The California State Fair & Food Festival today announced its second annual youth mariachi competition. The competition will showcase talented youth mariachi ensembles invited from throughout the state and give them the opportunity to win up to $5,000 for their respective academy or school mariachi program.“We’re quite thrilled to produce this event for another year to showcase the rich tradition of mariachi music that has helped weave the social and cultural tapestry California has to offer,” said Rick Pickering, Cal Expo General Manager and CEO. “This event offers fun and healthy competition that highlights the strong influence mariachi music has had on California for decades.”
The 2019 Mariachi Competition is funded in part by the generous support of our sponsors Sprint, ZóCALO, Visit Sacramento, and through funds generated by the Sacramento Tourism Marketing District.
The first-place winner will receive a $5,000 check, AeroMexico sponsored travel vouchers, and the title of “Best in California,” as well as bragging rights. The second-place winner will receive a $3,000 check, and the third-place winner will receive a $2,000. All funds will be allocated towards their academy or school.
The Youth Mariachi Competition will take place on Sunday, July 21st at 1PM on the Golden 1 Stage. Where the days’ events will culminate with a performance by the world-famous Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
Competitors will be judged on three different performances. They will perform a Son, a Ranchera Song, and a Song of Choice. These performances will be judged on their ability to highlight each instrument and its corresponding sound during the competition.
All participants in the Youth Mariachi Competition will receive free admission and rides, generously provided by Butler Amusements, and the opportunity to meet the members of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. The competition, plus events leading up to and following, will be showcased by State Fair partner, Univision.
For more information, including how to participate in the next year’s competition, email YouthMariachiComp@CaliforniaStateFair.com. 
