Council honors Mariachi Connection on 30th anniversary for preserving cultural traditions

The council honored Mariachi Connection’s 30th anniversary at the Oct. 1 meeting, recognizing founder Josie Benavides for building a sustained music and cultural education resource. Speakers described the organization’s origins—selling instrument parts from the back of a car—and its growth into a national supplier and local community anchor.

Josie Benavides and council members praised the organization’s role in preserving Mexican-American cultural traditions and supporting students with access to instruments, costumes and scholarships. Council members noted the organization’s impact on West Commerce and the west side of San Antonio and thanked volunteers and partners for three decades of service.