It was the 1936 movie , Alla en el Rancho Grande, that brought mariachis to the attention of the world, said Ruth Lara-Vichules of Phoenix, a singer of Mexican folk music and something of a mariachi historian. It is the music of the campesinos, the rural people of Mexico, and speaks of life in the countryside. What's universal is human emotion. That music is very emotional. Mesa's annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, featuring mariachi bands, a salsa competition, Mexican crafts and food sales, hands-on children's activities, carnival rides, games and other performers.
Admission is free.
Contemporary Latin groups Nosotros and Barrio Latino will perform today on the main stage. The Lupe Esparza mariachi trio will stroll through the park today, and Corazones de Oro is featured on the main stage Saturday. Children from David Carrillo's Ballet Folklorico de Santa Maria will perform traditional dances from eight Mexican states at 11 a.m. Saturday. Folklorico dance requires rapid foot movement and arm movement that swirls the voluminous skirts. Boys and girls perform in pairs and in groups.