International Mariachi Contest
Introduction
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME), develops different programs and projects to support Mexicans living outside our country’s borders.
In an effort to reassess and strengthen a sense of ethnic pride, cultural heritage, and identification with our country, IME offers cultural and artistic programs to Mexican communities abroad. These programs enhance the development of Mexicans in other societies, serving their need to maintain ties to their native country and transmit its richness to those around them.
In commemoration of the Bicentennial of Mexico’s Independence and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution, IME promotes an international mariachi competition titled "Sones de Mariachi por el Mundo", open to all nationalities.
I. Rationale
Mexican popular culture has transcended centuries and remains fundamental to Mexican identity. The mariachi and its music are important cultural elements that have helped shape the symbols of this national identity.
Throughout the world, there are a significant number of mariachi groups comprised of Mexicans, those of Mexican descent and, most notably, foreign nationals.
The First International Mariachi Competition, as a part of the Bicentennial of Independence and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution, seeks that our communities abroad and the international public recognize one of the great musical contributions Mexico has made to the world.
This event will convene national and international musicians from five continents, highlighting the fact that some mariachi groups are now also comprised of women.
The international mariachi competition is open to participants from all countries.
II. Objectives
To celebrate Mexican pride, together with foreign nationals and Mexicans living abroad, through an irrefutable symbol of Mexican identity.
To make known, in Mexico and abroad, the important musical contributions our country has made to the world.
To heighten awareness among Mexican communities abroad regarding the importance and influence of their historical roots, and to strengthen their sense of national pride and identity.
To showcase the manner in which Mexican mariachi music —having successfully established itself on a world level as an art form in constant transformation— continues to transcend limits.
III. Rules
1.All contestants must reside permanently in a country other than Mexico.
2.This competition is open to mariachis of any nationality or citizenship.
3.Competing ensembles must contain violins, vihuela, and guitarrón. They may also include trumpet, guitar, guitarra de golpe, and harp.
4.Musical themes performed for this competition must be by Mexican authors of the nineteenth or twentieth centuries, or traditional compositions by anonymous authors, and must be characteristic of mariachi music. Music of other origin will not be allowed, nor will musical arrangements that are inconsistent with the mariachi genre.
5.All manifestations of Mexican national identity (such as the charro suit in the case of the modern mariachi, sounds, styles, singing, and traditional yells or gritos.) will be taken into account in the judging of theatrical presentation, interpretation, and musical arrangements.
7.Videos submitted for this competition must be accompanied by the following song information: author, region of Mexico from which it originates, era in which it was composed, and an explanation of why the tune was chosen for this contest.
8.Participants must submit a video recording their interpretation of a musical selection. This must be recorded in the community where the ensemble is based.
9.Competing mariachi groups must be comprised of a minimum of 8 (eight) musicians and a maximum of 13 (thirteen).
10.To enter, applicants must complete the application found on the Redes México website at www.redesmexico.mx.
11.Mariachi ensembles of recognized national and international notoriety, whether residing temporarily or permanently abroad, may NOT participate.
Upon application, all contestants grant the Institute of Mexicans Abroad the right to make free use of submitted audiovisual materials in all media known and unknown, in all formats, and in all existing territories.
Contestants must submit their finished video to the Redes México website at www.redesmexico.mx. Duration of the video must be no longer than 4 minutes. Alternatively, participants can submit their finished video, on CD or DVD, to the Mexican embassy or consulate nearest to their place of residence. Videos will not be returned.
IV. Awards
The Department of Popular and Indigenous Cultures of CONACULTA and the Institute of Mexicans Abroad will establish a Selection Committee that will designate the finalists by region, to ensure representation from all continents.
The Selection Committee will choose 5 winning mariachis from the U.S.; 3 from Canada; 3 from Asia-Pacific, Africa and Oceania; 3 from Europe; and 3 from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Through the Redes México website (www.redesmexico.mx),these preselected videos will be voted upon by Mexicans living abroad. First, second, and third place awards will be given for the most-voted-for videos on the Internet.
The Selection Committee will nominate the mariachi they consider most deserving of the "Best Mariachi 2010" award, and this group will receive recognition as first-place winners. The results of Internet votes and the decision of the Selection Committee are irrevocable.
The winners of each region or continent will, ideally, receive their awards in Mexico and will perform in five Mexican states. They should also be available for media interviews.
Awards
Awards consist of an embossed silver plaque for each member of the winning mariachi group, a trip to Mexico with accommodations and meals for two weeks, and prepaid roundtrip coach-class air transportation.
Timetable
December, 2009
Launching of contest in Mexico and abroad.
May 31st, 2010
Deadline for receipt of video submissions.
June 15th, 2010
Juries will announce pre-selected entries and these will be included on the Redes México web page.
June 16-July 15, 2010
Mexican communities will vote on pre-selected entries through the Redes México web page.
July 20, 2010
Announcement of winners.
August/September 2010
Winners will visit our country. The mariachi bands will make a tour through Mexico
Supporting institutions and companies
Coordinación General para las Conmemoraciones de 2010
Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica (CCC)
Dirección General de Culturas Populares e Indígenas de CONACULTA
Consejo de Promoción Turística
Pulque Poliqhui