The time for Nochebuena is approaching, signaling the need to refine your lively music collection to revel in throughout the entire season.
Indeed, we’re referring to the music that fills your kitchen as you prepare a Christmas lechón banquet for your loved ones, while wrapping all your presents to tuck under the tree (or to give on Día de Los Reyes Magos), and even to soundtrack your living room dances with your grandparents.
As you might be aware, Latino Christmas songs simply have a unique charm, and it’s only fair that we curate the ultimate playlist for them.
Playing my Latino Christmas music ALLLLL morning today
If the mere mention of “Tuki, tuki, tuki, tuki” brings back memories from every Nochebuena, then you understand perfectly what we mean. Latino Navidad wouldn’t be complete without timeless favorites like “El Burrito Sabanero” and “Los Peces En El Río,” triggering childhood flashbacks of eagerly awaiting Santa Clo’s arrival with the coveted cocinita toy.
been listening to latino christmas music, what a joy
Even as we include traditional trackssimilar to “Santa Baby” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” in our holiday playlist, our beloved Navidad hits from our culture certainly make a significant impact. Below, discover some of the most timeless and essential Latino Christmas songs to play in your sala right now.
Latino Christmas music is joyful and perfect for dancing…just saying’
Commencing with the classic Christmas carol “Los Peces En El Río,” which originated in Spain and is believed to have influences of Arab origin.
Characteristic of traditional villancicos, which are centuries-old Spanish Christmas carols sung throughout Spain and Latin America, “Los Peces En El Río” is deeply rooted in Christianity. Although the original author remains unknown, the timeless song conveys the joy of Jesus Christ’s birth. Lyrics such as “Look at how the fishes in the river drink, but look how they drink in order to see God born,” may represent Jesúcristo’s followers celebrating his advent into the world. And despite the fact that…The Maiden cleans nappies and hangs them on the aromatic herb,” may seem uncomplicated, but the “aromatic herb” might actually symbolize undying existence and revival.
We adore the 1986 rendition by Mexican female band Pandora that you’ve surely encountered in your family’s Christmas celebrations. However, another remarkable interpretation? The TikTok-viral AI creation featuring the vocal styles of Quevedo and Wisin. Legendary.
Take a listen to “Los Peces En El Río” by Pandora on Spotify.
2. “El Burrito Sabanero” by La Rondallita
If you ain’t blasting mi burrito sabanero while opening presents at midnight, are you even Latino??
What’s next? Another essential Latin Christmas song of ours, “El Burrito Sabanero” by La Rondallita. And while you may already be humming its iconic “Tuki, tuki, tuki, tuki” in your mind, do you know the captivating backstory of the song? Venezuelan composer Hugo Blanco composed the hit in 1972, opting for folk singer compatriota Simon Díaz to record it as “El Burro de Belén.” However, in 1976, Blanco conceived the idea for children to record it instead, bringing in 14 child singers from the Coro Infantil Venezuela and naming the new group La Rondallita. As you may be aware, the newrecording was a colossal, ageless success.
“El Burrito Sabanero” contains verses such as, “I’m en route to Bethlehem with my little donkey” and “I’m crooning with my cuatro [tool], my donkey keeps moving,” portraying someone traveling on their donkey to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Even though one of the child vocalists in the recording, Ricardo Cuenci, disclosed to BBC that he never received royalties, he still expressed the sensation of being “accomplished by every child in the world that listens to the song and is filled with happiness.”
Listen to “El Burrito Sabanero” by La Rondallita on Spotify.
3. “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano
Puerto Rican singer-songwriter José Feliciano bestowed us with his “Feliz Navidad” magnum opus in 1970, and Nochebuena hasn’t been the same since. Originally unleashed as part of his Christmas album, “Feliz Navidad,” the massive hit initially joined cover songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” However, the half-Spanish, half-English “Feliz Navidad” resonated the most, turning into a bilingual classic that included strums from a cuatro instrument. Stilldominating the charts every time the holiday season arrives, the tune showcases simple, easily-singable lyrics such as “Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad” and “I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas.”
Despite the uncomplicated lyrics, they possess a considerable amount of emotion. Feliciano once shared the song’s creation story with NPR: “It was expressing the joy that I felt on Christmas and the fact that I felt very lonely. I missed my family.”
Stream “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano on Spotify.
4. “Come to My House This Christmas” by Fuerza Regida
Were you aware that Fuerza Regida has a Christmas album? If not, think of this as our present to you— ¡Feliz Navidad! On a more serious note, their 2020 festive album, “Navidad Con La Regida,” is an instant classic, offering Jesús Ortiz Paz’s vocals on traditional tracks like “Burrito Sabanero” and the timeless Los Bukis standby, “Navidad Sin Ti.” We highly recommend experiencing Fuerza Regida’s complete Christmas “popurri” performance, whichThe Regional Mexican group performs, singing, strumming their guitars, and playing the sousaphone near a Christmas tree in festive sweaters.
Perfect for your Christmas gatherings, the entire 11-minute holiday medley is particularly delightful. Their rendition of the timeless 1973 carol “Ven A Mi Casa Esta Navidad” by Luis Aguilé is especially captivating. With verses like, “You, who are distant from your companions, your nation, and your abode… Come to my house this Christmas,” the song encapsulates the genuine essence of the season.
Stream “Ven A Mi Casa Esta Navidad” by Fuerza Regida on Spotify.
5. Juan Gabriel’s “24 de Diciembre”
Can a classic Latino Christmas song compilation exist without “24 de Diciembre” by El Divo de Juárez? We believe not. Unveiled in 1996 as part of Juan Gabriel’s “25 Aniversario 1971-1996” anthology album, “24 de Diciembre” is an animated melody about love during Christmas. The lyrics, crafted by Juan Gabriel, exude romance as they depict: “Every evening spent with you feels like the first… Every [December] 24, I say, ‘I was so fortunate to find love.’”
This is a tune to sing out loud while toasting with ponche crema, witnessing your grandparents affectionately singing it to each other. Expressing how “On one December 24, you reignited my heart,” this song is jubilant, amorous, and embodies everything that makes Christmas special. Additionally, it probably triggers vivid recollections of your childhood, dozing off on two chairs during family gatherings, so there’s that!
Stream “24 de Diciembre” byJuan Gabriel on Spotify.
6. Kenia Os brings us “Blanca Navidad”
We’re adoring the pop-infused rendition of “Blanca Navidad” by Mexican vocalist Kenia Os, the Spanish interpretation of the classic Christmas carol “White Christmas.” Interestingly, “White Christmas” was composed by American musician Irving Berlin in 1940 during his stay at La Quinta Hotel in La Quinta, California or the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona (a subject of much debate). Regardless, it was warm… which explains why Berlin was yearning for a snowy Christmas.
The Spanish version of the villancico, titled “Blanca Navidad,” has inspired numerous beautiful renditions from artists like Luis Miguel, Matisse, and more. Featuring lyrics such as, “Oh, white Christmas, I dream with the snow around me… It’s a message of peace and pure love,” the Spanish adaptation may hold an even deeper significance. Furthermore, Kenia Os’s version, exclusively recorded for Spotify Singles Holiday, boasts a cozy ambiance with shimmering notes on a synth—perfect for setting the tone at your Christmas gathering.
7. Luis Miguel delivers “Santa Claus Llegó A La Ciudad”
During the Christmas season, when Santa Claus arrives at the city, the air is filled with festive excitement. It’s the time for spreading joy and happiness, and what better way to do that than with cheerful music.
us, do others head straight for that cherished 2006 Luis Miguel holiday album, “Navidades”? This album will always be amazing, incorporating big-band, jazzy influences, plenty of brass instrumentation, and wintry, Christmas-y allure. Embracing Frank Sinatra vibes, Luis Miguel recorded numerous timeless carols, transforming them into Spanish. For instance, “Jingle Bells” was adapted to “Navidad, Navidad,” and “Let It Snow” was changed to “Va A Nevar.” This is the record to play when hosting an opulent Secret Santa at home, or greeting family with fir-scented candles aglow and some pavo or puerco in the oven (with some buñuelos for dessert).
We particularly adore one of the album’s most renowned tracks, “Santa Claus Llegó A La Ciudad,” the Mexican crooner’s rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” The music video evokes the 1940s and 50s, featuring showgirls, an orchestra, and an array of glamorous attire. Additionally, with slightly different lyrics such as, “Santa Claus arrived to the city,” this is a festive song to incorporate into your Navidad repertoire.
Stream “Santa Claus Llegó A La Ciudad” by Luis Miguel on Spotify.
8. “Aires de Navidad” by Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón, Yomo Toro
Up next, we have this treasure of a track courtesy of Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe‘s 1970 collaborative holiday album, “Asalto Navideño,” also renowned as the ultimate Christmas album of all time. The salsa masterpiece was released in 1970 and 1973 in two parts, and according to Fania, Puerto Rican Christmas celebrations aren’t complete without playing it from start to finish. This“innovative” effort is a perfect collaboration between Boricua salseros Colón and Lavoe, who played a significant role in the surge of salsa music in New York City during the 1970s.
The duo enlisted cuatro player Yomo Toro, along with other legendary musicians, to add fresh interpretations to traditional Caribbean Christmas songs. Jazz, salsa, merengue, and guaguancó blend harmoniously, igniting spirited dancing, particularly to the captivating rhythms of hits like “Esta Navidad.” Yet, “Aires de Navidad” holds an even more iconic status, commencing with a spine-tingling opening line, “We wish you a joyful New Year from Willie Colón’s orchestra.”
The song maintains its joyful and festive vibe with lines like, “Christmas is approaching, bringing joy to all.” This song (and the entire album) is a must-have on your vintage Christmas playlist!
Tune in to “Aires de Navidad” by Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón, Yomo Toro on Spotify.
9. “El Niño del Tambor” by Carla Morrison
Just a quick reminder that Carla Morrison released a Christmas album. ✨🫶🏽🎄
As one X user fittingly noted, consider this your yearly “friendly reminder” that the Mexican singer-songwriter Carla Morrison has a Christmas album. And yes, this is a public service announcement. The alternative-pop artist, renowned for tracks such as “Eres Tú,” dropped a festiveThe EP named “La Niña del Tambor” was released back in 2016, and we’re still obsessed with it. The album encompasses both Spanish and English versions of timeless Christmas carols such as “Noche de Paz” (“Silent Night”), presenting a warm and comforting offering to anyone seeking to embrace the holiday season. Morrison’s voice is a perfect match for the jazzy renditions of these carols and complements activities like enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or champurrado.
One particular favorite from the album is the song “El Niño del Tambor,” the Spanish adaptation of “The Little Drummer Boy,” which infuses a contemporary feel with the inclusion of a kick drum and other percussion elements. It’s flawless.
Stream “El Niño del Tambor” by Carla Morrison on Spotify.
10. “5 Pa’ Las 12” by Camilo
Finally, our list wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of the iconic holiday track “Cinco Pa’ Las Doce,” originally composed by Venezuelan musician Oswaldo Oropeza. According to the narrative, in 1963, Oropeza requested the Venezuelan actor-singer Nestor Zavarce to record his festive creation. Zavarce was a sudden success at that time, so the wide-reaching acclaim of “Cinco Pa’ Las Doce” took many by surprise. To this day, the song is often played by Latino families on New Year’s Eve (though many also play it on Christmas) due to its poignant lyrics such as, “The church bells are ringing, announcing that the old year is leaving,” and “The happiness of the new year is coming.”
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the song has gained immense popularity, depicting themes deeply entrenched in Latino culture and holiday traditions.about the emblems in the track, Zavarce once conveyed to RCN that the “church bells” stand for belief, and the “embraces” in the song’s verses signify unity. Concerning Latin Christmas melodies, “Cinco Pa’ Las Doce” is suitable for continuous play throughout the season. Furthermore, while we admire Oropeza’s traditional rendition, we also admire Colombian singer-songwriter Camilo‘s rendition featuring a cuatro and subtle percussion.
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