Battle of the Mariachis – Group Information

Welcome to the Battle of the Mariachis group information page. Below you will find the following:

– Terms of Participation
– Prizes and Award Information
– Application Form and more!

We are so thrilled to be returning this year and are looking forward to having you. Thank you for your support.

Terms of Participation

1. Each group is allowed 15 minutes to perform on stage. 
2. All groups are asked to perform a Son Jalisciense, Ranchera and a song of choice. If a potpourri will be performed, please include individual song names for judge reference. If another group has already selected the same song, you will be notified, and you will have the option to change song selection if you choose. Song selections must be finalized at the latest by Friday, April 23, 2022. Songs are listed on the score sheets for Judge reference. If song titles are incorrect, points may be deducted from the score.
3. Directors may not perform with their groups.
4. During your group’s performance, Directors may be stage-side or in the audience but are not allowed on stage or inside the judges’ booth.
5. Musicians are only allowed to rehearse in the Performers’ Area and in no other location.
6. Directors must check-in as early as 7:45 am on the day of the event. An exact time will be given to each group closer to the day of the event.
7. Every group will have 3 minutes to get in place and any last adjustments prior to their performance time. Directors may be on stage during this time.
8. In order to standardize the stage setup, the stage plot will be the same for all groups. From left to right facing the stage: Violins – Trumpets – Harp – Guitarron – Vihuela – Guitar with three (3) Vocal mics center front stage.
9. Directors or musicians defying rules of conduct or showing “unsportsmanlike” conduct may subject their groups to disqualification.
10. All musicians are invited to perform together the finale songs, “La Negra” and “Las Mañanitas”. Finale songs should be memorized. Please, no music stands at the finale. 
11. Directors must be present between 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. to accept possible awards and for photo opportunities. 
12. Please submit at least one photo of your group for publicity purposes. Please email the photo to eventsdepartment@missionsjc.com at your earliest opportunity upon submitting an application.

Prizes and Awards

Three Participation Categories:

1. Elementary/Middle School 
         Prizes: First Place: $1,500
         Second Place: $1,000

2. Youth (High School -18 years or Under)
         Prizes: First Place: $1,500
         Second Place: $1,000

3. (Post High School/College- 18 years or Over)
         Prizes: First Place: $1,500
         Second Place: $1,000

Additional Awards – All groups are eligible to win:
Spirit of San Juan Community Award
Tom Tracy and EJ Tracy “Shining Star” Individual Awards: $250 each

Each Group Will Recevie:

1. A travel stipend to assist with the costs of transportation.
2. Incredible performance experience before a sold-out audience and a panel of distinguished judges (including copies of score sheets and written feedback from the experts to take home).
3. Fifteen complimentary general admission event tickets for guests of the group. (These are given to the director to distribute at their discretion, tickets will be mailed in April if 2022)
4. Valuable recognition as a performance group at the Battle of the Mariachis Festival all year long on the Mission’s website.

Please see below for full Competition Terms of Participation.

With any questions, please contact Stephanie Montes de Oca at (949) 234-1316 or eventsdepartment@missionsjc.com.

Submitting an application does not guarantee you a spot. Groups who were registered in 2020 will receive priority. Any spots still available after Wednesday, January 19, 2022 will be filled up on a first come, first served basis. An email will be sent to you by no later than January 21, 2022 with the status of your application.

Mission San Juan Capistrano will host the Annual Battle of the Mariachis Festival on Saturday, May 14, 2022. This special event offers a performance opportunity to mariachi groups unlike any other. Groups perform on a professional-level stage at the beautiful historic Mission before a panel of distinguished judges. Top mariachi groups participate from across Southern California and beyond compete before a sold-out audience of more than 3,000 mariachi enthusiasts. Cash prizes and trophies are at stake for the top mariachi groups. Thanks to the generosity of our underwriter, the Thomas J. and Erma Jean Tracy Family Foundation, a travel stipend is provided to each participating group to assist with the costs of participating in the event.