Two mariachi bands from Houston-area high schools ended up at the same Whataburger after a day of competition, leading to a viral moment. Sam Houston High School and Klein Collins High School, both of which participated in a UIL competition earlier that day, arrived at Whataburger when their initial restaurant plans fell through. What followed was an impromptu performance that captured attention.
These hungry students didn't just quietly eat their meals, they decided to serenade the surprised patrons and staff. The performance, featuring the riveting tune "El Son de la Negra," the moment quickly became an energetic, foot-tapping event, as shown in a viral video that has since garnered over 2 million views. According to KHOU, "It felt like we were family," said Carlos Lara, the Director of Klein Collins High School Mariachi. Indeed, nothing says Texas like a good burger and an impromptu mariachi concert to spice things up.
This unexpected musical encounter was not the only highlight for the student musicians that day. HISD's Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center's Mariachi Bicentenario received top honors at the regional competition, with their celebratory reactions captured on video. As the state competition approaches in February, this viral moment is bringing both bands increased attention and, they hope, the support needed for their continued musical endeavors. Student Isak Matoeich from Sam Houston High School told KHOU, "I thought it was beautiful for people interpreted the way they did."
Following the Whataburger performance, the students quickly found themselves TikTok famous. "The faces we get when we get off as a large group. It’s the whole school," Daisy Zambrano, Mariachi Director at Sam Houston High School, shared in a statement obtained by KHOU.
On TikTok, the video didn’t just slowly gain views—it quickly went viral, capturing the attention of users worldwide and amassing millions of views and tens of thousands of interactions. In an interview with the Houston Landing, Giselle Zambrano, 17, who plays vihuela, described it as a remarkable scene.
What started as individual victories for these two schools has now united them in a memorable moment and a viral story that goes beyond music and competition, reflecting a diverse and interconnected community.
