Songs to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day 2024: The Ultimate Playlist

The most important celebration of the year for Mexicans is upon us. On the evening of Sept. 15, the night of the Grito will bring together families and friends in Mexico and abroad to celebrate the 259th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence.

Traditions, gastronomy and music won’t be missed in this important celebration that culminates the next day. Pozole, tacos, enchiladas and chiles en nogada are just some of the typical dishes to be tasted, accompanied by tequila or mezcal. The icing on the cake: music, a fundamental part of Mexican culture with mariachi, Sinaloan band and norteño music as its backbone.

The Independence Day celebration invariably begins with classic songs that set the mood, so you can’t miss songs like “México en la Piel,” “El Rey,” “Cucurrucucú Paloma” and “El Pastor” — even “El Sinaloense.” When it’s time to dance and bring out all that Mexican pride, there are classics like “El Mechón,” “La Boda del Huitlacoche,” “La Chona” and an inevitable choreography to the rhythm of “No Rompas Más.”

Huapangos, norteñas and even country are in the repertoire, from legends such as Vicente Fernández, Jenni Rivera, Joan Sebastian and Juan Gabriel, who left great songs for posterity.

To close a Mexican night, nothing better than to do it to the rhythm of the accordion and the cadenced sounds of the norteñas, with titles such as Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte‘s “Tragos Amargos,” Intocable‘s “Fuerte No Soy” and, of course, “Jefe de Jefes” by Los Tigres del Norte.

Billboard Español has prepared a list of 20 songs that can’t be missed on a very Mexican night.