2025 Downey Unified Mariachi Music Festival Information

About the Event

Mariachi music encourages creativity and allows students to learn about their culture and represent it with pride. It is imperative to provide students with invaluable opportunities to showcase their talents through live performances, enabling them to hone their skills and cultivate confidence as aspiring artists and musicians.

Southern California schools with students from 6th grade through college will participate in this Mariachi event. We are proud of their dedication to continuing their learning and love for this genre of music and hope to inspire younger audiences to follow their passions as well.

Seating & Free Parking

The location will provide ample seating in the stadium stands and more free parking options in Downey High’s parking lots off of Brookshire Ave. (at Firestone Blvd. and just south of 5th St, near the Aquatic Center pool), as well as off Lakewood Blvd., at 3rd St.

We still encourage everyone to walk, use public transit, carpool or use rideshare services (like Lyft or Uber) to lessen the potential traffic congestion as everyone is arriving at the same time.

This fun, free event is open to all ages and includes a day of entertainment, music, and young talent. Bring your appetite as food trucks will have a variety of tasty meals available for purchase.

Please note that this is a family event; alcohol is not permitted on the premises. No pets allowed. By attending the event, you agree to the event’s privacy policy.

JUDGES

Ismael Hernandez

Mario Alfaro

David Lizarde

Lineup

9:30
Mariachi Los Jaguares
Level: Novice
Mariachi Los Jaguares from the STEAM Academy @ Burke in Pico Rivera, CA, features talented 6th-8th grade students with 1-3 years of experience. Led by Roberto Mendez, they bring passion and dedication to their music.

9:45
Mariachi Ositos de Oro
Level: Novice
Newest ensemble in the Godínez Fundamental High School mariachi program in Santa Ana.

10:00
Mariachi Hollydale
Level: Novice
Mariachi Hollydale has been part of Hollydale School’s music program at Paramount Unified for three years, featuring 15 talented musicians from 6th to 8th grade with experience in multiple instruments. Under the direction of Ms. Claudia Zuniga, these dedicated students, many of whom also perform in Advanced Orchestra and Concert Band, proudly represent Hollydale School in South Gate.

10:15
EMCSD Mariachi All Stars
Level: Novice
Mariachi All-Stars from El Monte City School District is a special collaboration with Hernandez Productions, offering students an enriching Expanded Learning Opportunity. In their first festival appearance, they are excited and grateful for the chance to perform and share their music with you all.

10:30
Mariachi Las Palmeras
Level: Novice
Mariachi Las Palmeras from Palmdale High School in Palmdale, California, is proudly reviving Mariachi on campus after more than 20 years. In their first-ever competition, they are excited to share their music and hope you enjoy their performance!

10:45
Warren HS Folklorico de Herrencia
Exhibition

11:05
Mariachi Osos de Oro
Level: Intermediate
Mariachi Osos de Oro, the premier mariachi ensemble at Godínez Fundamental High School in Santa Ana, California, is now in its second year as an official class. Showcasing talent and cultural pride, they perform at school events, in the Santa Ana community, and beyond.

11:25
The dA Mini Mariachis
Level: Intermediate
Established in 2019, the dA Center for the Arts’ Mini Mariachi group in Pomona, CA, welcomes students ages 4 to 19, offering beginner to intermediate training in mariachi instruments and vocals under the leadership of Gustavo Zambrano. Through cultural and musical education, community performances, and professional mariachi experiences, students develop confidence, teamwork, and a deep connection to mariachi traditions.

11:45
Mariachi Estrellas
Level: Intermediate
This Action Youth America (AYA) After School Program is dedicated to fostering a love for music while helping children develop leadership, communication, creativity, and cultural appreciation. Since its founding in 2017 at Eastmont Intermediate School, Mariachi Estrellas has flourished, earning recognition through performances at prestigious events and national festivals, where students have been awarded for their dedication to preserving mariachi traditions.

12:05
Stauffer MS Banda Filharmonica
Exhibition
A warm welcome to our very own group from Stauffer Middle School in the Downey Unified School District.

12:25
Mariachi Oro de Downey
Level: Intermediate
The Intermediate Group from Downey’s Mariachi Program is a talented ensemble of young musicians honing their skills in traditional mariachi music. They serve as a bridge between beginner and advanced levels, refining their technique, stage presence, and repertoire while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of mariachi.

12:45
Mariachi Cardenas 
Exhibition

1:10
Mariachi Raices de Honor
Level: Novice
Mariachi Raices de Honor is a young elementary ensemble united by their love for Mariachi culture, dedicated to showcasing the talent and potential of young musicians. In their first year together, these students from various schools meet after school to perfect their craft and challenge expectations. 

1:25
Mariachi Los Osos de Arvin HS
Level: Intermediate
Mariachi Los Osos de Arvin High School, now in its third year in the Kern High School District, offers Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced mariachi classes that allow students to fulfill their A-G requirements. The group has performed at prestigious events like Music Days at Knott’s Berry Farm, CABE, CMEA, UCLA, and the National Migrant Conference, with a mission to enhance music education and equip students for success.

1:45
Mariachi Honor Juvenil de MUSD
Level: Intermediate
Mariachi Honor is an elite extracurricular ensemble in Madera Unified, bringing together the district’s most dedicated mariachi musicians. Meeting three times a week, they perform with pride to honor past generations and inspire future ones.

2:05
Mariachi de la Tierra
Level: Novice
This is the first year as an ensemble at Grover Cleveland Charter High School in Reseda, CA.

2:25
Downey HS Folklorico Club
Exhibition

2:45
Mariachi Nueva Luna
Level: Advanced
This is a community mariachi group of high school aged students that hails from Montebello, CA. These dedicated young musicians are committed to upholding their cultural traditions through their musical artistry. 

3:05
Mariachi Herencia Michoacana
Level: Advanced
This group of college-aged performers was founded in 2017 in the city of Azusa.

3:25
Mariachi Diamante de Downey
Level: Advanced
Downey’s very own mariachi program is on its third year and includes students from both middle and high school grades.

3:45
Awards Announcements

4:15
Closing Remarks