Courtesy of Adalberto Lopez

I’m a Mariachi Singer

Mateo Lopez, 7, describes what it was like setting a world record while honoring his culture.

September 19, 2022

By Mateo Lopez, age 7

As You Read: Identify two reasons why mariachi is so important to Mateo.

My Story: Mateo Lopez

Meet 7-year-old Mateo and learn more about what it’s like being a mariachi singer.

Last February, I had the most amazing adventure. I flew with my family from our home in Texas to Italy. That’s a country in Europe.

I was there to perform in a show when something incredible happened.

I had set a world record! Guinness World Records named me the youngest mariachi [mah-ree-AH-chee] singer.

Last February, I had the most amazing adventure. I flew with my family from our home in Texas to Italy. That’s a country in Europe.

I was there to perform in a show. And something incredible happened.

I had set a world record! Guinness World Records named me the youngest mariachi [mah-ree-AH-chee] singer.

What Is Mariachi?

Mariachi is a type of traditional Mexican music. It started in Mexico about 400 years ago.

When you listen to mariachi, you’ll hear singing. You might hear different musical instruments too. There can be guitars, violins, harps, trumpets, and more!

When I perform, I sing in Spanish. That’s what I did when I performed mariachi for the first time in public. I was 4, and I sang to my mom in a restaurant for her birthday.

Even when I was that young, I didn’t get nervous. I love being onstage in front of big audiences!

Mariachi is a type of traditional Mexican music. It started in Mexico about 400 years ago.

When you listen to mariachi, you’ll hear singing. You might hear different musical instruments too. There can be guitars and violins. There can also be harps, trumpets, and more!

When I perform, I sing in Spanish. That’s what I did when I performed mariachi for the first time in public. I was 4 years old. I sang to my mom in a restaurant for her birthday.

Even when I was that young, I didn’t get nervous. I love being onstage in front of big audiences!

What Mateo Wears

Mateo Lopez proudly wears his suit, or traje de charro, when he performs.

Courtesy of Adalberto Lopez

A wide bow tie adds color. Mateo’s favorite color is red, but mariachis wear different color ties.
Silver decorations are sewn on the suit. Can you read what the five silver letters on the vest spell?
Black and silver are common colors for a mariachi suit.
These boots look like cowboy boots at the bottom but only go up to the ankle.

What Mateo Wears

Mateo Lopez proudly wears his suit, or traje de charro, when he performs.

Courtesy of Adalberto Lopez

A wide bow tie adds color. Mateo’s favorite color is red, but mariachis wear different color ties.
Silver decorations are sewn on the suit. Can you read what the five silver letters on the vest spell?
Black and silver are common colors for a mariachi suit.
These boots look like cowboy boots at the bottom but only go up to the ankle.

Mariachi and Me

I’m Mexican American. Mariachi is important to me and my family. Why? It’s one way we keep our Mexican culture alive.

First my grandpa played mariachi. Now my older sister and I play it.

But mariachi is more than music. The outfit I wear when I perform is also important. It’s another way I’m proud to represent my Mexican heritage.

The suit I wear is called a traje de charro [TRAH-heh deh CHAH-roh]. The jacket, vest, and pants are decorated with beautiful designs. I wear a hat called a sombrero too.

The clothes look like clothes from Mexico’s past. And I was excited to bring the outfit on our trip to Italy to show others.

The best part of that trip was when my sister performed with me. I sang one of my favorite songs called “México Lindo y Querido.” In English, that means “Beautiful and Beloved Mexico.”

I’m Mexican American. Mariachi is important to me and my family. Why? It’s one way we keep our Mexican culture alive.

First my grandpa played mariachi. Now my older sister and I play it.

But mariachi is more than music. The outfit I wear when I perform is also important. It’s another way I’m proud to represent my Mexican heritage.

The suit I wear is called a traje de charro [TRAH-heh deh CHAH-roh]. The jacket, vest, and pants are decorated with beautiful designs. I wear a hat called a sombrero too.

The clothes look like clothes from Mexico’s past. And I was excited to bring the outfit on our trip to Italy. I wanted to show it to others.

The best part of that trip was when my sister performed with me. I sang one of my favorite songs, “México Lindo y Querido.” In English, that means “Beautiful and Beloved Mexico.”

Ready for the Future

When I grow up, I want to be the best mariachi singer in the world.

I tell kids who want to perform that they have to do three things. Follow their dreams, listen to their parents, and practice a lot!

When I grow up, I want to be the best mariachi singer in the world.

I tell kids who want to perform that they have to do three things. First, follow their dreams. Second, listen to their parents. And, third, practice a lot!

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

In the United States, National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. It honors the traditions and ways of life of people whose families can be traced back to Spanish-speaking countries.