Music of Mexico

Music forms an integral social and cultural part of Mexico. Some common forms of music vary by region and are shaped by diverse landscape and different cultural and colonial history of the inhabitants and has a great influence over Mexican music styles. Mexico's history and geography have created a mix of music that spans still-active Indian styles and pop divas, such as the late Selena. Styles range from polka-based Norteño tunes of the north to the xylophone-based Marimba of the tropics. Traditionally, much Mexican music is associated with dance, as seen in world-famous tunes such as the "Mexican Hat Dance," "La Cucaracha" and "La Bamba. Regional folk music styles include banda, ranchera and norteno music, which are based on singers, usually focus on love themes and are the most popular in the countryside.

In the cities, Latin pop and Latin rock are popular and include singers and bands from all over Latin America. Caribbean musical styles including salsa, bachata and reggaeton are commonly heard in Mexico, especially at dance clubs. Mexico's own famous mariachi music is centered in Guadalajara, but it is popular throughout the country and Mexicans usually sing along when mariachi music is played. One of the main features of Mexican music is that it can be danced to. Music in Mexico is played everywhere from public buses to shopping malls and offices. Live music is also common on the streets of Mexico. One of the biggest names in Mexican music is of Los Tigres del Norte which has become a sensation for the Mexicans. Others include Salena, Lola Beltrán Carlos Chavez and Carlos Chavez.