Mariachi Spectacular

Image courtesy of the artist

Mariachi Spectacular is such a part of local and regional culture in these parts that we are certain that telling you about it year after year will still elicit a reader response that speaks to the popularity and enchanting nature of this annual gathering of musicians and artists from all over the southwest United States and northern Mexico. This year's festival—which includes a plethora of music and folklorico workshops at Albuquerque Convention Center as well as nightly presentations and concerts at Kiva Auditorium and on Civic Plaza—culminates with a spectacular concert at Sandia Casino Amphitheater on Saturday, July 13 at 7pm. Tickets for this all-ages multinational celebration of color, sound and tradition range from $50 to $80; the event itself features mariachi and folklorico notables such as Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlan, Mariachi Nuevo Mujer 2000 and Ballet Folklorico Paso del Norte. Que chido; vamos a bailar! (August March)