What’s Your Soundtrack?
Photo by Jennifrog
Living in New England, I sometimes feel disconnected from the vibrant Latino community I grew up around. However, with today marking the official start of Hispanic Heritage Month I know it will be easy to find celebrations of our beautiful culture – on TV, around town at local businesses and festivals, on the radio. It’s a whole month where I know I might find a bit of home around any given corner.
Even though we only “officially” get one month to celebrate our culture, I make it a point to celebrate my heritage as often as possible. Music is my favorite way to feel the island blood flowing through my veins and a little closer to home. Most days any salsa or merengue CD will put a smile on my face and a bit of diva in my hips. But there are days that require a bit more than just any old tune. Over the years I’ve created my own little soundtrack that puts me en mi propia isla. A soundtrack of favorites from years spent celebrating at quinces, weddings and just because; a soundtrack lleno de sabor.
Here is a glimpse at my island soundtrack. I’d love to learn what songs connect you to your roots. Virtual dance party anyone?
- Si Voy A Perderte by Gloria Estefan
- Nuestro Dia Viene Llegando by Willie Chirino We did a dance number to this song when I was in dance school. Being from a large Cuban community, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house and I remember being able to feel the weight of everyone’s emotion. It gets me everytime.
- Ese Honbre by La India In high school, this was the ultimate female bonding song, think the Latina version of “I Will Survive”.
- Esa Nina by Jerry Rivera
- Tiempo de Vals by Chayanne The official quince anthem the year my friends and I celebrated our passage into womanhood.
- Bachata Rosa by Juan Luis Guerra
- Quimbara by Celia Cruz I’m a fierce party of one if you play this one!
- El Africano by Wilfrido Vargas The version I’ve linked to here is not the one I grew up with; the one I remember I believe was sung by a woman so if you can shed any light on the matter let me know in the comments.
- Vivir Lo Nuestro by Marc Anthony and La India
- Lluvia by Eddie Santiago
- Lo Que Esta Pa’ Ti by Willy Chirino
Now it’s your turn; let’s get this party started!
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Great post!
On my soundtrack? Shaki, La Oreja de Van Gogh, La Quinta Estacion, Enrique Iglesias, Alejandro Sanz, Mana, Julieta Venegas, Ximena Sarinana.
Hmmm… My soundtrack: herbero moderno by Celia Cruz, caballo viejo by Roberto torres, como fue by beny more(also my wedding song), todo el mundo con la lengua afuera by Hansel y Raul, usted abuso by Celia and Angela carrasco?, bailando, son de las lomas willy chirino & Roberto torres, africano( yes sung by the woman!!), and oh so many more!!!
My soundtrack?? Hmmmm…. let me see.
War, Malo, Vicente Fernandez, definitely Mana, La Sonora Dynamita, Calle 13, Shakira, Pepe Aguilar, Los Tigres Del Norte, and the list goes on!