Mariachi Cardenal

Welcome to the Mariachi Cardenal

Mariachi Cardenal began in the spring of 2023 when a group of talented and passionate students met to rehearse the music they loved, Mariachi. Building on this enthusiasm, The University of the Incarnate Word employed retired professor John A. Lopez in the fall of 2023 to head the ensemble. Mr. Lopez brings knowledge and experience to UIW after 28 years of service at Texas State University, where he created the Mariachi, Salsa, and Latin Music Studies area. The UIW Mariachi presents four concerts each year, including two Noches de Mariachi, Merry-Achi Christmas, and Feria del Mariachi. The group proudly represents the Mexican and Mexican American cultures through music and attire and is open to any Incarnate Word student. Mariachi Cardenal performs traditional Mariachi styles such as the Son Jalisiense, Huapango, Jarocho, Bolero, and Ranchera, and they study music from artists such as Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Mariachi Sol de Mexico, Mariachi Cobre, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Juan Gabriel, Lola Beltran, Lucha Villa, and many others.