Mauro Laris is a second-generation mariachi musician originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, now based in Bakersfield, California. He is the founder and director of Mariachi San Marcos, a family-based ensemble rooted in tradition and shaped by generations of musical heritage. The group’s name honors the renowned Feria de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, known for its vibrant mariachi celebrations.

Mauro and his siblings grew up immersed in this tradition, and the ensemble’s identity reflects a commitment to preserving the spirit of that musical culture. Mauro began playing the vihuela at the age of six, taught first by his father and later by a professional instructor in Aguascalientes. Over the years, he expanded his skills to include guitar and violin, eventually leading a full mariachi ensemble composed largely of family members. He traces his mariachi lineage back six or seven generations on his mother’s side, making his work today a continuation of a deep-rooted family legacy.

Since immigrating to the U.S. in 1991, Mauro has worked to uphold a traditional mariachi sound, one that stays close to its roots in instrumentation, style, and attire—even when adapting to new audiences and performance contexts in the Central Valley. He emphasizes respect for the music, the musicians who came before, and the values instilled by his elders. His children are now part of the ensemble, marking a new chapter in the family’s ongoing musical tradition.

Mariachi San Marcos has become known for its traditional sound and intergenerational structure. Recently, Mauro expanded the group’s instrumentation to include a harp, recognizing the unique texture it adds and responding to public interest in traditional forms. For Mauro, this work is about honoring a legacy, nurturing the next generation, and ensuring that mariachi continues as a respected and evolving art form.