✞ Carla Valeria “Patita” Diaz ✞
September 18, 1975 – October 7, 2021

We extend our most sincere condolences to Barbara & Pato Diaz and to the extended Perez-Diaz Family on the passing of our beloved Carla “Patita” Diaz.

Carla Diaz wore many hats during her brief time with us.  She shone brightly on many stages worldwide as a vocalist and violinist with Mariachi Santa Cecilia, Mariachi Mujer 2000 and Mariachi Azteca de Pato Diaz; and as a dancer with Los Mestizos & Los Lupenos. Performance highlights included: the Olympics in Beijing 2008, Mariachi USA at the Hollywood Bowl , Mariachi Spectacular in Albuquerque, NM, and the Radio Bilingue Mariachi Festival in Fresno with Mariachi Mujer 2000; and the International Mariachi Festival in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico with Mariachi Santa Cecilia and the San Jose & Las Cruces International Mariachi Festivals with Mariachi Azteca de Pato Diaz.

In addition to being an exceptional artist; she was graced with the ability to teach and share her knowledge with children. Her legacy will continue in the lives of the many students she touched during her career as an instructor. Among her many teaching assignments: the PeeWee dance class for Los Lupenos; the PeeWee Mariachi Program for the Mexican Heritage Corporation and First5 of Santa Clara County;  MHC’s Mariachi Education Program at school sites throughout the Bay Area; the Folklorico Fun class for Danzantes Unidos throughout the State of California and as a Violin Instructor for the San Jose International Mariachi Festival.  

She had a genuine connection with each of her charges and instilled in them a life-long passion for Mariachi music.  She will be missed. 

RIP, Querida Carlita.