REGINA — Saskatchewan’s first mariachi band is spreading joy and happiness with each performance.
Based in Regina, the Mariachi Latino Band, consisting of 10 members, including seven with Latin roots, aims to lift everyone's spirits.
“People hug and dance, and we forget about hate. At least for the time of the performance,” said Ana Hernandez, manager of the Mariachi Latino Band.
The band first formed over four years ago, and were surprised by the interest they received initially.
"The big surprise was the niche we found here in Saskatchewan,” said Christian Echeverria, vihuela for the Mariachi Latino Band.
"There was such an interest from the cultural side, from even the Canadian side experiencing Mexico once in a while. They want to bring these vibes back here in Saskatchewan.”
Hernandez admitted the band was unsure of how people would react to their Latino culture.
However, one performance in Assiniboia changed their stance on the matter.
“We had been playing for half an hour, and people didn't have any reaction. I asked them to give us a signal if everyone was liking it, and they all started laughing,” said Hernandez.
“And then people started standing up and shaking their bodies and whatnot. And that was a very good experience because from our end, we didn't know how people would feel about us,” she added.
Since forming, the band has performed at over 130 events, including Calgary, Brandon, Saskatoon and other areas.
Their extensive live performances and growth have led the band to record its debut album, set for release next month.
Echeverria never imagined the band would get to this point.
“We start in a living room, just five of us, thinking about doing something like this. And look at today, releasing an album,” said Echeverria.
Hernandez admitted to having big dreams for the band and wants to help continue pushing them farther.
Over the next five years, she hopes the band can play in many different locations.
“We could go to Toronto, we could go to Montreal. The other day, I mentioned that we could even go to Europe or Mexico. For us, whatever life brings is good.”
