When I learned Harvard had a Mariachi, I was shocked too. 

When you think of Harvard, you probably picture its grandiose buildings, its genius-level faculty, or its students poring over some books. While these things are certainly part of my experience as a student, there are many unexpected things that I have come across while at Harvard. One of those is the Mariachi Véritas de Harvard.  

Founded in 2001, Mariachi Véritas is Harvard’s only mariachi group. As an entirely student-run organization, the members of Mariachi Véritas foster a community rooted in their love of mariachi music, their musical talent, and their commitment to helping their peers develop their musical abilities. The group members choose their own set lists, learn the music entirely on their own, and fundraise independently to conduct their performances at Harvard and the wider Boston community.  

While some members have years of experience in mariachi music, others first become acquainted with the music style once they enter the group. However, all members of the group learn to refine their skills as musicians and explore a genre they may not have been familiar with. So, whether you took an orchestra elective in middle school and have played the violin since then or took up guitar for a jazz band in high school, the mariachi helps you learn a new music style. Additionally, because mariachis feature vocals, many new members also develop both the skills and confidence to perform in front of an audience.  

Groups like Mariachi Véritas give students at Harvard a place to call home. For many of us, it’s our first time leaving home for such a long time, being in a place away from the communities we’ve been a part of, or away from things that seem familiar to us. However, hearing the Mariachi play reminds me of the mornings I’ve spent with my family listening to songs by Vicente Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, Luis Miguel and so many more. Even for a Mariachi groupie like me, just hearing them sing Las Mañanitas affirms Harvard as my second home. Harvard is truly a place to hold the things that remind us of home, and a place where you can find other people that are doing the same.  

Musician Spotlights:  

Brian Martín Magdaleno '23

Brian has been playing the guitar for 9 years but was new to mariachi music when he joined his first year at Harvard and is the current president of the group. His favorite memory with Mariachi Véritas was traveling to San Antonio, Texas for the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is an annual competition for middle school, high school, and college mariachis, and Mariachi Veritas traveled for their first competition in 8 years! In addition to the competition, the attendees also participate in workshops from members of the Mariachi Vargas de Tepatitlán--the best mariachi in the world!

Chris Ruiz '26

Chris first started playing the trumpet 10 years ago, but just recently started playing mariachi music with Mariachi Veritas. One of the great things about studying in the Boston area is that there are many other college campuses just a bus, train, or car ride away! While there are other professional mariachis in the Boston area, Harvard is one of the few schools in the area with a student-led Mariachi. As a result, Mariachi Veritas is often hired to play at different campuses, events, and communities around Boston. In fact, Chris' favorite memory with Mariachi Veritas is traveling to Brandeis University for a Hispanic Heritage Month event they hosted. 

Sebastian Garcia '24

Sebastian's musical background is quite impressive. He has a classical and jazz background and has played the harp, piano, and cello, and took up the guitar and accordion this year! In addition to Mariachi Veritas, Sebastian also plays for THUD, Harvard's alternative percussion group. In addition to calling the attention of their audiences, Mariachi Veritas also captures the attention of other musicians! This year, Harvard Radcliffe RAZA, Harvard's Mexican student group, hosted Los Tigres del Norte on campus and Mariachi Veritas had the privilege of performing for them! Like Los Tigres del Norte, Mariachi Veritas also has the ability to bring people together and celebrate their culture!