31 Best Mariachi Songs, from El Rey to Cielito Lindo

What is the most famous mariachi song?

"El Rey", written by José Alfredo Jiménez and made legendary by Vicente Fernández, is the most famous mariachi song. "Cielito Lindo" is the song everyone sings along to, "El Son de la Negra" is known as the anthem of mariachi, and "Las Mañanitas" is the birthday song every mariachi band plays.

Classic mariachi songs

1. "El Son de la Negra", traditional: often called the anthem of mariachi.
2. "Cielito Lindo", traditional: the famous chorus everyone knows.
3. "Guadalajara", Pepe Guízar: a proud tribute to the home of mariachi.
4. "Allá en el Rancho Grande", traditional: a 1930s favorite.
5. "México Lindo y Querido", Jorge Negrete: a love song to Mexico.
6. "Ay, Jalisco, No Te Rajes", Jorge Negrete: a proud anthem for Jalisco.
7. "La Malagueña", Miguel Aceves Mejía: famous for its long, high notes.
8. "El Mariachi Loco", traditional: a fun party favorite.

Rancheras by José Alfredo Jiménez and Vicente Fernández

9. "El Rey", Vicente Fernández: the ultimate ranchera.
10. "Volver, Volver", Vicente Fernández: a song about going back to a lost love.
11. "Si Nos Dejan", José Alfredo Jiménez: a romantic wedding favorite.
12. "Camino de Guanajuato", José Alfredo Jiménez: a song about his hometown road.
13. "Paloma Querida", José Alfredo Jiménez: a tender love song.
14. "Que Te Vaya Bonito", José Alfredo Jiménez: wishing an ex well.
15. "Hermoso Cariño", Vicente Fernández: a sweet serenade.
16. "Mujeres Divinas", Vicente Fernández: a tribute to women.
17. "Por Tu Maldito Amor", Vicente Fernández: a heartbroken classic.
18. "Lástima Que Seas Ajena", Vicente Fernández: loving someone you cannot have.
19. "Acá Entre Nos", Vicente Fernández: a proud farewell to a lover.

Mariachi love songs

20. "La Bikina", Luis Miguel: a modern mariachi classic.
21. "Cucurrucucú Paloma", Lola Beltrán: a haunting love song.
22. "Tú Sólo Tú", Selena: her mariachi tribute released in 1995.
23. "Hasta Que Te Conocí", Juan Gabriel: a song about love that changes everything.
24. "Se Me Olvidó Otra Vez", Juan Gabriel: a famous heartbreak song.
25. "Ella", José Alfredo Jiménez: a song about the one who left.

Mariachi songs for celebrations and goodbyes

26. "Las Mañanitas", traditional: the birthday serenade.
27. "De Colores", traditional: a joyful song about colors and spring.
28. "Amor Eterno", Juan Gabriel: the song most often played to honor a mother who has passed.
29. "Las Golondrinas", traditional: the classic song of farewell.
30. "La Llorona", traditional: a haunting folk song made famous by Chavela Vargas.
31. "La Cucaracha", traditional: a playful folk song every band knows.

What is mariachi music?

Mariachi is a style of Mexican music that grew up in Jalisco, with violins, trumpets, a guitarrón for the bass line and a vihuela for rhythm, all played by musicians in the traditional charro suit. In 2011, UNESCO recognized mariachi as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage.

Mariachi songs for a birthday

A mariachi serenade with "Las Mañanitas" is one of the most beloved birthday traditions in Mexico and for Mexican American families, often played early in the morning outside the birthday person's window. See our guide to the happy birthday song in Spanish for more.

Mariachi songs for a wedding

For a wedding, "Si Nos Dejan" and "Hermoso Cariño" are favorite first dances, "La Bikina" and "Guadalajara" bring energy to the reception and "El Son de la Negra" gets everyone on the floor. See our Spanish wedding songs for more.

Mariachi songs for Mother's Day and a funeral

On May 10, Mexico's Mother's Day, mariachis serenade moms with "Las Mañanitas" and love songs. At a funeral or memorial, "Amor Eterno" and "Las Golondrinas" are the songs families request most. See our Spanish funeral songs for more.

Mariachi songs for a quinceañera

Many families hire a mariachi for the quinceañera Mass or the party. "Las Mañanitas", "De Colores" and "Cielito Lindo" are favorites when the birthday girl arrives, and a tender ranchera like "Hermoso Cariño" is a sweet choice for her dance with her father.

Music for Mexican Independence Day

On September 16, Mexican Independence Day, mariachis play the proudest songs in their repertoire: "México Lindo y Querido", "Guadalajara", "Ay, Jalisco, No Te Rajes" and "El Son de la Negra". For a Cinco de Mayo party, see our Cinco de Mayo songs.

Tips for hiring a mariachi band

Most mariachi bands are booked by the hour or by the set, so ask in advance which songs are included and plan a short list of must-plays. A surprise serenade works best with a clear start time and a spot where the band can stand close to the guest of honor. Have a phone ready to record it: families often watch the video for years.

A song in their language and their style

For a quinceañera, a parent's birthday or an anniversary, a personalized song in Spanish can tell their family story with their name in the chorus. Choose the Latin genre and Spanish as the song language for a warm, festive sound.

How to create a personalized song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: Latin, acoustic, pop and more.
2. Add their name and choose the song language, including Spanish.
3. Share three memories you want in the song.
4. Review the lyrics and edit or regenerate them for free before any music is made.
5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $24.99, or $29.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Give them a song in their language: create a song and hear four previews for free.