Mariachi bands first began forming in the early to mid-19th century. They came from the Jalisco region of Mexico and incorporated the local musical styles into their songs.
The typical mariachi band contains the following instruments: violins, trumpets, Spanish guitars, vihuela guitars and guitarron bass guitars.
The members of a mariachi band all dress alike. The typical dress for them is a charro suit with silver studs and a wide-brimmed sombrero.
Songs that are sung by mariachi bands often focus on the same themes. They revolve around love and seduction, betrayal, and general machismo.
These days, mariachi bands are often seen in restaurants and are available for hire for parties and weddings. Smaller mariachi groups are sometimes hired out for the specific purpose of serenading someone.