Mariachi Arcoiris, known as the world’s first LGBTQ+ Mariachi band is a group dedicated to bringing people together through music. Led by director Carlos Samaniego, Mariachi Arcoiris was created to be a “haven for LGBTQ+ Mariachi musicians to come together to rehearse our music, perform our beautiful Mariachi music with a lot of pride, whether that be Mexican pride or LGBT pride, but do it with love and passion but free of all that negativity and discrimination, so that we can here in this group be our authentic selves and still perform our beautiful music.”
Mariachi is a style of music and performance with members who stroll, consisting usually of trumpeters, guitarists, and violinists native to western Mexico. In 2011 UNESCO recognized it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. To become a mariachi requires training, commitment, a love for the folk music and is typically played by men. What makes this LGBTQ+ band truly unique are its members.
The group plays everything, from weddings to Pride festivals, to special events. Follow them on social media or visit their website to see what’s coming up!
Photo: Facebook @mariacharcoiris
Last modified: May 5, 2021
