Music is an extremely important part of the Mexican culture. From the ancient drumming rhythms of the Mayans to the modern beats of reggaeton, music remains a diverse form of entertainment with a variety of styles throughout Mexico.
Mariachi
Mariachi music originated in the city of Guadalajara. A mariachi band typically consists of guitars, a guitarron, violins, vihuelas and a harp. They can also include drums and horns, and are known as a folk ensemble.
Norteno Music
Norteno bands play a style of music known as ranchera. Ranchera is a combination of Mexican, Czech and Bohemian rhythms. The introduction of the accordion was an important part in the evolution of ranchera music.
Cumbia
Although Cumbia originated in Colombia, it came to Mexico in the 1940s, along with Colombian singer Luis Carlos Meyer Castandet. The music and the dancing have been widely popular ever since.
Banda
Banda music was influenced by the military bands of European colonists, and is very similar to the polka. Banda originated in the northern state of Sinaloa, which had a large Polish immigrant population.
Rock
Rock and metal have been important in the Mexican music scene since the 1950s. Mexican rock bands incorporated traditional instruments, rhythms and stories to create a unique blend.
