After more than a decade of carrying Mexican sound across China, Emilio Conde of Mariachi Dragón has finally received official recognition from his home country. On Wednesday (Sept. 16), he was given the national “Distinguished Mexican” award by the Institute for Mexicans Abroad, during Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations.
Mariachi Dragón was founded by Conde in Guangzhou in 2014, and it is described as the “only authentic mariachi ensemble in China.”. His aim has always been straightforward: to use music as a way to connect Mexican culture with Chinese audiences. “We carry with us the energy, tradition, joy, passion, professionalism and unique pride that come with representing Mexican music abroad,” he said in a statement.
At venues such as Xinghai Concert Hall and Zhuhai Opera House, the ensemble performs frequently, alongside cultural festivals, diplomatic events and international business gatherings. The group appeared in the Ugly Little Monkeys (2026) documentary starring Linda Ronstadt and in a VisitMexico.com campaign in Beijing.
The Week’s Other Latin Music Highlights
During a ceremony held at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts, Fuerza Regida was given the Key to San Bernardino by Mayor Helen Tran. At the event, the group also revealed their intention to finance a new community center aimed at young people, with facilities for arts, athletics and music.
On Wednesday (Sept. 16), Thalia and pianist Arthur Hanlon shared their version of Juan Gabriel’s “Así Fue”, a blend of bachata, piano and live mariachi, on Amazon Music. The pair performed the track on Despierta América from Times Square, which marked the 10th anniversary of Juan Gabriel’s death.
Tuesday (Sept. 15) saw the Consulate General of Mexico in New York host a lighting ceremony at the Empire State Building, where Ha*Ash were present to mark Mexico’s Independence Day. The tower was lit up in green, white and red during the event.
On Thursday (Sept. 17), Clave Especial was presented with the Artist in Action Award at CHIRLA’s 40th Anniversary Immigrant Champion Awards.
What Each Recognition Actually Covers
- Mariachi Dragón: The award recognizes Conde’s decade of performances across China, from Xinghai Concert Hall to Zhuhai Opera House, plus appearances in the Ugly Little Monkeys documentary and the VisitMexico.com campaign.
- Fuerza Regida: The key ceremony was a hometown celebration at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts, where they surprised the crowd with plans for a youth center.
- Thalia and Hanlon: Their “Así Fue” blend of bachata, piano and live mariachi marks the 10th anniversary of Juan Gabriel’s death.
- Clave Especial: The Artist in Action Award honors the group’s connection to Mexican American communities and its agricultural roots.
The Artist in Action Award was presented alongside Fuerza Regida, Chiquis and NEZZA, recognizing each group’s ties to Mexican American communities. Clave Especial’s album MIJA NO TE ASUSTES is also RIAA-certified Platinum, and the group has surpassed 3.2 billion global streams with more than 12.6 million monthly Spotify listeners.
These moments honor Mexican heritage in their own ways.
See the video the story is built around at Billboard.
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