and tight-fitting trousers with shiny buttons on the sides.
Mariachi can be heard at restaurants or parties, where its often fast rhythmic pulse sets a tone of celebration. Pop singer Linda Ronstadt has helped popularize the style in this country.