SAN ANTONIO – More than a decade after first capturing national attention, mariachi singer Sebastian De La Cruz returned to where it all began — at midcourt singing for Spurs fans.
De La Cruz, also known as “El Charro del Oro,” returned to perform the national anthem at Game 1 of the San Antonio Spurs’ playoff opener against the Portland Trail Blazers. This performance marked a significant full-circle moment for the artist, a poignant reminder of his breakout appearance during the 2013 NBA Finals when he first gained widespread recognition.
Now 24 years old, De La Cruz reflected on how life has changed since his last performance at a Spurs game in 2019. “I am working. I am also performing and doing music, as well. I’m married. I do have a son, and then, I have a daughter on the way,” he shared, expressing excitement about expanding his family.
The opportunity to return to the Spurs stage came just before this year’s playoffs — a call he had been eagerly anticipating. “To be honest, it’s something that I’ve been wanting to do,” De La Cruz said. The excitement was palpable when he received the email from Spurs Game Operations, which he described as “more exciting than anything.”
Performing once again in front of Spurs fans felt like a homecoming for De La Cruz. “Being able to perform, being in front of the San Antonio Spurs nation again, and just San Antonio in general, it’s like a welcome home for me again,” he stated, highlighting the emotional connection he feels with the community.
De La Cruz’s 2013 performance is still remembered vividly, not just for his talent but also for the racial backlash he faced following it. This time around, however, his return was met with overwhelming support from fans. He seized the moment to make a statement: during his performance, his charro bow tie read “Crazy Hispanic Fans,” a direct response to recent disparaging remarks about Hispanic fans that circulated on social media.
“Unfortunately, we do live in a world where there’s always going to be racism,” De La Cruz remarked. “There’s always going to be some sort of backlash for having ‘cultura.’ Being Mexican American or Hispanic, I think it’s very important to show — and I do that by wearing my traje de mariachi.” His commitment to representing his culture through music remains a significant part of his identity.
Looking ahead, De La Cruz aims to continue his musical journey while staying connected to the community that has supported him since the beginning. He expressed plans to release new music and to further use mariachi as a medium to celebrate both his heritage and his beloved Spurs.
