As a genre, mariachi originated in Guadalajara in the Mexican state of Jalisco. A mariachi group traditionally includes multiple string instruments -guitars, violins, vihuelas (5-stringed guitars)- and at least one trumpet. None of these are indigenous Mexican instruments. In fact, the exact origins of mariachi is up for debate.

Depending on who you ask, the word itself comes from the French word for 'marriage' -an event mariachi groups often perform at- or from the name of a saint (Maria H.) or even from the name of the wood some vihuelas are made from.

Regardless of the word's origins, the first mariachi were street performers. Or, perhaps more accurately, Mexican troubadors. Dressed like traditional farm labourers, they would travel from town to town in the ninteenth century, singing songs of revolutionary heroes and carrying news.

Today, the labourer's garb has been replaced with silver-studded charro outfits and wide-brimmed hats but street performance is still the heart of mariachi. Unless you get invited to a few Meixcan weddings, visitors are most likely to encounter them in restaurants and plazas.

Outsiders often confuse them with other street musicians in Mexico. However, for a group to be considered mariachi they must dress and perform in the style of the Mexican state of Jalisco. (Accept no substitutes.)

Mariachi is now a worldwide cultural export, with groups based as far from Jalisco as Japan and Germany. Despite this, it can sometimes be hard to find Mariachi music outside of Mexico.

However, Discovery is here to help. Follow this link to a Last FM mariachi collection and click on the 'play Mariachi Sol de Mexico radio' button. It makes a perfect background accompaniment to your own Mexican fiesta.