10 Fun Facts About El Paso’s Premier Mariachi ‘Los Arrieros’

We're listing ten fun facts about what makes Mariachi Los Arrieros one of El Paso's premier mariachi groups.

Mariachi Los Arrieros have been performing as a group since the mid-90s and today stand out as one of El Paso’s premier mariachi groups. 

The 12-member mariachi group has performed across the United States and Mexico for over two decades. With its long history, the group continues to be one of the most prominent mariachi troupes in the El Paso area and the surrounding region.  

As one of the best mariachis in El Paso, the group is often contracted to perform for local events, private celebrations, and celebrities. 

Throughout their lengthy career moonlighting as mariachis, the group has seen musicians come and go. Still, their love of music and culture keeps the tight-knit group thriving as they continue to grow in popularity, primarily thanks to their commitment and talent.   

10 Fun Facts About Mariachi Los Arrieros 

Mariachi Los Arrieros was formed in 1996 with initially 15 band members. Since then, a revolving door of exceptional musicians has played with the group, and to this day, three original members are still part of the troupe.  

The mariachi group has also opened up for Los Tigres del Norte, Mariachi Vargas, Sol de Mexico, Los Camperos and Mariachi Pobre to name a few.  

All the members in the group have daytime jobs. Most are educators, two are students, one is an accountant, another an office manager, there was a plane mechanic too, but all moonlight as musicians.  

Thanks to their song catalog, which spans over 100 tunes, Mariachi Los Arrieros are highly in demand.

The mariachi group rehearses once a week at various locations across town, including Montwood High School.

All 12-members of the mariachi group members know how to read music while musical director Juan Contreras usually makes the arrangements.  

Mariachi Los Arrieros has performed all over El Paso and across the US, including in Washington DC as part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival representing the city of El Paso and at the Hollywood Bowl as part of Mariachi USA Fest.   

The group's mariachi wear is locally custom-made and can cost anywhere from $400 to $1000+ for each member.  

The mariachi troupe has also performed for many celebrities, most recently for Danny Trejo and Charlie Clark, during the private screening of Green Ghost and the Masters of the Stone.   

Lastly, for the last 20 years, Mariachi Los Arrieros have been a long-time staple at Ay Cocula (off Pelicano and Lee Trevino), performing every Friday night.  

Don't miss Los Arrieros performing this Thursday, May 12, as they headline opening night at El Paso's free music series, Cool Canyon Nights, at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre.