Tenampa, the place where tradition has been lived for more than 90 years
Cocula merchant Juan I. Hernández founded the “Tenampa” Salon in 1925, with the “Mariachi Cocula” of Concepción “Concho” Andrade, and also with the support of the “Mariachi Reyes” of José Reyes.
That year began what would soon become the musical tradition of Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi.
After her husband’s death, the establishment was taken over by Amalia Díaz, a native of Guadalajara, giving rise to one of Tenampa’s finest periods: the 1940s. This decade was known as the “Golden Decade of Mariachi” in Plaza Garibaldi. From that moment on, and continuing to this day, many films have been shot in its festive atmosphere, featuring the participation of great actors from Mexico City’s cinema.
Many composers have also been inspired to present Tenampa with beautiful ranchera songs. Likewise, several poets and writers have lent their imaginations to the place.
Later, in 1976, the venue was expanded to give it its current appearance. Several social, cultural, and musical events have been held inside, such as the one held in October 2005 to celebrate 100 years of mariachi music in Mexico City.
And within this interior, after more than nine decades of existence, we continue to offer each and every one of our visitors the taste of the Jalisco province and the deep-rooted musical heritage of all of Mexico.
José Alfredo Jiménez and Chavela Vargas were beloved guests during the golden age. It is said that the Tenampa inspired them to compose their songs. José Alfredo Jiménez composed the song “Mi Tenampa” as a tribute to the home of hundreds of melodies.
Pedro Infante, the great exponent of vernacular music in Mexico, recorded several films at the Tenampa: The most iconic is the film “Gitana Tenías Que Ser,” in which he sings “Mi Tenampa” while playing a mariachi band from the hall. Mario Moreno “Cantinflas,” a regular at the Tenampa, used the Tenampa as a setting for his film “El Potrero.” Germán Valdez “Tin-Tan” did the same.
Luis Miguel, Oscar de la Renta, Regina Orozco, Laura Leon, Steven Baldwin, Enrique Bunbury, Gloria Trevi, Paulina Rubio, Ricardo Arjona, Joaquin Sabina, Forest Whitaker, Jaime Camil, Omar Chaparro, Maria de Lourdes, Jorge Negrete, Miguel Aceves, Agustin Lara, Pedro Vargas, Enriqueta Jimenez, Amalia Mendoza and Lola Beltran are a sample of all the stars who have enjoyed the essence of Tenampa.
