Mariachi Tradicional plays a local favorite at Albuquerque's 313th Birthday Bash a few days ago in Old Town Square. Arriba means "Hooray" or "Go!" as in "Go New Mexico!" New Mexico was founded as a Spanish province in 1598 and the town of Santa Fe to our north got going 12 years later. Albuquerque would not be founded until almost a hundred years later, in 1706. Still 313 is pretty impressive for an North American city.
Mariachi music started out in Jalisco, Mexico in the 1800's but quickly spread throughout all of Mexico where it has become deeply embedded in the traditions and hearts of New Mexicans. It is known as "la música de la gente" (the music of the people), and is art and parcel of many milestones like baptisms and weddings as well as religious and folk festivals. The lyrics usually speak of the ups and downs of life, love and morality and serves to connect New Mexicans to to their ancestors and culture.