Over 1,000 mariachi musicians will convene in San Antonio for more than 100 performances during the city’s 18th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza November 25 through December 1. The 7-day mariachi music festival is the largest and longest running mariachi music event of its kind in the U.S. Competitive mariachi group and vocal competitions, spectacular mariachi concerts and numerous free community presentations and performances are scheduled. The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is named after the internationally acclaimed and Mexico City based, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán who performed their first US mariachi festival in San Antonio in 1979. Only the most discriminating audiences make their annual trek to San Antonio to see Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan in concert. Those “in the know” get their annual injection of some of the greatest musicians and vocalists in the world. Those attending the event for the first time enjoy an experience beyond the imagination. Audiences enjoy performances from the best mariachi group and vocal competition winners as well as the Mexico City based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán who has mesmerized audiences for over 100 years and five generations. Mariachi Vargas will perform traditional mariachi music as well as selections that include operatic and symphonic influences. The 13-piece group has a magical way of creating music that sounds like 3 symphonies combined. It’s just something you have to experience to believe. The UTSA Orchestra will join Mariachi Vargas on stage to perform a few pieces together. Log on to mariachimusic.com for more information. The 18th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is produced by San Antonio based MPR under the leadership of Cynthia Muñoz. Corporate support is provided by AHMSA International, State Farm Insurance, and Valero. Tickets go on sale July 1 through Ticketmaster.com (Presale June 28-June 30 for individuals with promotion code). Tickets can also be purchased starting at $29 at the Alamodome box office at 100 Montana St. Call 210-225-3353 for workshop and mariachi group and vocal competition information or register at mariachimusic.com.