MND Local: Gorillaz, mariachi festival, immersive dining and more in Guadalajara

This week, we share details on the 33rd annual International Mariachi and Charrería Encounter, the Gorillaz’s upcoming concert in Zapopan, and an immersive dinner inspired by the indie French film “Amélie.” But first, let’s meet the new U.S. consul general in Guadalajara. 

Elizabeth Hoffman Franolich begins new role as US consul general in Guadalajara

Earlier this month, Elizabeth Hoffman Franolich became the new consul general of the United States in Guadalajara. She replaces Amy Scanlon, who finished her term last July.

A career foreign service officer with more than two decades of diplomatic experience, Hoffman Franolich is well-versed in Latin American affairs, with previous postings in El Salvador, Venezuela and Colombia.

Prior to her current post, Hoffman Franolich was director of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador. 

A fluent Spanish speaker, the new consul general arrives in Guadalajara with prior diplomatic experience in Mexico as well, having served as trade and investment counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.

Originally from Ohio, Hoffman Franolich holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Science in Geography from SUNY at Albany.

With reporting from the University of Guadalajara and El Informador.

The 33rd annual International Mariachi and Charrería Encounter is underway

Guadalajara is currently filled with the sound of trumpets, vihuelas and guitarrrones, courtesy of the 33rd edition of the International Mariachi and Charrería Encounter, which runs through Sept. 6.

Over the 11-day event, there will be live concerts, charro contests (Mexican rodeo) and free activities for the whole family, with 95% of the events free and accessible to all.

Mariachi, declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is the soul of this gathering. Year after year it brings together diverse audiences spanning generations. 

Performances feature some of Mexico’s most iconic groups and musical collaborators from more than 20 countries, including Croatia, Italy, France, Greece, Canada, Colombia and Australia.

Some of the highlights include:

• Mariachi Galas at the Degollado Theater: The best mariachis in the world will join the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra for several unforgettable themed nights on Sept. 2, 3, and 5 at 8 p.m.
• A concert with Natalia Jiménez at Telmex Auditorium: Natalia Jiménez is set to perform with the Mariachi Internacional CHG and the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra on Sept. 4.
• A closing concert in the Children’s Park in Zapopan: A closing concert featuring a performance by Jalisco’s own Azucena on Sept. 6.

To see the full program, check out this page. Tickets are available at the venue box offices or through Ticketmaster Mexico.

With reporting from Telediario.

Gorillaz to perform at new GNP Seguros Coliseum in December

The legendary British band Gorillaz will bring “The Mountain Tour” to Guadalajara this December. The show is scheduled for the newly revamped GNP Seguros Coliseum on the UAG campus in Zapopan on Dec. 9. 

For the uninitiated, Gorillaz’s music spans trip-hop, hip-hop and lo-fi indie rock that really gets a crowd moving. The band burst onto the indie scene more than 25 years ago with their irresistible single “Clint Eastwood,” which blended the hip-hop vocals of Del the Funky Homosapien over electronic music with a heavy bassline. 

Gorillaz came into being as British frontman Damon Albarn’s previous indie band, Blur, was dissolving in the late 1990s.

“The Mountain,” the band’s ninth studio LP, is the product of Albarn’s dig through years of Gorillaz recordings, in search of unused material from former collaborators who have now passed. Albarn was able to get approval for all the artists he wished to include on the album — except for one notoriously difficult cat, Lou Reed. 

In all, more than two dozen performers, living and dead, appear on “The Mountain,” which took inspiration from Albarn’s visit to India following the death of his father. Live shows on this tour have included a wide cast of characters, including Little Simz, Mos Def and The Smiths’ Johnny Marr. 

• When: Dec. 9, 2026
• Where: Coliseo GNP Seguros, Zapopan, on the UAG campus.
• Tickets: Tickets starting from 2,827 pesos are available at Ticketmaster Mexico.

A culinary adventure inspired by the classic French indie film ‘Amélie’

The creative team at Efímero Lab in Colonia Americana is back at it, preparing the latest installment of its “The Taste of Movies” series. This time, the lab is hosting an immersive dinner to celebrate the beloved French film “Amélie,” directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring the adorable Audrey Tautou. 

The film tells the story of a Parisian waitress who plays small pranks that improve others’ lives while searching for a romance of her own.

Diners can expect a three-course meal with cocktail pairings that deliver a sensory experience inspired by the film’s characters, plot and unique sensibility. 

Created by a collective of architects, artists, designers and mixologists, Efímero Lab is a cozy and sophisticated lounge exploring craft cocktails, gastronomy and immersive experiences. 

• When: The Amélie immersive dinner is on Sept. 5. The “Taste of Movies” series is a recurring event at Efímero Lab.
• Where: Juan Manuel 1575, Colonia Americana, 44600 Guadalajara.
• Tickets: Tickets for the dinner are 1,600 pesos per person. To reserve your spot, contact Efímero Lab on Instagram. Seats are limited.