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 Soundtrack of a Mexican Celebration
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.”
Classics That Stand the Test of Time
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.
Iconic Anthems
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“México en la Piel” by Luis Miguel: This song describes iconic places in Mexico, paying tribute to the country’s cultural and natural richness with Luis Miguel’s performance accompanied by mariachi.
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“El Rey” by Vicente Fernández: “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.
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“Cucurrucucú Paloma” by Lola Beltrán: “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.
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“El Sinaloense” by Banda El Recodo: 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.
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“El Pastor” by Miguel Aceves Mejía: “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.
Dance Floor Favorites
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“El Mechón” by Banda MS: 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.
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“La Boda del Huitlacoche” by Carín León: 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.
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“La Chona” by Banda El Recodo: 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.
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“No Rompas Más” by Los Tigres del Norte: 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.
Ballads of Love and Loss
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“Tatuajes” by Joan Sebastian: 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.
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“Por Tu Amor” by Vicente Fernández: 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.
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“No Me Olvides” by Los Tucanes de Tijuana: 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.
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“Te Vas” by Jenni Rivera: 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.
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“Amor Eterno” by Juan Gabriel: 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.
Norteño Hits for the Final Hours
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.
Norteño Classics
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“Tragos Amargos” by Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte: 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.
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“Fuerte No Soy” by Intocable: 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.
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“Jefe de Jefes” by Los Tigres del Norte: 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.
Celebrate the Spirit of Mexico
Whether traditional tunes, dance-worthy bangers or lovelorn listens, these tracks are a must for your Fiestas Patrias. So gather your friends and family, put on your best fiesta attire, and let the music carry you away on a journey through the heart of Mexico. ¡Viva México!
