The mariachi band has become an unofficial symbol for Mexico, and these costumed groups of musicians can be found playing regional Mexican music in weddings and other celebrations, as well as in plazas and any other public place where there's an audience willing to listen. Mariachi music is a mix of numerous Mexican regional music styles, dances from Europe---such as waltz and fandango---and rhythms and melodies from Africa. Bolero, ranchera and son music forms are all performed as part of mariachi music.
A traditional mariachi band has at least three musicians and the instruments used include a violin, a trumpet, a vihuela, a guitar and a guitarron (an acoustic bass). A good mariachi band knows at least 1,000 songs that represent the opinions and feelings of ordinary Mexican people---because of this, mariachi bands can take requests from listeners, who aren't shy about singing along.
Ranchera is a form of mariachi developed early in the 20th century. Ranchera, a form of Mexican country music, was used in several movies during that time, which made the style popular in Latin America. Themes of ranchera songs vary between love, patriotism and nature, and are taken from the everyday lives of farmers. The rhythm of ranchero is either waltz, polka or bolero. The form is standardized and it includes an instrumental introduction, verse and refrain in the middle, and instrumental conclusion.
Son musical forms---basically folk music---were established in the 18th century. Several different styles of son can be found in the many regions of Mexico. Lyrics and instrumentation showcase the influences Cuban, African and Creole Mexicans have had on the areas they live in. By the 1930s, at least 10 son styles were popular, the most popular form of son being mariachi. Son jarocho (son originating in the state of Veracruz) is another popular form, with mainstream Latin music groups both in Mexico and in the U.S. sampling the style's rhythms and instrumentation. Mexican son is the most often played music in the countryside and if you have a chance to enjoy a live performance, be prepared to participate by stomping your feet in a counter-rhythm. Most Mexican son bands use string instruments and lyrics are often improvised.
In addition to being a musical instrument, marimba is also a cultural symbol of Mexico, especially in the state of Chiapas. Marimba is a type of xylophone, but unlike the traditional xylophones, Mexican marimba is played by several musicians at the same time and it has a defining sound. Marimba can be part of any kind of celebration; any style of music, from jazz to wedding music, from religious music used in Catholic masses to Beethoven's symphonies, can be played with marimba. In some regions, it is hard to escape the sound of it coming from the streets.
Matachin dancers are an important part of Mexican music and dance culture and you can see them performing on religious dates, such as saints' days and Christmas. Matachines illustrate the victory of Christianity over paganism and good over evil through their dances. The purpose of matachin is to scare away the evil spirits and to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is the patroness of Mexico. Matachines groups have at least 10 dancers portraying different roles like Spanish conquistadors and the last Aztec king. Major dancers wear costumes illustrating their parts while other dancers are dressed in white or red shirts decorated with ribbons. They wear vests and split skirts; headgear decorated with animal ornaments, mirrors and feathers; and either costume jewelry, religious medals or beads.
The rhythm for the dancers is created with a drum, rattles and two violins, and by wooden reeds hidden in the vests and skirts of the dancers. All create the characteristic tick-tack beat of matachin.