How a multicultural mariachi band is celebrating Canada’s diversity in song and spirit
A Canada Day celebration with Latin soul
On July 1, Winnipeg audiences are in for a high-energy, heart-filled celebration of Canadian multiculturalism courtesy of Mariachi Rio Rojo, a dynamic new mariachi ensemble with deep Latin American roots. The band is set to perform two full concerts on Canada Day—first at 1:00 p.m. on the Princess Auto Stadium tailgate stage, and again at 4:00 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park.
This professional ensemble isn't just bringing traditional Mexican music to local stages. They're also debuting a brand-new recording of O Canada—in English, French, and Spanish.
“It’s going to be a full set,” said violinist and vocalist Lehins Aragon. “So if you want to hear real traditional Mexican music, that’s your day. And we hope to see you, that’s for sure.”
From Thunder Bay to Winnipeg: The band’s origins
Mariachi Rio Rojo began almost by accident. Band leader Jaime Chinchilla explained it all started with a single Canada Day performance request in 2023.
“We got together for that performance specifically,” he said. “We got a request of a really well-known promoter over there for a mariachi band, and at the time there wasn’t one in Thunder Bay or in Winnipeg, but we had been thinking about that for years.”
With some fortunate timing and the arrival of skilled mariachi musicians to Winnipeg—including Aragon—the group formed, acquiring authentic instruments and suits from Mexico. Their first show in Thunder Bay was a success, and they’ve been busy ever since.
Rooted in tradition, reaching across borders
Though mariachi music is often associated with Mexico, its appeal stretches far beyond. Chinchilla, originally from Costa Rica, and Aragon, from Venezuela, each grew up with mariachi as a beloved part of their cultural experience.
“Mariachi is one of those things that’s a staple of a culture, pretty much like hockey is for Canadians,” said Carrasco. “Recently it was also recognized as a World Heritage by the UNESCO.”
Aragon added, “The city that I’m from, which is a city no bigger than Winnipeg, we had about 10 different mariachis just in that city… I grew up listening to Juan Gabriel, Rocío Dúrcal, Vicente Fernández. So it’s just part of our culture as well.”
From Latin America to the Prairies: The immigrant experience
Coming to Canada has been a meaningful journey for both musicians. Aragon moved through Miami and Boca Raton before landing in Winnipeg with his Canadian wife.
Carrasco came to Canada to study at Brandon University. “Like any immigrant, you have to work really hard at the beginning,” he said. “But we are here and we’re celebrating in Canada. And so it’s for sure the nicest reward.”
Singing O Canada in three languages
This year, the group decided to record a trilingual version of O Canada as a tribute to their new home. The video, released June 26, was filmed at the Manitoba Legislative Building fountain, between the Louis Riel statue and the legislature.
“There is a lot of feelings that come to your heart and your mind when you’re in there,” said Carrasco. “Many of the reasons why we’re here… there is nothing like Canada when it comes to living in peace and living in harmony with everybody else, respecting each other’s culture.”
The band created their own arrangement, as no mariachi version of the anthem could be found. “Two of them are the official language of Canada, and the Spanish was very fitting since mariachi music is mostly in Spanish,” said Aragon.
A reflection of Canada’s values
Carrasco noted that the band’s version of O Canada is also a response to recent global tensions and ongoing debates about multiculturalism.
“We also know that our values—and I say when I say ‘our,’ I mean Canadian values—which one of them is multiculturalism and welcoming other people, has been challenged recently,” he said. “So we also were mindful of that when singing this. It reinforces the idea that we’re welcome here… and that we can keep on practicing our culture.”
Building something for the future
Mariachi Rio Rojo is more than a novelty—they aim to be ambassadors of Mexican musical tradition in Canada.
“We’d love to keep developing the band towards the highest standards of mariachi,” said Chinchilla. “We talk about going to this International Festival of Mariachi Champions in Mexico… representing Winnipeg would be a dream come true.”
And Aragon is personally marking this Canada Day with extra pride: “I already applied for my Canadian citizenship,” he said. “So I feel very, very Canadian at this moment. This day is very special.”
Multicultural mariachi lineup
True to its Canadian roots, the band itself is a cultural mosaic. Trumpeters Matthew Walden and Andrew Littleford, guitarist Victor Bustamante, guitarrón player Emiliano Flores (from El Salvador), and violinists Claire Tang and Lehins Aragon round out the ensemble alongside Chinchilla.
“It is in itself a very multicultural mariachi,” said Carrasco.
A free show—and a celebration for all
Carrasco summed up the band’s mission with characteristic warmth: “We’re getting really busy with lots of calls, especially in the summer. But this one day, it’s free and you can go and enjoy a full mariachi band at the stadium or at the Lyric Theatre. And then maybe you like it, and then you give us a call.”
Catch Mariachi Rio Rojo on Canada Day:
-
1:00 p.m. – Princess Auto Stadium tailgate stage
-
4:00 p.m. – Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park