At a time when many immigrants in the United States face heightened fears and uncertainty, mariachi musician Alvaro Paulino Jr. is harnessing the power of music to offer reassurance, cultural pride, and a sense of unity among New York’s Mexican community.
As a fifth-generation New Yorker and a second-generation mariachi, Paulino has emerged as a cultural figurehead not only for his commanding performances at venues like Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall but also for his unwavering commitment to community healing and empowerment.
Paulino sees his work going beyond performance, connecting generations, and challenging stereotypes. He says the music is “for people of Mexican heritage who aren’t able to travel to Mexico because of their legal status or other reasons.”
A Legacy of Representation and Resistance
Paulino’s journey into mariachi began with his father, who migrated from Mexico to the United States in the 70s and became a mariachi pioneer on the East Coast. Paulino Sr. helped establish this musical tradition in an environment unfamiliar to Mexican traditions.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Paulino Jr. was often the only Mexican student in his school. Determined to maintain his cultural identity, he showed up to picture days wearing a full mariachi suit, his quiet act of resistance and cultural pride. That early commitment to representation has not evolved into a lifelong dedication to preserving and passing on the traditions of mariachi music.
The Emotional Core of Mariachi
Many people associate mariachi with celebrations and parties, but Paulino points out its more profound significance. The music is rooted in indigenous, African, and European musical styles, which have long served as an emotional outlet for men in traditional Mexican communities who may be discouraged from expressing vulnerability.
Paulino explains, “There’s a real weight to mariachi, and you don’t just wear a suit as a costume—you have to earn it.”
For him, mastering the music’s technical elements and embracing its deep-seated meaning.
Paulino now teaches mariachi at New York University, challenging misconceptions associated with the art form while encouraging a more profound appreciation.
“When I put on a mariachi suit, I want them to respect me just as they would someone wearing a navy suit. It’s not a party outfit; it’s something powerful and connects me to my ancestors,” he adds.
Community Advocacy Through Performance
Paulino’s music is not just performed in concert halls or private events; it has become a medium for activism. In recent years, he has performed at rallies, protests, and community events, offering music as a tool for change.
In neighborhoods like Corona, Queens, which have a large Mexican immigrant population, the atmosphere has grown increasingly tense. Some reports say residents are staying indoors out of fear of immigration enforcement. Paulino’s work has become more than a performance but an act of solidarity.
A New Chapter Within a Historical Tradition
As Alvaro Paulino Jr. continues to educate and advocate in New York, he becomes a cultural advocate for mariachi. His work aims to remind fellow Mexicans that they are not alone, even during difficult times.
The music is a reminder that their voices, sung through century-old songs, still matter today in America. Paulino is preserving a tradition, reaching out, and lending a hand to those who need it most.
