Mariachi Imperial is a traditional mariachi ensemble based in Bakersfield, California. The group is led by Benjamín Cuéllar and has operated for multiple decades in the Central Valley. Known for its disciplined musicianship and adherence to traditional repertoire, Mariachi Imperial maintains a broad selection of classic rancheras, traditional sones, and romantic boleros. The ensemble originated from earlier family-based mariachi groups in Mexico and gradually developed into a performance group in the Central Valley as the Cuéllar brothers migrated to the United States. Its other members are drawn from the local community and include musicians with backgrounds in both traditional and classical training.

According to family oral history, the Cuéllar family traces its roots to El Ranchito, a rural community in Jalisco, Mexico, bordering the state of Nayarit. One of the earliest known family ensembles from this region was led by a relative on the maternal side and included harp, guitar, and six violins—played entirely by women. This group is part of the family's earliest musical memory and represents a deep generational connection to mariachi tradition. That legacy of familial, community-based music-making informs Mariachi Imperial’s current structure and values.

Mariachi Imperial has performed throughout Kern County and the surrounding areas, including appearances with established vocalists and at community festivals, private events, and religious observances. The group has incorporated traditional instrumentation including violins, trumpets, guitarrón, vihuela, and guitar. Performance practice is based largely on oral transmission, memorization, and improvisation, with emphasis placed on emotional interpretation and responsiveness to audience engagement. They are most known for regular performances at their long-standing planta, Las Islitas, in Bakersfield, California.

The ensemble is particularly noted for its preservation of older mariachi styles and arrangements, many of which are no longer in circulation among contemporary groups. Members are expected to maintain a broad repertoire and demonstrate versatility in performance contexts. This story documents Mariachi Imperial as described by Jaime Cuéllar and Carmen Díaz, contributing to a broader understanding of mariachi tradition, family continuity, and cultural preservation in Bakersfield and the greater Central Valley.