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

Credit: BELatina/BrandStar

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.

4“Feliz Navidad,” Jose Feliciano

Feliz Navidad Jose Feliciano

Facts: it’s not the holidays until you hear Puerto Rican Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad.” Thanks to this hit song (released almost 50 years ago, it was #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year), countless people who don’t usually speak Spanish know how to say “Merry Christmas.” Sure, Feliciano has had plenty of hits, but “Feliz Navidad,” which was released in 1970, will always have a special place in the hearts of most, if not all, Latinxs (and the rest of the world). It just reminds us of home, the holidays, and family.