Mariachi Mariposas welcomes the holidays

Shown above is the all-female Mariachi Mariposas photographed in 2022. The group will perform as part of the Distinguished Artist Series from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Friday and from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Saturday in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus.
PHOTO COURTESY MARIACHI MARIPOSAS

UTRGV will welcome the all-female Mariachi Mariposas’ Christmas performance from 7 to 8:15 p.m Friday and from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Saturday in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus.

The event, part of the UTRGV Distinguished Artist Series, will showcase both festive Christmas classics and regional culture.

Mariachi Mariposas began in 2012 with a goal of creating music opportunities for women dedicated to preserving mariachi tradition, according to the event’s description.

The College of Fine Arts chose the group in an effort to bring in guest performances who complement student performances while giving something distinctive to the community, according to Juan Carlos Munoz, event manager of the college.

“We try to bring artists that are different from our academic performances,” Munoz added.

He said the group represents the Rio Grande Valley’s artistic legacy, especially because most performers are UTRGV or legacy institution University of Texas–Pan American alumni.

“It’s special to have an award-winning, all-female mariachi group on our stage,” Munoz said.

This year’s showcase is the first Christmas-themed concert the ensemble has performed.

Mayra Garcia, director of Mariachi Mariposas, told The Rider the group has spent months preparing a blend of mariachi standard and holiday classics.

“We had to really think about how are we going to prepare the show,” Garcia said. “Are we going to do all Christmas music, or we’re just going to do all mariachi music?”

She added the audience can expect a unique performance founded in culture and tradition by blending traditional Christmas music into one main concert.

Munoz said the event also aims to strengthen arts participation on campus.

“Students are 100% complimentary admission to this event,” he said.

Admission for the first 300 students is free with a current UTRGV ID or the GET Mobile app while tickets to the public have a cost of $10, according to the UTRGV Calendar.

Garcia encouraged students and Valley residents to attend.

“Invite everyone to come and really experience that because it’s really something very, very beautiful and unique,” Garcia said.

For more information, visit showpass.com.