We know this may come as a shock to some people, but there are more Spanish Christmas songs than just “Feliz Navidad.” But worry not! The Beacon is here to school you on the most popping Spanish Christmas songs in the game. So, without further ado, Feliz Navidad y’all! Let’s get this bread and ace all our finals.
Santa Claus llego a la ciudad - Luis Miguel
This one’s a cover by none other than Luis Miguel. His unofficial title is “El sol de Mexico,” which translates to “the sun of Mexico,” so this man is essentially a national treasure and should be protected at all costs. This song is a great start to this playlist with its with familiar tune, classic melody and lovely vocals.
Campana Sobre Campana - Yuri
Ah, the 80s. Even in Spanish, you can recognize this magical era. This song has become an anthem for Mexican households since it was first released in 1986. It will forever be known as the song you listen to while decorating your Christmas tree.
Ven a mi casa esta Navidad - Luis Aguile
A classic a super smooth voice Luis Aguile is swoon, and you’ll just love listening to this ultimate Christmas bop. It’s a super sweet song that talks about unity and opening the door to strangers because ‘tis the season.
Rodolfo el Reno - Thalia
Thalia is practically royalty. Really, she is. This classic is one that you’ll listen to every year and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Honestly, who doesn’t like this song? So sit back with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy this cheerful translation.
Los pastores a Belén - Niños Tres
This Christmas carol is very refreshing. It’s about the journey of the “Pastores,” the shepherds, that traveled to Bethlehem on the night that Jesus was born. This is the song every kid sang at their Christmas festival when they were in kindergarten. This song is not only a bop but a very nostalgic tune (that I will definitely use as an excuse not to study for finals).
Blanca Navidad- Tatiana
How does one even start? How does anyone explain who Tatiana is? She is the ultimate idol and the most recognizable voice among dubbed movies. She became an icon among children because her very successful music that was solely targeted to kids. She sang the Spanish version of “I won’t say I’m in love” from the Hercules movie, and I very boldly claim her version is better.
Burrito Sabanero - Voz Veis (Todos a Belén)
Now if this isn’t a Christmas bop, then what is? ‘Burrito Sabanero’ is about the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem during the anticipation of Jesus’ birth. It’s a dance song for sure, and although there have been many versions of it, the interpretation of this Venezuelan group takes it to a whole other level, with lots of harmony and percussion.
Si la Virgen Fuera Andina - Hugo Liscano and Javier Galué (Aguinaldos, Vol. 1)
A traditional Venezuelan tune, this song takes a different spin on the Bible and reimagines the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. In the song, the Liscano and Galué wonder, “If Mary was from the Andes and Joseph was from los Llanos, then Jesus would have been Venezuelan.” It’s a light and fun song that Venezuelans love to sing at parties in celebration of not only the Christmas season, but also their culture.
Faltan Cinco pa’ las Doce - Hugo Liscano and Javier Galué (Aguinaldos Vol. 1)
This is more of a New Year’s song, and translates to “five till 12,” meaning five minutes until midnight on New Year’s Eve. The singer talks about what he has to do in those last five minutes of the year, including running home to give his mother a kiss. The drop, which introduces percussion and a typical Venezuelan gaita rhythm, is enough to give you chills as the choir sings about the leaving the blur of hugging and kissing at a party, to then go home to family and be with those who mean most.
Ven a Mi Casa Esta Navidad - Voz Veis
Now this one is a tear jerker, and yes, mentioned previously on this playlist. But its message of coming together during the holiday season and having a place at the table for people far from home is one that many could benefit from, especially in this current political climate. Voz Veis makes a second appearance on the playlist with a more modern rendition of this beautiful song.
La Fiesta de Pilito - El Gran Combo
Unlike other songs on this playlist, this song is less about the Nativity, and more of a fun, party holiday bop. It’s a typical Puerto Rican holiday song, usually sung at Parrandas — the Puerto Rican version of carolling — that’s simply about having a good time this time of year. With the upbeat and happy sound, this song is bound to get you up and dancing, and is perfect for relieving some stress during finals.
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
We had to finish with this one. We couldn’t make a playlist about Spanish Christmas music and not include a crowd favorite, Feliz Navidad. Now rock on and keep studying for finals. You got this, Pilots!
Ana Clyde is a sports reporter and copy editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at clyde20@up.edu.
Paula Ortiz Cazaubon is a photographer for The Beacon. She can be reached at ortizcaz20@up.edu.
