Mexican independence songs for the World Cup
Last week, I looked at songs popular for the 4th of July. This week, I want to list the most popular songs for Mexican Independence. While it’s not until Sept. 16, these songs have been rocketing through the Mexico City Stadium and Fan Fest parties throughout Mexico when Mexico played in the World Cup. If you have a Mexican population where you live, you might have already heard them at World Cup watch parties, and you will hear them on Sept. 16. (all songs are in Spanish)
La Bikina, single by Luis Miguel. Luis Miguel’s “La Bikina” ranks among his most‑played ranchera tracks, boosted by its presence in his “México en la piel” cycle and related compilations. It is featured in many Independence Day and “Viva México” playlists, keeping its streaming numbers high year‑round. It is not a sing-along piece, like some of the other Hot Half Dozen songs this week, but everyone knows it and expects it. Stream on all major platforms.
El Rey, single by Vicente Fernández. “El Rey” is among the beloved Vicente Fernández’s top tracks, with well over 100 million Spotify streams, making it the clear leader in Mexican classics and Independence‑Day playlists. You can’t go to a Mexican celebration without someone singing “El Rey.” Stream on Spotify and all major platforms
15 de Septiembre, single by José Alfredo Jiménez Of course, there could be no Independence Day without this track. It is not among José Alfredo’s highest‑streamed hits, which are dominated by other standards and heartbreak anthems, but its streams spike seasonally around mid‑September. You can’t miss it. Stream on major platforms.
Cielito lindo, single by Angelina Victoria, Alana Flores. No song list of patriotic songs in Mexico would be complete without “Cielito lindo.” There are many versions, but everyone knows the chorus, even if they sing a different set of verses. The song’s status as an unofficial global Mexican anthem means it is played both in Mexico and abroad whenever “Mexican music” is played, including World Cup fanfests. Stream on all major platforms.
México lindo y querido, single by Lola Beltran. “México Lindo” and “México lindo y querido” together account for millions of streams. There are many versions, including the original by Jorge Negrete, but my favorite is by the incomparable Lola Beltran. Lola’s version is played almost non-stop on Independence Day, although I did not notice it at our local World Cup Fan Fest parties. Stream on all major platforms.
La Negra, single by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. “La Negra” is a staple of mariachi compilations and a defining track of mariachis, so you hear it at every patriotic event from Independence Day celebrations (“The Grito”) to the World Cup matches with Mexico on the field. It appears on numerous “Best of Mariachi” and Independence‑Day playlist and is one of Mexico’s one of the most‑played instrumental/ensemble pieces. Stream on all major platforms.
