Femme Mariachi Festival Europe

Throughout the last century, there have been many instances that showcase the mutual respect between France and Mexico. In 1938, the famous French artist/poet Andre Bretón visited Mexico and stayed with Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. He is famously quoted as calling Mexico, “the surrealist country par excellence.” Bretón played a major role in Kahlo’s Self Portrait becoming the first 20th century Mexican piece acquired by the Louvre. Obviously we have to give an honorable mention to Antoine Griezmann and Carlos Vela sharing the pitch at Real Sociedad. Who can forget the iconic “Un saludito a Carlitos Vela guey” shoutout from Griezmann after France won the World Cup in 2018.

A more recent example that caught my attention is one that is centered around Mariachi music and more specifically, highlighting women in mariachi music. Femme Mariachi as the French would say.

The Festival Femme Mariachi Europe is a cultural event that takes place every year in Paris and is dedicated to celebrating women in the historically male-dominated genre of mariachi music. It was founded by Alicia Leos in 2023 and has been hosted at La Bellevilloise every year since then.

In 2020, Leos founded France’s first female mariachi: Mariachi ArrieraSomos, also known as Las Arrieras. “The origin of the name of our mariachi "Arrieros Somos" comes from an expression that literally means "we are muleteers". The primary meaning of the word "arrieros" refers to men who were nomadic merchants, transported goods, novelties, -and therefore also hope- from village to village, accompanied by their donkeys and songs.” (Mariachi ArrieraSomos website)