For your dad's funeral, many families choose mariachi songs such as "Amor eterno," "Las golondrinas," "Gracias a la vida" or "Ave María," plus the song he always asked for. What matters most is not the list, but that something plays that represents him.
Saying goodbye to a dad brings hard decisions within a few hours. Music is one of them, and it does not have to be perfect: it has to be sincere. Here you will find ideas, questions worth asking yourself and the steps to book with clarity.
Which songs are requested to say goodbye to a dad?
These are options many families consider. They are suggestions to start thinking, not an official list:
- "Las golondrinas": the classic of farewell. Its melody is known by almost everyone and helps the family come together in remembrance.
- "Amor eterno": although it is associated with moms, its lyrics about a love that remains work for any farewell.
- "Gracias a la vida": a way of saying thanks for what was lived.
- "Ave María" and hymns of praise: for those who want a religious and serene moment.
- The rancheras he used to sing: many dads had a song for parties, road trips or family gatherings. Hearing it that day, with the mariachi, can be the most faithful tribute.
A good exercise: ask each sibling or child to write down a song that reminds them of their dad. Coincidences almost always appear, and the repertoire comes from there.
How to decide between a solemn farewell and a tribute to his life?
Some dads are sent off in silence and others amid songs. Talk with your family and set the tone before contacting the musicians.
If the ceremony is religious and brief
Choose few pieces, slow and with soft voices. A trio or a duo may be enough and adapts to enclosed spaces.
If there will be a gathering with relatives and friends
You can combine farewell songs with others he enjoyed. Many families leave a moment for anyone who wants to sing together.
If you want something intimate at the cemetery
Two or three songs beside the grave, with the closest group, are usually enough. Confirm with the cemetery what hours and rules they have for music.
There is no right answer, only the one that best accompanies your family that day.
What should you tell the musician before the service?
A musician who knows it is a farewell plays differently: lowers the volume, minds the pauses and respects the silences. That is why, when booking, write clearly:
- That it is your dad's funeral and the exact place (funeral home, church or cemetery).
- The time and how long the music will be there.
- The songs you want, and the ones you do not.
- Whether there will be elderly people or limited space.
- A contact person who can coordinate on the day of the event.
This avoids surprises and lets everyone be at ease on a day that is already heavy.
How to book and pay on Serenattia?
Serenattia is a marketplace for hiring musicians in Mexico, with visible prices and no exclusivity. You can review musicians and book with the date, time and place. The Serenattia team confirms the availability of each booking.
You pay 100% when booking and the money is held in escrow. It is released to the musician at the event, when the musician's QR code is scanned before they play; if they do not show up, the payment is not released. A 10% service fee (minimum MX$200) is added and the musician receives 100% of their rate. If you need an invoice, one can be issued and the VAT (16%) is added on top.
How much does a mariachi or trio cost for a farewell?
It depends on the city, the number of members and the length. These are the lowest prices published today by musicians on Serenattia (October 2026), before the service fee:
| City | From (MXN) |
|---|---|
| Puebla | MX$1,300 |
| Mexico City | MX$1,500 |
| Mérida | MX$1,700 |
| Cancún | MX$1,800 |
| Playa del Carmen | MX$2,000 |
| Toluca | MX$2,200 |
| Querétaro | MX$2,400 |
| Monterrey | MX$2,500 |
| Cuernavaca | MX$3,600 |
| Guadalajara | MX$4,000 |
These are starting prices. To see ranges and compare, see the Mexico live music price index.
How to organize the music if the family is divided?
It is common for one sibling to want something solemn and another to prefer a cheerful song. There is no need to win an argument. A practical way is to split the repertoire: one piece chosen by the closest family, another that represents dad and a third for the close, when each person can sing or keep silent.
It also pays to decide who talks to the musician. If five people write five different changes, confusion grows on a day that is already hard. Appoint one person to send the final list and confirm the time.
Small details that help on the day of the service
- Group's position: ask where they can stand without blocking the way of relatives or venue staff.
- Exact moment of entrance: define whether they will play when the procession arrives, during the ceremony or at the end. Say it in writing when booking.
- Lyrics: if a song has a verse you do not want, let them know. The musician can adjust the version.
- Pauses: ask that the silences not be filled. At a farewell, the stillness between songs is also part of the tribute.
If you do not know where to start, think of a concrete scene: dad at a gathering, in the car or at his birthday. The song that goes with that memory is usually the right one.
Frequently asked questions
Which mariachi songs are played at a dad's funeral?
People usually choose "Las golondrinas," "Amor eterno," "Gracias a la vida" or "Ave María," and his favorite song. The ideal is for the family to choose it together.
Can I ask the mariachi to play only slow pieces?
Yes. Write in the booking notes that it is a farewell and which songs you want, so the musician prepares a serene repertoire.
What do I do if the cemetery or funeral home limits the music?
Confirm their rules before booking and share that information with the musician. A small group usually adapts better.
When is the payment released to the musician?
At the event, when the musician's QR code is scanned before they play. Until then, the money is held in escrow.
Can an invoice be issued?
Yes, an invoice can be issued. The VAT (16%) is added on top.