5 rancheras to celebrate your Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is here, but it isn’t a celebration without some good company, a couple tequila shots and great music. But not just any type of music – we like to go all out with classic rancheras,  a genre of the traditional music of Mexico.

The Cinco de Mayo tradition is in commemoration of the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

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As an annual tradition, Cinco de Mayo is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Let’s cut to the chase, here are five of our favorite rancheras to fit well with your Cinco de Mayo festivities.

1. “El Rey” by Vicente Fernandez

For some reason, this powerful and catchy song gets everyone pumped! “El Rey” composed by Mexican singer-songwriter José Alfredo Jiménez has many versions. The classic of all classics, by all means, is by superstar Vicente Fernandez.

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2. “Ay Jalisco No Te Rajes” by Jorge Negrete

This famous ranchera, whose title is a phrase from the Mexican Revolution to encourage combatants, was composed in 1941 by the famous duo Manuel Esperon musician and writer Ernesto Cortazar. It was then interpreted by the renowned Mexican actor and singer Jorge Negrete.

3. “El Aventurero” by Pedro Fernandez

Who doesn’t love Pedro Fernandez? He was surely a hit in the 90’s with his adorable face and pressed mariachi suits. That’s why Pedrito’s version of the hyped “El Aventurero” song is one of our favorites.

4. “La Media Vuelta” by Luis Miguel

An even bigger hit in the 90’s was heartthrob and “El Sol de Mexico,” Luis Miguel, who has a rather large collection of traditional rancheras about love, patriotism or nature.

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5. Popurri a lo Juan Gabriel

The icing to the cake is this nearly 35-minute long popurri or mix by our beloved “Divo de Juarez.” Juan Gabriel performs some of his greatest hits in this ranchera popurri!

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