By The Capistrano Dispatch
Mission San Juan Capistrano will host the eighth annual Battle of the Mariachis Festival on Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the scenic Central Courtyard. There will be live musical entertainment and great food as Mariachi performers compete for cash prizes before a panel of judges.
The activities will get started after a historic ringing of the Mission bells at 10:30 a.m.
After listening to the first Mariachi groups in the morning time slots make sure to jump over to the soldiers’ barracks at 12:15 p.m. to see the Bilingual Marionette Show, presented by Franklin Haynes Marionettes.
Vocalist Genesis Codina will serenade the crowd with her singing talents at 12:35 p.m. Codina will be followed by the Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano.
All the Mariachi groups will come together at the Central Courtyard Stage at 3:45 p.m. to do a rendition of La Negra.
The performing of La Negra will set up the final awards ceremony to take place at 3:50 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 60 and older and $5 for children ages 4 to 11. Admission is free for Mission Preservation Society Members as well as for current volunteers with identification. Children under 3 are admitted free as well.
Reserved tables are available upon request and cost $300 for a party of 10. If you would like to reserve a table please call 949.234.1321 or email crobinson@missionsjc.com.