The spirit of music, culture, and community was on full display at the third annual Downey Unified Mariachi Music Festival, where talented student musicians and ensembles from across the region came together to share their passion and pride through mariachi.

More than a competition, the festival continues to be a powerful reminder of how music brings people together, building confidence in students, strengthening cultural connections, and creating a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the stage. From vibrant performances to heartfelt moments, each group contributed to an unforgettable celebration of tradition and artistry.

We are proud to recognize this year’s outstanding ensembles:

High School Division

1st Place: Mariachi Nueva Luna
2nd Place: Mariachi Los Alanos de Garfield HS
3rd Place: Mariachi Diamante de Downey

Middle School Division

1st Place: Mariachi Los Chatos
2nd Place: dA Mariachi
3rd Place: Mariachi Oro de Downey

Open Division

1st Place: Mariachi Plaza de la Raza

Downey Unified is honored to host this growing event year after year, providing students with a platform to shine, connect, and celebrate their cultural heritage. As the festival continues to grow, so does its impact, inspiring the next generation of musicians and uniting communities through the universal language of music.

Congratulations to all of our performers for making this year’s festival such a meaningful and memorable experience. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

young student performer singing at the downey unified mariachi music festival 2026