La Mariacha - Documentation 2

El Traje de Charro

Based on the classic outfit of the Jalisco horsemen and 18th century Espagnolo Sunday dress (itself derived from Spanish/Moorish dress styles) and used in the "Jarabe Tapatio" (the Mexican Hat Dance), associated with Guadalajara and often considered the national dance of Mexico. This dance became very popular in the 1930s by which time many Mariachi musicians had adopted the same Traje de Charro for their performance costume.

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitian

The Traje consists of a waist-length jacket and tightly fitted pants which flare at the ankle to fit over boots. The suits are traditionally made of wool; cool enough for daytime but warm for evening serenades.

Both pants and jacket are often ornamented with heavy embroidery or sets of intricate silver buttons called "botonadura". Both styles are seen with equal frequency but i chose to use the botonadura; it felt closer to the outfit's charro origins.

The traditional Mariachi wears a white shirt, plain collared with a full bowed tie. he finishing touches include boot, a serape (optional), and the sombrero.

Mariachi Sol de Mexico

And while the shirt is always white, the suits can be many colors, even two-toned. The sombreros don't always match the suit either; or the boots. Or the tie. And although every member of the group dresses alike, a soloist or principal singer may wear a completely different traje.