On view in the History & Literary Arts Building
The Atrisco Companies is a family of social enterprises comprising seven nonprofit and community-focused organizations. The organization’s mission is to make exceptional community services accessible to New Mexicans, empowering them to pursue richer and more meaningful experiences for their families. Among these organizations is Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque, one of the seven nonprofits overseen by Atrisco Companies.
For over 30 years, Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque has been a premier conference and concert series in the country. Music enthusiasts and tourists alike consider Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque a “must-visit” destination, standing out among peer programs in cities like San Antonio, Tucson, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
The success of Mariachi Spectacular has been hard-earned through decades of dedication. The organization continuously strives to enhance its program with unique elements that set it apart from the competition. One such innovation, introduced over 20 years ago, is the Mariachi Hall of Fame—a brilliant addition that has made us the proud hosts of the only Hall of Fame dedicated to the mariachi genre in the world. Right here in Albuquerque.
Over the past three decades, Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque has inducted more than 30 mariachi musicians, arrangers, and contributors into our International Mariachi Hall of Fame. Each inductee is honored with a portrait, celebrating their significant contributions to the mariachi tradition. We are honored to have in our Hall of Fame Mariachi trailblazers such as José “Pepe” Martinez, Miguel Martinez, and Rebecca Gonzales, the first female Mariachi to in history to join a prestigious Mariachi show group, Los Camperos.
Mariachi Spectacular’s vision is to one day establish a permanent space where these Hall of Fame portraits can be displayed, allowing us to share the rich history of these mariachi icons with our community, nation, and thus the world.
Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque is deeply grateful for the partnership and support of the National Hispanic Cultural Center in displaying these portraits, helping us bring the story of mariachi to life for all to see.