Mariachi Band Fronts US Postal Service Stamps For The First Time

Latin music is being represented by the US Postal Service (USPS) for the first time with a collection of stamps featuring a mariachi band.  

The artist, Rafael López, was commissioned by the postal company to create an image for its stamps. However, in a statement to NPR, he said he knew one illustration just wasn’t enough, so he created a series of five stamps instead—each featuring one member of a traditional mariachi band.

The stamps incorporate a vibrant mix of culture and Latin American heritage in the style of López’s art. Each background portrays a traditional Mexican town, while the main focus is on the members of the band as they play their instruments.  

The creative process took about two years, and models and instruments used as inspiration came directly from an approved list from the USPS.

Visit us TOMORROW between 11am-4pm for Music & Stamps Family Day with Guest Artist Rafael Lopez! We are proud to welcome special guest Rafael Lopez @rafaellopezart, the artist behind @USPS’ brand new Mariachi stamps, as well as the mariachi band Cañas Y Su Mariachi Norteño! 🎶 pic.twitter.com/9akhEiOyMh

— Postal Museum (@PostalMuseum) August 6, 2022

However, when one of the models became unavailable, López improvised and used his nephew instead.

The new set of stamps was celebrated at the National Post Museum, where López and a variety of other musicians and artists from the community were present to commemorate the momentous occasion.

[via NPR and iHeart, cover image via PR Newswire]