San Antonio Mariachi Cancellations: Clients Seek Refunds

Multiple individuals in San Antonio are claiming they were left without mariachi performances for significant life events and have been unable to obtain refunds. The complaints center around a man named Arthur Flores, who operated under the name Mariachi Toritos.

Cancellations for Major Celebrations

Customers say they paid upfront for performances at milestone celebrations, including a wedding, a quinceañera, and an 80th birthday party. These cancellations occurred shortly before the scheduled events, causing significant disappointment.

Wedding Disappointment

Cynthia Montoya stated she hired Flores to perform at her son’s wedding but received notification shortly before the event that he would be unable to attend. “He expressed he was sorry, he had just gotten into an accident, and there was no way he was going to show up,” Montoya said.

Quinceañera and Birthday Cancellations

Melinda Perez booked Mariachi Toritos for her daughter’s quinceañera in 2023, paying $550 in advance. She was later informed by Flores that the group would not be able to perform. Perez successfully won a judgment in small claims court in February 2024, but has yet to receive payment more than two years later.

Myrna Gonzalez Childress paid Flores $500 in October 2025 for her mother’s 80th birthday celebration. He later canceled, citing illness. “You don’t throw an 80th birthday party for a Mexican woman without having mariachis,” Gonzalez Childress said. “It’s like I had failed to throw her the party that she deserved.”

Legal Action and Allegations

Montoya paid $1,200 for her son’s wedding just weeks ago and felt “disheartened” when the group didn’t appear, especially given the cultural significance of mariachi music for her son. She has filed a criminal complaint with the San Antonio Police Department, but no arrests have been made as of yet.

A relative of Montoya contacted a person believed to be a former member of Mariachi Toritos, who claimed the group disbanded approximately two years ago due to concerns regarding Flores’ alleged conduct. Online reviews also reflect similar complaints of last-minute cancellations and warnings to potential customers.