Whether traditional tunes, dance-worthy bangers or lovelorn listens, these tracks are a must for your Fiestas Patrias.
Juan Gabriel performs during his “Volver Tour 2014” on Sept. 28, 2014 in Oakland, Calif. C Flanigan/FilmMagic
The most important celebration of the year for Mexicans is upon us. On the evening of Sept. 15, the night of the Grito will bring together families and friends in Mexico and abroad to celebrate the 259th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence.
Traditions, gastronomy and music won’t be missed in this important celebration that culminates the next day. Pozole, tacos, enchiladas and chiles en nogada are just some of the typical dishes to be tasted, accompanied by tequila or mezcal. The icing on the cake: music, a fundamental part of Mexican culture with mariachi, Sinaloan band and norteño music as its backbone.
The Independence Day celebration invariably begins with classic songs that set the mood, so you can’t miss songs like “México en la Piel,” “El Rey,” “Cucurrucucú Paloma” and “El Pastor” — even “El Sinaloense.” When it’s time to dance and bring out all that Mexican pride, there are classics like “El Mechón,” “La Boda del Huitlacoche,” “La Chona” and an inevitable choreography to the rhythm of “No Rompas Más.”
Huapangos, norteñas and even country are in the repertoire, from legends such as Vicente Fernández, Jenni Rivera, Joan Sebastian and Juan Gabriel, who left great songs for posterity.
To close a Mexican night, nothing better than to do it to the rhythm of the accordion and the cadenced sounds of the norteñas, with titles such as Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte‘s “Tragos Amargos,” Intocable‘s “Fuerte No Soy” and, of course, “Jefe de Jefes” by Los Tigres del Norte.
Billboard Español has prepared a list of 20 songs that can’t be missed on a very Mexican night.
-
Luis Miguel, “México en la Piel”
The song describes iconic places in Mexico, paying tribute to the country’s cultural and natural richness with Luis Miguel’s performance accompanied by mariachi.
Listen to it here.
-
José Alfredo Jiménez, “El Rey”
“El Rey” is perhaps the most well-known ranchera song in the world. Culture and folklore come together in lyrics that express that material wealth is not necessary for happiness.
Listen to it here.
-
Lola Beltrán, “Cucurrucucú Paloma”
“Cucurrucucú Paloma” is a song performed by Lola Beltrán, a leading figure in ranchera music. It’s considered a hymn to heartbreak that every Mexican has sung more than once.
Listen to it here.
-
Valentín Elizalde, “El Sinaloense”
It doesn’t matter if you were born in Sinaloa or any other state of the country; singing and dancing to this song makes you feel very Mexican. It is a must-have at concerts of banda sinaloense ensembles, and many soloists as well.
Listen to it here.
-
Miguel Aceves Mejía, “El Pastor”
“El Pastor” by Miguel Aceves Mejía is a song that only a great voice can interpret due to the difficulty of its falsetto. It portrays the life of a shepherd with his sheep in the countryside, a theme that, accompanied by mariachi, is very folkloric and representative of Mexican culture.
Listen to it here.
-
Banda MS, “El Mechón”
The most danceable song that is a must at Banda MS concerts is also one that can’t be missing at a Mexican party. Repetitive in its lyrics — “Mamá, el mechón, préndeme el mechón” — its cheerful beats make it a fundamental track in any Mexican celebration.
Listen to it here.
-
Carín León, “La Boda del Huitlacoche”
The rhythm and voice of Carín León brought a new twist to this song that dates back to the 1950s and refers to the wedding between two birds. This version, released just in 2022, has become essential at parties.
Listen to it here.
-
Banda El Recodo, “Vámonos de Fiesta”
The unparalleled sound of Banda El Recodo and the joyfulness of the lyrics prompt dancing and happiness from the very first moment. There’s no need to have a partner by your side; your body just wants to move.
Listen to it here.
-
Los Tucanes de Tijuana, “La Chona”
The song, which has traveled the world along with its creators — that includes a more recent viral TikTok moment — is a catchy and danceable Norteño music piece that has become a part of Mexican celebrations since its release in 1995.
Listen to it here.
-
Caballo Dorado, “No Rompas Más”
Any self-respecting Mexican will sing and dance to the choreography of this song, that will never be missing at a party. It is the Spanish version of Billy Ray Cyrus’s classic “Achy Breaky Heart,” made by this group from Chihuahua with country music roots.
Listen to it here.
-
Jenni Rivera, “No Llega el Olvido”
Trying to leave behind a love hurts more when listening to Jenni Rivera’s (a.k.a. La Diva de la Banda) rendition of this song, released in 2009. It has remained timeless in regional Mexican music.
Listen to it here.
-
Juan Gabriel, “Se Me Olvidó Otra Vez”
Juan Gabriel’s songs are a key element in any Mexican party, and it’s hard to choose just one. However, if it’s about heartache, this is the right song to deepen the wounds of the heart.
Listen to it here.
-
Joan Sebastian, “Tatuajes”
Love, disappointment, and pain find one of their greatest interpreters in Joan Sebastián, and “Tatuajes” is a clear example, with his unique style and overwhelming lyrics — “tatuajes de tus besos llevo en todo mi cuerpo” (tattoos of your kisses I carry all over my body), the most romantic way to say you are stuck to me — and the accompaniment of mariachi as the cherry on top.
Listen to it here.
-
Vicente Fernández, “Volver, Volver”
It’s impossible not to hear Vicente Fernández at any Mexican party. The most spectacular male voice in ranchera music puts all the feeling into this classic about regret for a lost love, to whom one is willing to beg for another chance.
Listen to it here.
-
Bronco, “Nunca Voy a Olvidarte”
One of the greatest hits of the Monterrey group, it’s also one of the songs that every Mexican knows and sings. The title says it all (“I will never forget you”), and the rhythmic pace makes it even more sentimental.
Listen to it here.
-
Chalino Sánchez, “Nieves de Enero”
The song by the iconic Sinaloa singer is another classic at any Mexican parties. His unsolved and untimely death in 1992 made him a legend of heartbreak within the regional Mexican genre.
Listen to it here.
-
Palomo, “No Me Conoces Aún”
The biggest hit of this Monterrey band is also the one that has remained as their standard since its release in 2001. The song is a proposal to move from a fleeting relationship to a deeper one. Listen to it here.
Listen to it here.
-
Ramón Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte, “Tragos Amargos”
A classic song by one of the greatest players of Norteño music, which almost 45 years after its release remains a fundamental piece about a night out drinking. The title refers to how bitter drinks taste when suffering from heartache.
Listen to it here.
-
Intocable, “Fuerte No Soy”
This Tejano norteño song has become an anthem to desolation. Accompanied by mezcal or tequila, it’s sung and felt with a triple intensity. It’s no wonder it’s one of the biggest hits of the group.
Listen to it here.
-
Los Tigres del Norte, “Jefe de Jefes”
Every Mexican feels like the boss of bosses, and without exception, every Mexican knows this Norteño anthem, performed by the most internationally renowned group in the genre.
Listen to it here.
Billboard Latin Music Week returns to Miami Beach from October 14th to 18th, featuring artists like Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Sanz, and Peso Pluma, and more. For details and tickets, visit billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
