mariachi

ma·ri·a·chi

noun \ˌmär-ē-ˈä-chē, ˌmer-\

Definition of MARIACHI

1

: a Mexican street band; also : a musician belonging to such a band

2

: the music performed by a mariachi

Origin of MARIACHI

Mexican Spanish, perhaps modification of French mariage marriage

First Known Use: 1927

mariachi

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Traditional Mexican street ensemble. The performer, the musical style, and the musical ensemble are called mariachi. Mariachi music emerged in the late 1700s or early 1800s. In the 19th century, mariachi bands consisted solely of stringed instruments, including the guitar, the guitarrón (a large fretless six-string bass guitar), and the vihuela (a guitarlike stringed instrument); since the1920s the ensembles have generally included violins and trumpets—now more or less essential elements—and often other wind instruments as well. Initially mariachi music was strictly instrumental, but it has come to include vocal elements.