This past Father’s Day weekend, San Jose was alive with the sounds of mariachi music as the Silicon Valley Mariachi Festival brought together music lovers, families, and cultural enthusiasts for an unforgettable celebration.
As a girl who has deep roots in Mexico and a love for my country and culture, I couldn’t miss attending to cheer on all the amazing talent at the festival. Especially the best Mariachi in all of Mexico- Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán!
I was excited to see Gabriela Sepulveda, who I first met back in 2013 at a Modern Latina event. Gabriela is known for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence and she did not disappoint! As a photographer, capturing her passion and energy on stage 11 years later was an absolute thrill, and also a trip down memory lane and another reason why I believe in the power of photographs.
and speaking of the 2013 Modern Latina event, I was also able to catch up with these two amazing women. Linda Castillo of Modern Latina and Melinda Chacon, event producer extraordinaire for SV Mariachi Festival and many other San Jose happenings. Here is a flashback and current of these women too!
No mariachi festival would be complete without the legendary Mariachi Tecalitlán from Jalisco, Mexico. The moment they began to sing the room filled with cheers and excitement, as they belted out song after song by many of the late great Mexican mariachi singers and composers like Vicente Fernandez and Jose Alfredo Jimenez.
My heart is full from experiencing the intimate performance demonstrating their stage presence coupled with their audience interaction. After the show I had the honor of meeting a few of the members and they couldn’t have been nicer and more humble musicians. Not to mention great selfie takers!!
The day was not limited to the above, it was filled with a number of Mariachis and Folklorico dancers ranging from ages 13 years old to the much more senior and experienced musicians. Each one bringing a story to life of their love for Mariachi music and culture, and paving the path for the future generations, who were seen enthusiastically dancing away.
To see the entire lineup visit the official SV Mariachi Festival website: http://sv-mariachifest.com/.
I had a great time! And can’t wait for next year to see the SV Mariachi Festival return again on father’s day. I am sure it will be as awesome and fun as this year if not more!
Congratulations to the SV Mariachi Festival team and everyone involved and thank you for bringing this piece of “cultura” back to San Jose, CA!
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