How Mariachi Found a Home in China & Earned Mexico’s Recognition, Plus More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music

From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music.

Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.

Mariachi Dragón’s Emilio Conde Receives Mexico’s Distinguished Mexican Award After Building a Mariachi Bridge Across Continents For over a decade, Mariachi Dragón has carried the sound and spirit of Mexico across China — and now Mexico is recognizing the cultural impact of that work.

Founded in Guangzhou in 2014 by Mexican singer-songwriter Emilio Conde, the group is described as the “only authentic mariachi ensemble in China.” As part of Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations, Conde received the national “Distinguished Mexican” award from the Institute for Mexicans Abroad on Wednesday (Sept.

16).

“Our mission has always been to build a bridge between Mexican culture and Chinese audiences through our music,” Conde said in a statement.

“We carry with us the energy, tradition, joy, passion, professionalism and unique pride that come with representing Mexican music abroad.” Mariachi Dragón also includes Rafael Castillo Legarreta (vihuela), Daniel Eduardo Romo (guitarrón), Haobang “Esteban” Tang and Tienan “Gino” Jin (violin); and Jingyu “Toufu” Wang and Huimin “Hailey” (trumpets).

Since debuting at a Mexican National Day celebration organized by the Consulate General of Mexico in Guangzhou, Mariachi Dragón has performed at venues including Xinghai Concert Hall and Zhuhai Opera House, as well as cultural festivals, diplomatic events and international business gatherings.

The group has also been featured in the Ugly Little Monkeys (2026) documentary, starring Linda Ronstadt, and in a VisitMexico.com campaign in Beijing.

Mariachi Dragón’s Emilio Conde receives Mexico’s “Distinguished Mexican” honor in China on Sept.

16, 2026.

Credit: Courtesy of the artist Fuerza Regida Receives the Key to San Bernardino San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran presented the ceremonial keys of San Bernardino to Fuerza Regida during a special hometown celebration on Thursday (Sept.

17) at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts, in front of a gathering of over 1,500 local school district students.

During the ceremony, frontman Jesús Ortiz Paz and the group also surprised the audience by announcing plans to help fund and create a new youth-focused community center in San Bernardino for the arts, athletics, and music.