Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that has spread into the United States. The holiday celebrates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the U.S., it is used as a time to celebrate Mexican heritage.
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Let’s learn about Mariachis, a Mexican musical group, and listen to and sing three of my favorite Mexican folk songs in today’s 15-Minute Music Lesson for Cinco de Mayo!
Mariachi
What is a mariachi band?
The mariachi musical group can trace its roots back to the state of Jalisco in Mexico and probably back to the 1700s. They were performers at haciendas (plantations), and their costume is of the traditional horseman called the charro.
Instruments of a Mariachi Band:
There are particular instruments that you’ll usually see in a mariachi band:
- Violin
- Vihuela A type of guitar with a curved back and five strings. It’s played with a thumb pick to create the high-pitched harmony and forms the rhythmic foundation of the mariachi band.
- Guitar
- Guitarrón This huge guitar is the bass of the group.
- Trumpet
- Some mariachi groups also use Accordions, French Horns, Harps, and other instruments.
- The Singers have loud and clear voices to project the singing above all of the instruments.
Mexican folk songs:
“Cielito Lindo”
“La Cucaracha”
A Funny version of “La Cucaracha”
“De Colores”
Find Lyrics and Translations on the website Beths Notes Plus. She also has sheet music you can use for learning these and other Mexican folk songs.
Free Music Lesson for Cinco de Mayo Printable
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