Formed in 2003, Mariachi Cuicatlan has been putting forth a strong musical presence throughout the San Fernando Valley and beyond. In a short period of time, Mariachi Cuicatlán has established itself as an ensemble with the goal of taking traditional Mexican music to higher artistic levels, an endeavor that has become a lifelong commitment to its members who for years have performed in the professional arena.

Members of  Cuicatlán have shared stages with the most renowned mariachi ensembles in the world, including Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Mariachi Mexico de Pepe Villa, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi America de Jesus Rodriguez de Hijar, Mariachi Cobre, and Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez.

As educators, several members have provided instrumental workshops in numerous mariachi conferences throughout the United States and Mexico, including Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería (Guadalajara, Jal.), Tucson International Mariachi Conference (Tucson, AZ), Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference (Las Cruces, NM), San Jose Mariachi Conference (San Jose, CA), and Viva el Mariachi Festival (Fresno, CA). The ensemble also showcases the talents of instructors and students of the award winning and nationally recognized City of San Fernando, Mariachi Master Apprentice Program (MMAP).

Under the direction of Gerardo Palma, Mariachi Cuicatlán has worked on various productions by accompanying well-known Mexican Folk Dance Companies, Ballet Folklorico Ollin, Grupo Folklorico de UCLA, and Ballet Folklorico Grandeza Mexicana. Also, Mariachi Cuicatlán had the privilege of accompanying renowned recording artists like legendary singer and guitarist, Jose Feliciano and four-time Grammy nominee, Albita.

Their name, “Cuicatlan,” comes from the Nahuatl language meaning “Land of Song.” Using this as inspiration for their music, Mariachi Cuicatlán is determined to continue emphasizing the preservation, education, and exposure of what is truly mariachi music.

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