To organize a retirement serenade (serenata), choose the moment (farewell lunch, last day, or family gathering), define a musical format and a few songs with meaning, and book ahead on Serenattia. The 100% payment stays in escrow until you scan the musician's QR code, before they play.
Why is a serenade a great retirement gift?
When someone retires, they close a chapter of decades. They are usually given a plaque, a watch, or a lunch, and all of that is fine, but it rarely stays in memory as a moment. A serenade does: the person hears their name, their songs, and the recognition of those around them, all live. It is a way of saying thank you that is felt, not just read.
It also brings together the family, the work team, and friends in a single instant. Everyone sings, applauds, and remembers the stories they shared. It is a close with warmth, which gives emotional weight to the farewell without needing long speeches.
Where and when is it best to do it?
- At the farewell lunch: if the company or the team organizes a lunch, the serenade can be the central moment, right before the toast.
- On the last day of work: a surprise at the office, with the company's permission and good handling of the space.
- At home, with the family: an intimate gathering where the retiree feels comfortable and can be moved without rushing.
- At a retirement party: as part of a program, along with words from the guests and a video of memories.
If it is at the office, check the building's or the company's rules on live music, and coordinate who will receive the musicians. If it is a surprise, assign a trusted person to keep the person out of the room until everything is ready.
Which songs should you choose for a retirement?
The ideal is to combine three types of songs: one of gratitude, one from the person's youth, and one of celebration. That way a small story is told in a few minutes.
- Gratitude: songs about giving thanks, about recognizing the road traveled.
- Memory: the ones that played when they started working or when they met their partner.
- Celebration: festive songs to close in high spirits with everyone singing.
Ask the family about their favorites. Sometimes the best song is not the best known, but the one the person sings in the car or in the kitchen. Share the list with the musician when booking.
Which musical genre works best?
These are the options: each one says something different.
- Mariachi: the classic for a festive farewell, with songs everyone knows.
- Trio: boleros and soft songs for a lunch with a warm atmosphere and conversation.
- Norteño: for someone who grew up with that style and wants a close and cheerful atmosphere.
- Banda: for a big party, with lots of people and a desire to dance.
- Saxophone or violin: for an elegant farewell, with instrumental songs in the background.
If in doubt, choose the genre the person listens to when happy. There is no wrong answer if it is consistent with whoever is retiring.
How much does it cost and how do you book?
Each musician publishes their rate and there is no exclusivity. The lowest price published today on Serenattia (October 2026, before the service fee) is from MX$1,500 in CDMX, MX$1,300 in Puebla, MX$2,200 in Toluca, MX$2,500 in Monterrey, MX$2,400 in Querétaro, and MX$1,700 in Mérida, among other markets. For comparisons, check the index of music prices in Mexico. It is a starting point: the final price depends on the musician, the genre, and the duration.
A 10% service fee is added to the musician's rate, with a minimum of MX$200, which you pay separately; the musician receives 100% of their rate. If the company or the team needs an invoice, it can be issued and the 16% VAT (IVA) goes on top. To book, go to the musician list, choose the genre, enter date, time, and address, and pay 100% when booking. The Serenattia team confirms the availability of each booking.
The money stays in escrow and is released to the musician at the event, when you scan their QR code before they play. If the musician doesn't arrive, the payment is not released.
Ideas to make the moment unforgettable
- Gather short messages from colleagues and family and read them before or after the serenade.
- Prepare a simple slideshow with photos from different stages.
- Ask the musician to dedicate the last song with the person's name.
- Designate someone to record, so the retiree can relive it later.
- Leave a space for the retiree to say a few words at the end.
If you already know when the farewell will be, check the available musicians and book ahead. Closing a chapter with music is one of the best ways to say thank you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a retirement serenade cost?
It depends on the musician, the genre, and the duration. The lowest price published today on Serenattia is from MX$1,300 in Puebla and from MX$1,500 in CDMX, before the service fee.
Can it be done at the office?
Yes, as long as the place allows live music. Confirm the building's rules and notify reception to make access easier for the musicians.
When do you pay?
100% when booking. The money stays in escrow and is released to the musician at the event, when you scan their QR code before they play.
Can the company pay with an invoice?
Yes, it can be invoiced. The 16% VAT (IVA) goes on top of the amount.
Who confirms that a musician is available?
The Serenattia team confirms the availability of each booking.