20 Iconic Songs that are Built Into the Fabric of Latino Culture

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Music is a part of a culture’s identity. It plays during gatherings, becomes tied to several memories, and unites people who don’t know each other personally, but perhaps share a common ethnicity. The Latinx culture does not compromise when it comes to music. There are songs that, no matter how old, fill us with emotion, and make us dance. We have them memorized word for word, beat-by-beat, our mothers, tias and best friends always sing along.

8“La Cucaracha,” Origin Unknown

La Cucaracha Iconic Songs

Who knew that this childhood song that we’ve sung endless times (and has been covered almost as much), and is basically about a cockroach with missing legs, has political ties? The Spanish song, which was adopted into Mexican culture, has had its lyrics changed around, according to who is singing it (remember the marijuana version?). Before and during the Mexican Revolution, the verses spoke on political conflict and life during war.