5 Classic Mariachi Band Songs That Will Make You Dance 

Mariachi band songs go beyond listening to a pleasant sound. Its lyrics have a way of evoking your feelings. This puts you in the intended mood of the mariachi musician. It can also make you cry, feel loved, and even make you dance. 

Whether you’re looking for a lively song to dance to while doing chores at home or planning an event where your guests can dance and have fun, classic mariachi band songs offer versatility. They can put you or your guests in the right mood.

Join us in this blog as we show you some of these classical mariachi band songs that can make anyone dance.

Are you ready? Let’s begin!

Key Highlights

• If you want to create an energetic feeling, that’ll put your guests in their dancing shoes, then hire a Mariachi band.
• Mariachi band songs like “Cielito Lindo” and “El Rey” have a way of making you move your body to its lyrics and rhythms. 

The Evolution of Mariachi Music

This all began in the early 20th century, after the end of the Mexican Revolution in 1917. The concept of musical groups performing in rural haciendas in states like Guanajuato grew in popularity. 

This trend set the stage for legendary mariachi singers such as Gaspar Vargas. He was very famous in the 1930s and 1940s. Gaspar captured the hearts of many audiences during this time with his lovely tunes. Then, in the 1950s, Lucha Villa became more popular. 

However, these days, even female mariachi groups like Mariachi Flor de Toloache have continued this tradition. These women mariachi groups blend the traditional waltz or bolero into the music of Mexican culture while performing at Mexican celebrations.

Timeless Mariachi Tracks That Can Get You Dancing

Do you know that traditional Mexican mariachi music not only has deep roots in Mexican culture and celebration? It also has an infectious energy and soul-stirring melodies that can draw different listeners to the heart of Mexico and make them dance to its rhythm. Here’s a list of some mariachi tracks that will make anyone dance:

1. “El Son de La Negra” – A vibrant introduction

The first song on our list is “El Son de La Negra”. Many people call it Mexico’s second national anthem because of its vibrancy that’s infused with the energetic spirit of son Jalisciense.

Blas Galindo composed this song in 1940, adding an infectious rhythm and an upbeat tempo that’s irresistible. When you listen to this song, it will be almost impossible for you to stand still, let alone sit down. 

It just has a way of making you move your body to its rhythm. This music is also a staple in Mariachi Vargas’ repertoire. This means you can play it in any traditional mariachi celebration.

2. “Las Mañanitas” – The birthday serenade

If you’re looking for a song to serenade your loved one on their birthday, then “Las Mañanitas” is the right choice for you. This music is more than just a song. It has earned its fame for birthday celebrations in Mexican culture because of its joyful and heartwarming melody. Its tunes can make anyone move their body to its rhythm. 

Another reason mariachi band groups and the citizens of Mexico play this song during birthday parties is because of the genuine affection of its lyrics. 

It expresses love, well wishes, and gratitude for another year of life. The deep-rooted tradition and heartfelt sentiment of this song make it an irreplaceable part of Mexican culture.

3. “Guadalajara” – An ode to the heart of mariachi

Here’s something you should know: some musicians got the inspiration to compose some songs from the beauty of a city. This is how the “Guadalajara” was composed. 

One of the renowned mariachi musicians, Pepe Guizar, composed this song as a tribute to the city of Guadalajara, the capital state of Jalisco. This place is called the birthplace of mariachi Mexican music. 

Many mariachi followers love this iconic song because it describes the beauty of the city, the country life, and the soul of Mexico. That’s not all. It evokes a great passion and energy in the heart of any listener. 

4. Cielito Lindo”–The famous mariachi song

Any Mexican will know this song immediately because of its popular opening lines which are “Ay, ay, ay, ay, / Canta y no llores.” Its popularity makes “Cielito Lindo” much more than just a song–it’s the spirit of Mexico City. 

It has evolved into an unofficial theme song that the new generation of Mexican artists play at sporting events, national celebrations, and meetings of Mexican compatriots in other countries like Colombia. 

This happy and inspirational song is one of the ranchers that carries a deep patriotic feeling and unification in people. This makes you move your body while singing its lyrics. It has basic but touching lyrics about love, hope, and the beauty of Mexico. That’s why it’s significant to the culture of the Mexican people.

5. “El Rey” – The king of all singalong mariachi songs

‘El Rey,’ which in English means ‘The King,’ can be considered a song of Mexican mariachi that is about strength, pride, and a bit of machismo. This is one of the greatest pots of mariachi songs ever written and sung by José Alfredo Jiménez. 

That’s because it has a message of a man who might have lost all that could be taken away from him, but he remains a rich man in spirit. “El Rey” reflects three significant aspects of human life (dignity, perseverance, and self-worth).

It has touched the hearts of people and even attracted their attention to its lyrics. It is a very famous song that is played at most of the mariachi performances in Mexico. 

Few Words From Mariachi Alegre De Tucson 

Here’s the truth: there is a lot of Mexican mariachi music that can get you dancing. Some of them tell a tale of love, patriotism, and joy. These beautiful songs can put any audience with a shot of tequila on their dancing shoes. 

Mariachi bands know this, that’s why they use soulful melodies and traditional costumes like charro outfits to transform any event. If you’re planning any special event, you should hire mariachi professional groups like Mariachi Alegre De Tucson. They can help you to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. 

Here in Arizona, United States, Mariachi Alegre De Tucson is the right Mexican mariachi band for your special event. We understand the rich cultural heritage of Mexican music genres. The energetic feeling that mariachi traditional songs bring to any occasion is undeniable.

If you’re planning a wedding, birthday party, or corporate event, our skilled musicians can put your guests in the right mood. Reach out to us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a song ideal for a mariachi band?

The ideal mariachi band song should have strong vocals, vibrant melodies, and rhythms you can dance to. It’s more pleasing when you add string instruments, like the vihuela, violin, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and guitarron. 

Brass instruments, like trumpets, are not left out too. They all portray the mariachi style of music, which helps to enrich its musical texture.

Can these songs be customized for special occasions?

Yes, this Mexican folk music can be customized for special occasions. Skilled mariachi bands can work on their lyrics. They can also adjust the tempo of the song to fit the mood of your wedding, birthday, or any other event.