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.

13“Suavemente,” Elvis Crespo

Suavemente Elvis Crespo

“Suavemente” is the merengue song that refuses to die. And we don’t want it to. The Elvis Crespo hit literally over 20 years old, and still has the ability to crop up everywhere, making everyone lose their sh*t. We’d like to see someone who doesn’t instantly dance to it when it comes on. This was the essential song at every quinceañera, a wedding, and other family party.