The terms tequila and mariachi have become synonymous with the image of Mexico itself, but what’s really behind the formation of these famous art forms and how did they become so globally familiar?

On this authentic 2.5-hour Mexican music and drink tour with an expert guide, we dive deep into the origins of Mexico’s most famous expressions of merry-making: mariachi and tequila. But we also look beyond these icons to discover what else this diverse country hears and tastes. We’ll walk around Mexico City’s legendary Garibaldi Square as we discuss the mariachi greats and then tour the Tequila Museum, ending with a sunset tasting of tequila and mezcal on its rooftop restaurant. This is an off-the-beaten-path experience that is best done with an expert who knows the area.

We’ll begin our investigation with a discussion of the history of Garibaldi Square, also known as "Mariachi Square" for its dozens of wandering bands for hire who inhabit the plaza daily. The square itself was renamed​ in 1921 after José Garibaldi (grandson of the famous Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Garibaldi), who fought during the Mexican Revolution. We’ll take a few minutes to stroll the mariachi musicians hall of fame to discuss greats such as Pedro Infante and Juan Gabriel before sitting down in an authentic pulqueria, where we’ll taste tequila’s little-known cousin pulque, also made of agave but fermented rather than distilled, and hear the fascinating story behind its fall from fame and recent rebirth in popularity. We may also have a chance to hear live regional music from other areas of Mexico such as Son Jarocho from Veracruz or Corridos from the north and compare them with typical mariachi rhythms dominating the square.

Now having gained a context of other popular music and drinks of Mexico, we’ll turn our attention to tequila, mezcal, and mariachi itself as we explore the Tequila Museum. On the museum's second floor we’ll dive into the details of agave and maguey farming, harvesting, distilling into alcohol and distribution. Then we’ll learn more about the history of mariachi music from its origins in Jalisco to its popularity throughout the country and finally the world. At the rooftop restaurant we’ll taste tequila and mezcal side by side, to compare the drinks’ similarities and points of distinctions firsthand.

Take Aways

By the end of our time with our expert guide, we’ll have a better understanding of not just the famous traditions of tequila, mezcal, and mariachi music, but an underlying context of their histories and sister art forms that help us formulate a fuller picture of the Mexican people and their culture.