ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mariachi

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌmɑɹiˈɑtʃi// UK //mˌæɹɪˈætʃi// mari·achi

n. a traditional Mexican musical group that plays bright, lively music using trumpets, violins, and guitars. The musicians often wear colorful, decorated jackets and hats.

n. a traditional Mexican musical ensemble typically consisting of trumpets, violins, and guitars. Often associated with folk music and festive celebrations, the term also refers to the distinctive jacket worn by the musicians.


SIMPLE

The mariachi band played a lively song at the wedding.

CONTEXTUAL

We spent the evening dancing to the music of a local mariachi band in the central square of the town.

COMPLEX

The festival featured a grand procession of mariachi musicians, their brass instruments gleaming under the midday sun as they performed traditional folk songs for the cheering crowd.

Origin

Borrowed from Mexican Spanish mariachi. The origin of the Spanish word is unclear. It has often been claimed to derive from French mariage (“marriage”), reputedly because the Europe-born Emperor Maximilian of Mexico (which France had invaded) encouraged the music to be played at weddings. However, new evidence shows the word to have been used prior to the French invasion. Most other theories suggest indigenous roots. See Wikipedia.

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