You know how they say there are some images you can literally hear. Let’s try this one out if you’re Mexican or wish to blend. It’s a Saturday afternoon, you’re having a beer in the backyard, hanging out with your primos, while your tíos and tías are by the grill making the carne asada. There’s probably one particular song that reminds you exactly of that particular scene. What song is it?
I think we can all agree that some songs are so iconic that they’ve managed to win over generation after generation, becoming family anthems for basically every kind of situation, especially the family reunions, which are a BIG deal in Mexico and most Latin American countries.
I, for instance, can’t remember a month going by in my life without my entire (and quite large) family getting together for whatever random reason. Most of the time, it’s just for tradition’s sake and the pleasure of being together.
As a good Mexican household, a family reunion isn’t just about eating together and hanging out a little bit: it’s a real fiesta that involves great food, refreshing drinks, and, of course, amazing music to dance and sing our heart out.
My family’s playlist isn’t as unique as we’d like to think. In fact, I think you could find it at basically any Mexican family reunion. To be more precise, these are songs you’ll probably hear at each phase of these gatherings, so grab your headphones and get ready to relive those amazing parties.
“Mi razón de ser” – Banda MS
The carne asada is on the grill, and there’s no better seasoning than a good banda song to get everyone in the party mood.
“El Noa Noa” – Juan Gabriel
Everybody is talking and catching up when you hear this classic banger your tía always loves to play.
“Salomé” – Chayanne
And since she’s taken control of the music, she won’t let go of the opportunity to listen to her all-time crush and his danceable hits.
“Como la flor” – Selena
Oh, but just when the party is starting to get lit, your cousin, who was the biggest Selena fan in her childhood, feels the need to sing this anthem and remind everybody why Selena was the best artist of the world. And of course, you’ve had a couple of beers by now and emotions start to get you.
“Corazón partío” – Alejandro Sanz
As if this weren’t enough, your eldest cousin, who happens to be your mom’s age, sees this as the right opportunity to play this song everybody knows but no one really wants to listen to.
“Basta ya” – Jenni Rivera
And of course, they’ve already opened a dark door, and now everybody wants to take part in what seems to be a gathering for the heartbroken. You know you’ve got to do something about it before it’s too late.
“Amor de mis amores” – Margarita
And what’s the best way to get the party going again? You’re right, a classic cumbia by the Goddess herself to make everybody dance.
“Nunca es suficiente” – Los Ángeles Azules ft. Natalia la Fourcade
Let’s not forget about the younger generations. Try this hit that will keep the fiesta going while inviting them to partay!
“La vida es un carnaval” – Celia Cruz
No party is complete without a little bit of azúcar, and there’s only one queen who can give us that sweet fix.
“La Chona” – Los Tucanes de Tijuana
Ever since the infamous “Chona challenge” and Los Tucanes de Tijuana’s amazing performance at Coachella, there’s no way you can skip this one at a party, because, yes, the reunion just turned into an epic party (like every weekend).
“La hiedra venenosa” – Los Rebeldes del Rock
Ok, almost everybody is having a blast, but let’s give your Rock & Roll-loving uncles a chance to show their amazing moves.
“El tiburón” – Proyecto Uno
Nice moves! But now it’s time to please the Gen Xers and millennials, and what better way to do so than the song that made us all dance back in the nineties.
“Suavemente” – Elvis Crespo
Come on, tías! Dance with us, you know you can’t resist this one!
“Un pie tras otro pie” – OV7
Since we’ve apparently traveled back to the nineties, it’s time to bring back the choreography you did with your primas. Do you still remember it?
“La calle de las sirenas” – Kabah
And you can’t play nineties pop hits without this masterpiece. Enjoy it because your aunts are getting bored and they’re threatening to bring out the karaoke machine.
“Así no te amará jamás” – Amanda Miguel
Yep, they did it, and guess what: we’re starting with probably the hardest and most dramatic song of all time. Take it easy, woman!
“El triste” – José José
Now it’s time for your uncle who could’ve had an amazing career as a singer, but left it all to help grandpa with the business, or so he says. He’s good, though! Almost as good as José José.
“El rey” – Vicente Fernández
Here comes your brother, the purist, who always wants to sing the classics while downing shots of tequila.
“Cómo quien pierde una estrella” – Alejandro Fernández
This party’s vibe has definitely changed and you know it when your show-off uncle takes back the mic to what he thinks is his jam.
“Culpable o no” – Luis Miguel
Ok, this is your cue. It’s past midnight, and you know there’s no coming back from this blue mood.
But hey, maybe next week you can make some adjustments to the playlist. Ok, let’s be honest it will probably be the same, but you know you love it! Here’s the playlist to make it easier for you!
