Mariachi Viva Xalisco and special guest Sheila Rios arrived from Springfield’s Sister City, Tlaquepaque, Mexico last evening. They were welcomed at a friendly hometown reception where they met their volunteer host families who will give them a taste of family and community life in Springfield.

The mariachis didn’t waste much time eating dinner, before they unpacked their musical instruments and began to perform for the party.

While in Springfield, the group will perform at many area elementary schools, at Drury University, and for the big event of Arts Fiesta!, a Cinco De Mayo Celebration of Mexican art, culture, and music. Arts Fiesta! is this Friday night, May 4th in Founder’s Park from 6-9 p.m.

The mariachis will also perform in a marching parade through down Walnut Street at ArtsFest on Saturday, May 5 at 11:30 a.m., proceeding the Artsfest Showwagon Stage for an 30-minute performance starting at 12:30 p.m.