Los Angeles, a cultural powerhouse, has long been a hub for artistic expression. From the iconic Hollywood sign to the vibrant murals in Boyle Heights, the city’s arts scene is as diverse as its population. However, in recent weeks, the arts have taken on a more urgent, political tone as local mariachi musicians and ballet folklórico dancers have transformed their performances into acts of resistance.
The latest wave of protests in Los Angeles began after the federal government deployed National Guard troops to the city in an effort to curb immigration raids. While the U.S. government has touted the raids as a necessary measure to maintain border security, local communities—particularly Latino populations—have decried these actions as unjust, harmful, and part of a broader political agenda aimed at eroding civil liberties.
In response, the arts community in Los Angeles has mobilized, using the power of music and dance to resist the political climate. Mariachi musicians, who have traditionally been viewed as a symbol of Mexican heritage and pride, have performed at protests, civic events, and even in informal gatherings. For them, their music serves as a reminder of their cultural roots and as a tool to unite people in defiance of what they see as government overreach.
Mariachi musicians have become some of the most vocal opponents to the policies put forth by the federal government. They are joined by ballet folklórico dancers, who have also made their presence known in protests, bringing both a cultural and a political message. These traditional Mexican dance performances, with their colorful costumes and intricate footwork, have long been a source of pride for the Latino community. In recent months, however, they’ve become more than just an artistic expression—they are a form of protest.
The “No Kings” protests, which started as demonstrations against the immigration raids, have expanded to encompass broader issues such as police brutality, economic inequality, and racial injustice. The cultural performances now serve as a unifying force among a diverse group of protesters. They help amplify the message of the protests—resistance against perceived authoritarianism and the defense of human dignity. These performances, often held in spaces like City Hall steps, public parks, and other accessible spaces, provide the protesters a chance to pause and re-energize while remaining engaged in the political fight.
The impact of these performances on the public’s perception of the protests has been profound. The rich cultural heritage represented by mariachi music and ballet folklórico has caught the attention of both local and international media, shining a light on the political unrest in the city. As images of passionate performances in front of governmental buildings spread across news outlets and social media platforms, they have elicited both praise and criticism. Many see the artists as heroes, channeling their heritage into something politically powerful, while others criticize the protests as disruptive.
One of the most visible figures in this movement is Maricela Martínez, a renowned mariachi musician. Martínez, who grew up in a family of mariachi performers, has long believed that her music holds power beyond entertainment. In a recent interview, she noted that mariachi music is deeply connected to Mexican identity, and it has a long history of being used as a tool for resistance. “Mariachi has always been the music of the people,” she said. “It’s the music of our ancestors who fought to survive, and it’s the music we use to fight today.”
Martínez has performed at several protests, often taking the stage in front of large crowds with her mariachi band. Her renditions of traditional songs like “La Negra Tomasa” have brought thousands of protestors together. Each note, each lyric carries with it the weight of history—a history of survival, resistance, and pride. Songs like these become more than just entertainment; they become battle cries.
Similarly, ballet folklórico performers like Coral Alonso have taken to the streets, dancing at protests to further amplify the voices of the marginalized. Alonso, who has been a ballerina for over a decade, views dance as a form of storytelling. For her, ballet folklórico is a way of honoring her Mexican heritage while simultaneously speaking out against government policies she sees as oppressive.
“We are not just performing for fun,” Alonso said. “Every movement we make, every step, is a call to action. We want our voices heard. Our culture is our resistance.”
Alonso’s group, which has performed at various protests around Los Angeles, uses the colorful costumes and energetic movements of ballet folklórico to evoke a sense of pride in their cultural heritage while making a political statement. The cultural significance of their dance is undeniable, but it is the political message that strikes a chord with many of the protesters.
While the performance of mariachi music and ballet folklórico is celebrated by many, it also faces resistance. Critics argue that protests should focus solely on the political and social issues at hand, rather than incorporating cultural performances that could detract from the seriousness of the cause. Some have accused the performers of distracting from the message of the protest, suggesting that the arts shouldn’t be used to “soften” or “beautify” what is fundamentally a political movement. However, for the artists involved, their performances are an essential part of the message.
As the protests continue to evolve, the arts community in Los Angeles remains a vital part of the resistance, using mariachi music and ballet folklórico to call attention to the issues at hand. Through the power of culture, they are demonstrating the strength of their resolve and their commitment to defending the rights of all people. These cultural performances transcend entertainment—they have become a symbol of political resistance, unity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
