Correction: Names of band members were not mentioned in photo caption.
Fuego, a popular restaurant located at Hotel Maya in Long Beach, hosted the world’s first LGBTQ+ mariachi on Sunday to a packed crowd of fans and patrons.
Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Ángeles consists of nine musicians and vocalists who all proudly identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community. They are the first mariachi group of its kind.
The group was created by musical director Carlos Samaniego, in 2014, as a way to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ musicians who felt alienated in traditional mariachi groups.
While patrons sipped on mimosas and enjoyed the view of the ocean water only 10 feet away, the band sang traditional mariachi music and engaged with the lively crowd who cheered them on.
Onlookers outside of the restaurant stopped and listened to the band from the grassy area across the way.
Natalia Melendez, a violinist and singer for the group, is known as the world’s first transgender member of a mariachi group. She was excited to finally perform to a live crowd after COVID-19 restrictions closed down music venues for over a year.
“It’s a blessing … It’s such a blessing to be on stage and perform. Being an artist it really takes a toll on your heart. Being able to entertain people is my passion and I’m just so happy to be performing again,” said Melendez.
She admitted that during quarantine she often sang to herself in her bathroom or even sometimes to her family and friends.
The group found a way to record together without having to defy California’s social distancing ordinance. Each member would record tracks separately and send them to their manager. He would then combine their instruments and voices all together to create a performance.
Martha Rivera, a fan of the group, said she reserved a table at Fuego specifically to see the mariachi play. She even arrived early to assess where the band would be playing to find the perfect seat.
“I saw them featured on a program hosted by the [LA Public] library and I really enjoyed their story and their passion so that’s why I’m here,” said Rivera.
Patrons of Fuego clapped and sang along as the mariachi belted out three hours worth of classic ballads that have been performed for hundreds of years. Though they are traditionally only sung by men, the women in the group were given equal opportunity to lead in the songs as well.
But being an LGBTQ+ mariachi band in a culture that primarily values “machismo” or exaggerated masculinity has its hardships.
In the past, director Samaniego revealed that it is difficult for the band to find gigs that do not have to do with their typical ones such as performing at PRIDE events in the Los Angeles area. This is due to homophobia/transphobia historically exhibited throughout Mexican culture.
Mexican culture features a dominant faith in the roman catholic church. Research conducted by the Pew Research Center found that over 80% of Mexico’s population identifies as catholic. In the church, LGBTQ+ individuals are considered sinful. Just two months ago the Vatican ruled that catholic churches cannot bless same-sex marriages.
Still, even with those hardships Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles has made national television appearances on three different widely popular daytime shows on Univision, a spanish TV network.
They represent a shift in Mexican culture that thrives to include all members of society regardless of age, gender, or sexuality.
Melendez has seen a huge difference in how they are treated now than when they first started performing in 2014. Specifically with the younger generation of mariachi lovers.
“People are usually really supportive. It’s gotten so much better. We still have a long way to go but for the most part it’s good,” said Melendez.
For Melendez, the history that the band is making is well worth the fight.
“Being able to be a part of something so groundbreaking is really, it’s beyond me. I can’t even really say how fortunate and lucky I am to be a part of it…,” said Melendez.
With California officially opening back up again on June 15th, Mariachi de Los Angeles can be expected to perform at numerous events in the future. For a list of upcoming events, fan merch, or booking information, check out their website at https://www.mariachiarcoiris.com/