Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Mariachi 7 Leguas was founded 20 years ago in 2004 by Emilio Santos in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. “Many of us in Mariachi 7 Leguas have other full-time professions; some are musical directors in high schools, and I am a banker.”,
In the 20 years of their existence existence, the group has accomplished much. They have been given many awards and recognitions, not only in the United States & Mexico, but across the globe. In their hometown, McAllen Texas, they won the best mariachi in the Rio Grande Valley in a professional mariachi competition given by Univision Radio. They have been recognized as the International Ambassadors of Mexican Music, recipients of the Key to the city of Tecalitlan Jalisco Mexico, and a special recognition by the City of McAllen. However, the most important and distinct award received was by the SRE (Secretaria de Relaciones en el Exterior) and IME (Instituto de Mexicanos en el Exterior). In 2010, the group competed in a worldwide mariachi competition where 22 countries participated. The judges were very important figures like the Director of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco and many musical experts in music. Mariach 7 Leguas won the title of “2010’s Best Mariachi” and the honor of performing in a two-week concert tour in Mexico City and cities in the states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Veracruz, and Zacatecas. The group has performed at the Mariachi Festival in Houston Texas, with the UTRGV Ballet Folklorico in McAllen Texas, RGV Charro Days, weddings, birthdays, quincineras, serenades and a variety of other special events. In 2023, the group released their first single. The song is “Hazme Caso” (Pay Attention to Me) and will soon release their 20th anniversary album.
Their soulful performances are deeply rooted in Mexican tradition. The Holiday Concert for Harlingen Concert Association will feature traditional Mariachi music along with classic Christmas songs.