What is a mariachi band and Where did mariachi bands originate?

A mariachi band is a Mexican or Mexican American band that walks around playing traditional Mexican songs on guitars, violins, and sometimes trumpets.

The musicians wear brightly sequined Spanish costumes and large-brimmed sombreros, or hats.

Evolving from rural Mexican origins, mariachi bands became internationally popular in the mid-twentieth century as a musical emblem of Mexico.