El Burrito de Belén

Venezuelan Christmas song

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: "El Burrito de Belén" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (November 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message) "El Burrito Sabanero" ('The Little Donkey from the Savannah'), or rarely "El Burrito de Belén" ('The Little Donkey from Bethlehem') is an aguinaldo from Venezuela. It was written by Hugo Blanco for the 1972 Christmas season. The song was first recorded by the Venezuelan folk singer Simón Díaz, included on his record, Las Gaitas de Simon where he was accompanied by the Venezuelan Children's Choir. Later, the children's musical group La Rondallita recorded the song in November 1972. This version gained popularity in Latin America. It has since been recorded many times by popular artists. Nearly 50 years later, "El Burrito de Belén" remains a yuletide favorite, cherished in Latin communities worldwide — and beyond, into the Anglo market of the United States. Billboard magazine included the tune in its 2022 list of the top 100 holiday songs of all time.

[edit] Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes recorded his version as the first radio single from the Christmas compilation album Superestrella en Navidades (2008). The Bronx-based group Aventura recorded a bachata cover in 2008. American singer, actress and talk show host Adrienne Houghton released "El Burrito Sabanero" on her debut solo album New Tradiciones (2017). American musician Aloe Blacc released his version titled "Mi Burrito Sabanero" on his 2018 Christmas album Christmas Funk. The Arizona-based band Calexico included the song on their 2020 Christmas album Seasonal Shift, under the title "Mi Burrito Sabanero". American regional Mexican band Fuerza Regida released a cover of the song in 2020, titled as "Burrito Sabanero", on their Christmas EP Navidad con la Regida. American group Larry & Joe released a cover of the song as a single in 2023. Spanish singer David Bisbal included the song on his 2024 Christmas album Todo es Posible en Navidad (English: Everything Is Possible at Christmas).

In Venezuela the aguinaldo tradition is as integral to the season as mince pies are to a British table. "El Burrito de Belén" captures that spirit with a jaunty, folk‑rock rhythm that feels like a street‑carol on a sun‑baked savannah. The melody’s simple, repetitive chorus makes it easy for children to join in, turning any gathering into a communal sing‑along. Because the song celebrates a humble animal on its way to Bethlehem, it resonates with the universal theme of modest gifts and journeys, which is why it’s been embraced by Christmas compilations far beyond Latin America. Its carefree tempo also contrasts nicely with the often solemn carols, giving listeners a light‑hearted moment of joy in the midst of winter blues.

If you want to sprinkle a dash of Latin cheer into your festive soirée, cue "El Burrito de Belén" right after the usual carol set. Pair it with a platter of churros or dulce de leche truffles for an extra cultural twist. The track’s upbeat rhythm works well as background music for a gift‑wrapping station – the repetitive hook keeps hands moving whilst humming along. For a family activity, teach the kids the simple Spanish refrain; it’s a great way to practise language skills and keep youngsters engaged while the adults chat over mulled wine. The song’s lively tempo also makes it perfect for a quick, informal dance break during a winter party.

Many listeners assume "El Burrito de Belén" is a centuries‑old folk hymn, but it was actually penned in 1972 by musician Hugo Blanco. Its rapid rise to popularity owes as much to the children’s choir recordings by Simón Díaz and La Rondallita as to any ancient tradition. Another myth is that the song is exclusive to Venezuela; over the decades it has been covered by artists across Latin America and even entered the mainstream U.S. holiday market, earning a spot on Billboard’s top‑100 list. Understanding its modern, pop‑folk roots helps appreciate the blend of tradition and contemporary flair that makes the tune feel both timeless and freshly festive.