The most important celebration of the year for Mexicans is upon us. The evening of September 15, the evening of Scream will bring together families and friends in Mexico and abroad to celebrate the 259th anniversary of Mexican Independence.
Traditions, gastronomy and music will not be missing in this important celebration that culminates the next day. Pozole, tacos, enchiladas and chiles en nogada are just some of the typical dishes to try, accompanied by tequila or mezcal. The icing on the cake: the music, a fundamental part of Mexican culture with mariachi, Sinaloan band and norteño music as its backbone.
The celebration of Independence Day always starts 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 show off all that Mexican pride, there are classics like 'El Mechón', 'La Boda del Huitlacoche', 'La Chona' and an inevitable choreography to the beat of 'No Rompas Más'.
Huapangos, norteñas and even country are in the repertoire, from legends like Vicente Fernández, Jenni Rivera, Joan Sebastian and Juan Gabriel, who left great songs for posterity.
To end a Mexican night, nothing better than to do it with the rhythm of the accordion and the rhythmic sounds of norteñas, with titles such as “Tragos Amargos” by Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte, “Fuerte No Soy” by Intocable and of course, the “Jefe de Jefes” of Los Tigres del Norte.
Billboard Español has prepared a list of 20 songs not to be missed on a very Mexican night.
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Luis Miguel, “México en la Piel”
The song describes iconic places in Mexico, paying tribute to the country's cultural and natural wealth with Luis Miguel's performance accompanied by mariachi.
Listen to it here.
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José Alfredo Jiménez, “El Rey”
“El Rey” is probably the most famous ranchera song in the world. Culture and folklore come together in verses that express that material wealth is not necessary for happiness.
Listen to it here.
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Lola Beltrán, “Cucurrucucú Paloma”
“Cucurrucucú Paloma” is a song performed by Lola Beltrán, a leading figure in ranchera music. It is considered an anthem to frustration that every Mexican has sung more than once.
Listen to it here.
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Valentín Elizalde, “El Sinaloense”
It doesn't matter if you were born in Sinaloa or in any other state of the country. Singing and dancing to this song makes you feel very Mexican. It is essential in concerts of banda sinaloense groups, but also of many soloists.
Listen to it here.
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Miguel Aceves Mejía, “El Pastor”
“El Pastor” by Miguel Aceves Mejía is a song that only a great voice can perform because of the difficulty of his falsetto. It depicts 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.
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Banda MS, “El Mechón”
The most danceable song that is essential in Banda MS concerts is also the one that cannot be missing from a Mexican party. Repeated in its lyrics – “Mamá, el mechón, préndeme el mechón” – its cheerful rhythms make it a staple at any Mexican celebration.
Listen to it here.
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Carín León, “La Boda del Huitlacoche”
Carín León's rhythm and voice brought a new twist to this song that dates back to the 1950s and is about the wedding between two birds. Released only in 2022, this version has become a party essential.
Listen to it here.
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Banda El Recodo, “Vámonos de Fiesta”
The incomparable sound of Banda El Recodo and the joy of the lyrics cause dancing and happiness from the very first moment. You don't need to have a partner by your side. your body just wants to move.
Listen to it here.
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Los Tucanes de Tijuana, “La Chona”
The song, which has traveled the world with its creators – including a more recent viral TikTok moment – is a catchy and danceable Norteño track that has become a part of Mexican celebrations since its release in 1995.
Listen to it here.
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Caballo Dorado, “No Rompas Más”
Every self-respecting Mexican will sing and dance to the choreography of this song, which will never be missing at a party. It's the Spanish version of Billy Ray Cyrus' classic “Achy Breaky Heart” by this group from Chihuahua with country music roots.
Listen to it here.
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Jenni Rivera, “No Llega el Olvido”
Trying to leave a love behind hurts more when you hear Jenni Rivera's (aka La Diva de la Banda) cover of this song, released in 2009. It has remained timeless in local Mexican music.
Listen to it here.
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Juan Gabriel, “Se Me Olvidó Otra Vez”
Juan Gabriel songs are a staple at any Mexican party and it's hard to pick just one. However, if heartbreak is involved, this is the right song to deepen the wounds of the heart.
Listen to it here.
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Joan Sebastian, “Tattoos”
Love, disappointment and pain find one of their greatest exponents in Joan Sebastián and “Tatuajes” is a clear example, with its unique style and crushing lyrics – “tatuajes de tus besos llevo en todo mi cuerpo” (tattoos of your kisses all over my body), the most romantic way to say you're into me — and the mariachi accompaniment as the cherry on top.
Listen to it here.
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Vicente Fernández, “Volver, Volver”
It is impossible not to hear Vicente Fernández at any Mexican party. The most impressive male voice in ranchera music gives all the emotion to this classic about the sorrow of a lost love, in which one is willing to beg for another chance.
Listen to it here.
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Bronco, “Nunca Voy a Olvidarte”
One of the greatest hits of the Monterrey group, it is also one of the songs that every Mexican knows and sings. The title says it all (“I'll never forget you”), and the rhythmic beat makes it even more emotional.
Listen to it here.
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Chalino Sánchez, “Nieves de Enero”
Iconic singer Sinaloa's song is another classic at all Mexican parties. His unexplained and untimely death in 1992 made him a legend of sadness in the local Mexican genre.
Listen to it here.
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Palomo, “No Me Conoces Aún”
This Monterey band's biggest hit is also one that has remained a standard since its release in 2001. The song is a suggestion to move from a fleeting relationship to a deeper one. Listen to it here.
Listen to it here.
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Ramón Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte, “Tragos Amargos”
A classic song from one of Norteño music's biggest players, which almost 45 years after its release remains a staple for a drinking night out. The title refers to the bitter taste of drinks when you suffer from heartache.
Listen to it here.
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Intocable, “Fuerte No Soy”
This Tejano norteño song has become a hymn to desolation. Accompanied by mezcal or tequila, it is sung and felt with triple intensity. No wonder it's one of the group's biggest hits.
Listen to it here.
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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 genre's most internationally recognized band.
Listen to it here.
Billboard Latin Music Week returns to Miami Beach from October 14-18, featuring artists such as Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Sanz and Peso Pluma and more. For details and tickets, visit billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/lists/mexican-independence-day-2024-playlist-top-songs/
