27 Spanish Funeral Songs: Mariachi Classics, Hymns and Songs for Mom and Dad

What is the famous Spanish song played at funerals?

"Amor Eterno" by Juan Gabriel is the funeral song in Spanish that most families know. He wrote it in memory of his mother, and the version by Rocío Dúrcal is the one played most at velorios and burials. "Las Golondrinas", the traditional Mexican song of farewell, is the other one almost every mariachi plays at a graveside. For the Mass, "Pescador de Hombres" and Schubert's "Ave María" are the favorites.

Traditional Mexican funeral songs

1. "Amor Eterno", Juan Gabriel: written in memory of his mother; Rocío Dúrcal's version is the best known.
2. "Las Golondrinas", Narciso Serradell: the traditional Mexican song of farewell.
3. "La Barca de Oro": an old farewell song, often played together with Las Golondrinas.
4. "Un Puño de Tierra", Antonio Aguilar: a corrido about how little we take with us.
5. "El Rey", José Alfredo Jiménez: for a proud man who lived his way; Vicente Fernández's version is the best known.
6. "Que Te Vaya Bonito", José Alfredo Jiménez: a gentle wish for a good journey.
7. "México Lindo y Querido", Jorge Negrete: for someone who wanted to rest in Mexico.
8. "Canción Mixteca": a song of longing for home, loved by families far from Oaxaca.
9. "Cielito Lindo": the mariachi standard about singing instead of crying.
10. "Te Vas Ángel Mío", Cornelio Reyna: a norteño farewell often played at funerals.

Latin American classics for a funeral

11. "Gracias a la Vida", Violeta Parra: gratitude for a whole life; Mercedes Sosa's version is the most loved.
12. "Mi Viejo", Piero: the classic song about a father growing old.
13. "Señora, Señora", Denise de Kalafe: a thank-you to a mother.
14. "Cuando un Amigo Se Va", Alberto Cortez: about the space a friend leaves behind.
15. "Amigo", Roberto Carlos: a tribute to a lifelong friend.
16. "A Mi Manera", Gipsy Kings: "My Way" in Spanish, for someone who lived on their own terms.

Catholic hymns in Spanish for the funeral Mass

17. "Ave María", Schubert: sung by a soloist at many Misas de difuntos.
18. "Pescador de Hombres", Cesáreo Gabaráin: one of the best-loved hymns in Spanish.
19. "Entre Tus Manos": a hymn of trust, sung at many funeral Masses.
20. "Sublime Gracia": "Amazing Grace" in Spanish.
21. "Cuán Grande Es Él": "How Great Thou Art" in Spanish.
22. "Un Día a la Vez", Los Tigres del Norte: a prayer to live one day at a time.

Christian songs in Spanish

23. "Más Allá del Sol": the classic hymn about a home beyond the sun.
24. "Yo Te Extrañaré", Tercer Cielo: about missing someone until you meet again.

Songs for a celebración de vida

25. "La Vida Es un Carnaval", Celia Cruz: a reminder that life is for celebrating.
26. "Vivir Mi Vida", Marc Anthony: about laughing and dancing through hard times.
27. "Color Esperanza", Diego Torres: about hope and new beginnings.

Spanish funeral songs for mom

For a mother, "Amor Eterno" is the first choice for most families, since Juan Gabriel wrote it after losing his own mother. "Señora, Señora" thanks a mother for everything she gave, and "Las Golondrinas" is a gentle goodbye. Many families also play her favorite bolero or ranchera. For songs in English, see our songs about losing your mom.

Songs in Spanish for dad's funeral

For a father, "Mi Viejo" by Piero, "El Rey" and "Un Puño de Tierra" are the classics, and "A Mi Manera" fits a dad who did things his own way. If he loved Vicente Fernández or Antonio Aguilar, play his favorite. English picks are in our list of songs for dad in heaven.

Mariachi at a funeral: what to expect

In many Mexican and Mexican American families, a mariachi plays at the burial, and sometimes at the velorio or as the procession leaves the church. A typical set is three to six songs, often "Amor Eterno", "Las Golondrinas", "Un Puño de Tierra" and the person's favorite ranchera. Book early, tell the group the order you want and ask the cemetery whether live music is allowed and at what times.

Music for the velorio and the rosary

At the velorio, the wake, and during the nine days of the novenario, many families pray the rosary together, often with simple hymns everyone knows, like "Entre Tus Manos" and "Pescador de Hombres". Any recorded music is usually soft and in the background, so people can talk and pray.

Bilingual funeral music

When part of the family speaks Spanish and part speaks English, mix both: "Amazing Grace" followed by "Sublime Gracia", or "Ave María" next to "Hallelujah". Print short translations in the program so everyone can follow. For English choices, see our funeral and memorial service songs and Christian funeral songs.

Songs to remember them on Día de los Muertos

On November 1 and 2, many families set up an ofrenda with photos, favorite foods and music. "La Llorona", "Amor Eterno" and the songs the person loved most are common choices. It is a gentle way to keep them part of the family year after year.

A song in Spanish written about them

A personalized song can be made in Spanish, with their name, their nickname and the memories your family shares: the kitchen, the ranch, the Sunday visits. Families play it at the service and every year after. More Spanish music ideas in our Spanish love songs and our happy birthday song in Spanish.

How to create a song in Spanish in their memory

1. Choose Spanish as the song language and a style from 14 genres, including Latin, acoustic and pop.
2. Add their name.
3. Share three memories and what you want to say to them.
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 you can share with family and the lyrics as a PDF.

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