Songs and Music for Cinco De Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (or the Fifth of May) is celebrated all over the world with fun and festivities. We're throwing a big party so I want our fiesta to be colorful and upbeat, and that's what I want our music to be as well. This is one of the Mexican culture's most celebrated days, and many gringos simply use it as an excuse to have a spring bash, so pump up the tunes and dance. I've included some of my all-time favorites, in no particular order. Add your personal favorites but remember to keep the music colorful, strong and lively. Nothing will get your guests moving like these fun party jams.

Cinco de Mayo is a day to be happy and celebrate life, and that's what you want your music to communicate. Your Cinco de Mayo playlist should include songs that are well established and recognizable with a few of the newer artists sprinkled in. Your goal is to have your guests' sing-along to some of the songs but you don't want your Cinco de Mayo playlist to be too predictable. So let's celebrate spring and all things good on the 5th of May -- and dance, dance, dance.

Black Magic Woman - Carlos Santana
Queen of the Mambo - Mambo Kings
Le Negra Tomasa - DJ Kane
Rhythm is Gonna Get You - Gloria Estefan
Alegria - B-Side Players
Hot Hot Hot - Buster Poindexter
Hips Don't Lie/Bamboo - Shakira
Amor De Loca Juventud - Buena Vista Social Club
Shakin Shakin Shakes - Los Lobos
Castanets - Alejandro Escovedo
La Bamba, Ritchie Valens
Escape - Enrique Iglesias
Conga - Gloria Estefan
Tequila - The Champs
Guantanamera - Los Lobos
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom - Selena
Oye Como Va - Santana
Yambeque (Mambo Yambu) - Tito Puente
Bamboleo - The Gypsy Kings
Heaven - Los Lonely Boys