Mariachi Magic Takes Over Downtown Brawley as Thousands Celebrate 70 Years of Cattle Call

-Editorial 

Downtown Brawley came alive with mariachi music, live performances, and crowds of families on Nov. 11, as residents from across Imperial County gathered for the annual Mariachi Night celebration, one of the signature events of Brawley Cattle Call Week.

The event transformed the city’s main downtown streets into a gathering place, with attendees enjoying traditional Mexican music, performances by local singers, and a variety of food vendors offering meals, snacks, and good old beer.

Mariachi Night, which has grown significantly over the past three decades, is part of the community’s annual Cattle Call festivities, which are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year.

Max Reyes, a longtime organizer of Mariachi Night, said the celebration provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together while enjoying music and entertainment.

“For me, the importance of this event is that it brings together not only people from Brawley but from throughout the Imperial Valley and even visitors from outside the valley,” Reyes said. “Every year, more and more people come, and you see families enjoying themselves.”

Reyes said attendance estimates have varied over the years, with some suggesting crowds of at least 7,000 people and others estimating more than 10,000.

He said this year’s celebration included an additional stage to accommodate more performers and provide opportunities for locals to participate. 

Among those participating was young singer Emmie Bonesi, who described performing at Mariachi Night as the fulfillment of a personal goal.

“It’s always been one of my dreams to perform at Mariachi Night,” Bonesi said. “I’m very excited, and I want to show the Imperial Valley what I can do. It’s such an honor to be here.”

Her father, Héctor Bonesi, said watching his daughter participate in an event his family has attended for years was a meaningful experience.

“I feel very proud. It’s something very special for us to see our daughter sing at such an important event in the Imperial Valley,” Bonesi said. “We’ve been coming here for years, always watching the performers onstage, and now it’s her turn to sing. It’s something very beautiful and special.”

Emmie Bonesi also discussed her plans to continue developing her musical career, including the release of an upcoming R&B single titled “Twisted Love,” which she said she wrote herself.

She said another pop song is in development, with the possibility of additional singles or an album in the future.

Another young participant, Arelyn Hernández, expressed her enthusiasm for singing and said several family members accompanied her to the celebration, including her parents, aunts, uncles and a younger cousin.

Hernández was one of the show openers and sang the very popular song of “Te Quedó Grande La Yegua”, a popular regional Mexican song originally made famous by Alicia Villareal.

For longtime host Gerardo Venegas, Mariachi Night represents nearly three decades of involvement in a celebration that has expanded from a small gathering into one of Brawley’s largest community events.

“We started at the kiosk with about 200 people, and little by little it grew and attracted more people,” Venegas said. “Every time I come back, I feel the same excitement as the first time,” he said. “It’s a big celebration with the people.”

Beyond the entertainment, Mariachi Night also provided an opportunity for food vendors and downtown businesses to serve the large crowds attending the festivities.

Visitors moved through the downtown area, purchasing food and refreshments while gathering near the stages to watch musical performances.

Brawley Chamber of Commerce CEO Ramiro Urias said the annual Cattle Call celebration is among the Imperial Valley’s largest locally organized community events, excluding the California Mid-Winter Fair.

Urias said Cattle Call Week attracts thousands of visitors through its combination of entertainment, community activities, rodeo competitions, and the annual parade.

“This is not only the largest event in Brawley, but one of the largest local events in the entire Imperial Valley,” Urias said.

The parade, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, will feature 105 entries along a route approximately 1.5 miles long, according to Urias.

He said the 70th anniversary has generated enthusiasm among organizers, vendors, local businesses and residents.

Urias also emphasized that the economic impact of Cattle Call extends beyond vendors participating directly in the festivities.

He said visitors contribute to the local economy through spending at restaurants, gas stations, hotels and other businesses before, during and after the events.

“Many people think only the vendors at the event benefit, but that’s not the case,” Urias said. “People buy gasoline, visit restaurants and stay at hotels. The entire community benefits, not just the Chamber of Commerce and the vendors.”

He added that hotels often receive reservations months in advance of the rodeo. 

Although Urias said it is difficult to calculate the precise economic impact, he described the festivities as an important source of commercial activity for the city.