How to Hire the Right Mariachi for Church Events

It’s happened to all of us before.  We are at church for a Quinceañera/Wedding/Baptism/or Funeral, when there is suddenly a long awkward silence.  You can see the mariachi musicians staring at each other like deer in headlights.  Meanwhile, the priest is trying to guide them on what to do next.  Unfortunately, this happens far too often.  Such important family milestones can be ruined by hiring the wrong mariachi for church events.

Here are 3 ways you can tell if the mariachi you are hiring is the right one for your church event.  (The words “Misa” and “Mass” will be used interchangeably)

1 – They know the order of the Catholic Mass Song list

Hiring a mariachi for church is very different than hiring one for a party.  Usually when a group goes to a party, clients are free to request songs that they would like to hear.  At church, this is not the case.  We once had a client request for us to play a Selena song at her niece’s Quinceañera Misa… Needless to say, we explained to her that in a Catholic mass this would not be allowed.  There are specific songs that are played in a specific order.  The songs that are performed during church are not just background music.  They expand on and enhance the words that were spoken right before it.  

For example, early on in the Misa, the Priest will lead attendees in the “Yo Confieso…Por mi culpa…” prayer. In this prayer, the church goers are confessing that they have sinned.  The mariachi is supposed to follow that up with the song “Señor Ten Piedad.”  Through the lyrics, attendees are asking God to forgive them for their sins.  This would not work if the mariachi came in with the Ave Maria.  The song which is reserved for when the Quinceañera or Bride & Groom present their bouquet of flowers to the Virgin Mary.  Also, many of these songs have different variations that are played in different times of the year.  This is due to the fact that the Catholic church song list will alter depending on the Catholic seasons.  

If the mariachi you hire does not know the correct order of songs and when to play them, it can lead to a very bumpy Mass and an upset Priest.

2 – They know the difference between a Christian Service and a Catholic Mass

It is also very common to see mariachis perform at Christian church events.  While yes, Catholicism is a form of Christianity, a Christian Service is very much different than a Catholic mass. Generally speaking, music is spread out throughout different portions of a Mass. In a Christian Service however, they are typically played in the Praise & Worship portion of church (which is in the beginning), and at the very end.  

Another big difference is the actual repertoire.  Due to the differences in religious beliefs, not all Catholic songs are appropriate for Christian events.  Take the previously mentioned Ave Maria.  When played correctly, this is a beautiful song.  However, since Christians do not worship the Virgin Mary, it would not be appropriate to play this song in a Christian setting.  Christian songs on the other hand, typically work well in a Catholic church.  Many worship songs that are mellow and reflective, can work perfectly during Communion in a Catholic Misa (when the bread and wine are taken).  

Regardless of whether you are hosting a Christian or Catholic event, it is important to hire someone that has knowledge on both religious settings as to not perform anything that is inadequate for the occasion.

3 – They are professional

While this may seem like a no brainer, it is sad to see that not every group available is as professional as they should be.  

First of all, they need to have respect towards the mariachi suit.  It is not uncommon to see musicians with broken down botonadura (the jewelry on pants and jacket that decorate the suit), or faded suits.  If they do not have respect towards their own suit, their own culture, what makes you believe they will have any respect for your church event?  On the other hand, there are other groups like our very own, that offer multiple suit options to best match with the color scheme of your event.  Another big factor in professionalism is punctuality.  Certain venues and churches charge clients a fee for exceeding their allocated time.  The last thing you want to happen, is to fall behind schedule because the mariachi you booked was running late.  Make sure you discuss these details with the group you’re hiring to avoid any mishaps and embarrassments.

Fortunately for you, Alma de Mexico has vast experience in both Christian and Catholic Church events.  We have the proper knowledge and experience to make your next event a memorable one (for all the right reasons).  Next time you are looking for a mariachi for church, reach out to us to discuss your event.  To learn more about our performing groups, click here.

Watch this clip of our Mariachi Quartet performing the Christian song, Agradecimiento, for a Celebration of Life that we were hired to perform in.