How COVID-19 is Impacting Mariachi
- thecantabilecollective
- Aug 9, 2020
- 3 min read
By: Yvette Fragozo
Mariachi music originates from Mexico with groups consisting of violins, trumpets, guitars, vihuelas, and a guitarron. This beautiful genre of music has spread all over the world; for many, it holds a very important meaning in their lives. However, COVID-19 has impacted this art form in several ways. Though it has had detrimental impacts, it has also created more unity in many communities.
In Mexico and New York, groups are serenading patients and healthcare workers. A group of 100 mariachis in Mexico serenaded patients battling the virus at Mexico’s National Institute of Respiratory Diseases. At the time, mariachis in Mexico City were facing major unemployment. The Unión Mexicana de Mariachis is using the digital platform “Rallyup” to raise funds for over 2,000 families of mariachi musicians, who came together in solidarity, hoping to uplift both patients and healthcare workers despite the obstacles they were facing. In New York, groups such as Nuevo Amanecer Mariachi Academy give serenades outside of hospitals all over New York City. They mention that there is a lot of fear, as New York has become a hot spot for the virus. The group wishes to bring happiness to people during these uncertain times.
Mariachi Arcoiris, the world’s first LQBTQ+ Mariachi, has also been serenading healthcare workers in these difficult times. They have been filming videos of Poppuris, such as their tribute to the legendary mariachi singer Lucha Villa. As their director, Carlos Samaniego said in an interview with Take Two, “There isn’t a mariachi out there that isn’t going through a huge shortage of work.” I spoke with one of their members, Ayan, who said it started in March when the closures began. Ultimately, the group had all of their gigs cancelled for the month, and for April as well. A lot of mariachis are freelancers, and the month of May is a very important month with much potential work. “We got really worried because, on top of being afraid for our physical health and well-being, we were really concerned about all the work...that we were going to be missing out on.” Events such as Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day are very important for mariachis. Ayan credits their director for doing everything in his power to find them work. Any gigs from then on would only be accepted if they were outside, at a distance, and wearing masks. As closures relaxed, they were able to get more gigs. “However, with the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles, the director made the decision to cease all gatherings again.” Even though they are now without work, Ayan said, “I know that we are staying healthy and aware of the risks, so that we can continue to bring joy to our people way after the pandemic dies out.”
Mariachi Divas is the first all-female mariachi to win a Grammy, and they too have shared their music to make positive change. On May 22nd, they released their album Esta Distancia, including songs such as “Recuerdame” from Coco, and “Imagina.” The song Esta Distancia was co-written, produced, and arranged by Cindy Shea along with Edgar Cortazar, Oscar Villa, and Elyan Zamora. They released this album as a “musical offering of hope and unity” and it “musically explores the shared experiences resulting from the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic.” It is meant to bring you and those you love closer, even though you may be physically separate in these times.
Many established groups have been fortunate enough to find work, and are trying their best to continue sharing their beautiful music with the rest of the world. These times mean a shortage of work for many groups; however, it has created much more unity in their communities. Through acts of kindness and sharing music, they have brought joy and hope to those around them. Meanwhile, we must show support for these groups as much as we can. Whether they be local or globally-known, they all need help nonetheless. You can support them by following them on social media and donating to their fundraisers, as well as buying their merchandise and albums. The links for these groups are down below, along with a fundraiser you can donate to. All in all, though these times are very difficult for mariachis, I know that we will overcome this and continue sharing this beautiful art form with the world. Our music will always prevail!
Nuevo Amanecer Mariachi Academy
Mariachi Arcoiris
Mariachi Divas
Mariachi Emergency Relief Fund (Los Angeles)
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