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.
“Honored to receive the keys to the city from Mayor Tran and officially announce our new youth center initiative, created to give the next generation access to music, sports, and other opportunities. 🦾🖤 San Bernardino raised us. This is for the next generation,” wrote the group on Instagram.
Thalia and Arthur Hanlon Reimagine Juan Gabriel’s “Así Fue”
A beloved Juan Gabriel classic received a new cross-cultural treatment this week. Thalia and pianist Arthur Hanlon released their interpretation of “Así Fue” on Friday (Sept. 18), blending bachata, piano and live mariachi in an Amazon Music exclusive.
The collaboration was celebrated two days earlier, on Wednesday (Sept. 16), with a performance on Despierta América from Times Square, coinciding with Mexican Independence Day and the 10th anniversary of Juan Gabriel’s death. Hanlon reimagined the song with a bachata rhythm, while Thalia brought her powerful pop vocals and a distinctly Mexican touch to the arrangement. The release was also promoted with a Times Square billboard that ran from Sept. 11-17.
Ha*Ash Lights Up the Empire State Building for Mexican Independence
New York’s skyline took on the colors of Mexico on Tuesday (Sept. 15), when Mexican American duo Ha*Ash joined the Consulate General of Mexico in New York for a lighting ceremony at the Empire State Building. The landmark was illuminated in green, white and red to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day and honor the country’s culture, identity and traditions.
“Congratulations on 200 years of dedication and service to our community, for being a guide, refuge, and support for so many Mexicans far from home,” the duo wrote on Instagram. “It was an immense honor to celebrate our independence by lighting the flag’s colors on the Empire State Building, a symbol that beats today with green, white, and red. We celebrated together, with pride and emotion.”
Clave Especial Honored With CHIRLA’s Artist in Action Award
At CHIRLA’s 40th Anniversary Immigrant Champion Awards on Thursday (Sept. 17), Clave Especial received the Artist in Action Award at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The Salinas, Calif.-born group was honored alongside Fuerza Regida, Chiquis and NEZZA for its connection to Mexican American communities and the agricultural roots that shaped its story.
The recognition arrives as Clave Especial continues its rapid rise. The group is a finalist in four categories at the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, has more than 12.6 million monthly Spotify listeners and has surpassed 3.2 billion global streams. Its album MIJA NO TE ASUSTES is also RIAA-certified Platinum.
Clave Especial is honored with CHIRLA’s Artist in Action Award on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. Credit: Adrian Ruiz
NPR’s El Tiny Returns for Hispanic Heritage Month With Mon Laferte, Los Mirlos & More
NPR kicked off its annual El Tiny celebration on Tuesday (Sept. 15), launching a monthlong series of Tiny Desk performances honoring Latin American and Latino artists. Running through Oct. 15, the 2026 lineup includes Los Tigres del Norte, Mon Laferte, Draco Rosa, Yendry, Los Mirlos, Alex Ferreira and Panteón Rococó. “Latin music is the world’s music and is something worth celebrating,” said Felix Contreras, co-host of Alt.Latino and co-producer of El Tiny. Watch Mon Laferte’s Tiny Desk performance — who sang “Femme Fatale,” “Hello Monserrat,” “Vida Normal” and more — below.
