To send a birthday serenade (serenata), go to Serenattia, choose a musician in the person's city, enter the date, time and address, and pay 100% of the booking. The money is held in escrow and is only released when the musician arrives and their QR code is scanned before they play.
Why a serenade and not another gift?
Birthday gifts are usually objects: a bouquet, a cake, a box of chocolates. All of that is enjoyed for a few hours or a few days. A serenade is a moment: the person hears their name, sees the musicians, sings along with them and the scene fills with family and friends. That is what stays in everyone's memory and on everyone's phone.
It's also a gift that can be sent from a distance. If your mom, your partner or your best friend lives in another city, you don't need to be there: you choose the group from your home, pay online and coordinate the time with someone who is there. It's the same principle as sending flowers to someone's door, but with live music.
Step by step to send the serenade
- Choose the city and the genre. In the list of musicians there is mariachi, trio, norteño, banda, saxophone, violin and more.
- Compare rates. Each musician publishes their price and there is no exclusivity.
- Set the date and time. For birthdays, the night before or the afternoon of the day itself are common options.
- Write the full address, with landmarks and a contact phone number.
- Tell us who is having the birthday: name, age (if it can be mentioned) and favorite songs.
- Pay 100%. The money is held in escrow.
- Wait for confirmation. The Serenattia team confirms the availability of each booking.
- On the day of the event, scan the musician's QR before they play.
Which songs should you choose for a birthday?
The classic is "Las mañanitas," and almost every group plays it. After that, it depends on the birthday person. For a mom, an affectionate bolero or a sentimental ranchera; for a partner, a romantic ballad; for a friend, something everyone can sing. If the person has a favorite song, ask for it. And if it's a party with more guests, a mix of slow and lively songs keeps the energy up.
| Who is having the birthday | Suggested format and repertoire |
|---|---|
| Mom or dad | Mariachi or trio, songs of gratitude and remembrance |
| Partner | Trio or saxophone, boleros and ballads |
| Friend | Norteño or banda, songs to sing all together |
| Grandparents | Rondalla (string ensemble) or trio, classics from their era |
How much does it cost to send a birthday serenade?
The rate depends on the musician, the format and the city. As of October 2026, the lowest price published by musicians on Serenattia is MX$1,300 in Puebla, MX$1,500 in CDMX, MX$1,700 in Mérida, MX$1,800 in Cancún, MX$2,000 in Playa del Carmen, MX$2,200 in Toluca, MX$2,400 in Querétaro, MX$2,500 in Monterrey, MX$3,600 in Cuernavaca and MX$4,000 in Guadalajara (before the service fee). See more details in the Mexico music price index.
A 10% service fee is added with a minimum of MX$200. Example: a rate of MX$3,600 plus MX$360 fee, total MX$3,960. With a rate of MX$1,300 the fee would be MX$200 and the total MX$1,500. The musician receives 100% of their rate. If you need an invoice, the 16% IVA goes on top.
Tips to make the surprise go well
Coordinate with someone you trust who is at the house: have them keep their phone ready, open the door on time and seat the guests. If it's a total surprise, avoid having the person leave right beforehand. If you want the serenade to be at a gathering, tell the musicians how many people there will be so they can adjust the volume and positioning.
Lastly, book early. Weekends and special dates are the first to fill up. By booking ahead you have more options of genres and times. And remember to keep the musician's QR code at hand: scanning it before they play is what releases the payment and confirms that the service did take place.
How to send a birthday serenade to another city
If the birthday person lives far away, the process is the same, but you need a couple of extra details. Ask for the address with landmarks, the honoree's full name and a phone number for someone who will be there. Write in the notes who you are, what your relationship to the person is and what you want the musicians to say before starting. A short message, like "This is sent to you by your sister from far away," completely changes the effect.
It's also worth asking a relative to record a video of the serenade and send it to you right then. That way you take part even if you're not there, and you can call right afterward to congratulate in person. Many clients find that this combination (live music and a video call) solves distance better than any gift sent by parcel.
When to schedule the birthday serenade
There are three popular moments. The eve, at midnight or shortly before, has the classic charm of starting the day with music. The afternoon of the birthday works when the person will be at home with family. And the night, after dinner, is ideal for a small gathering. Choose the one that best fits the birthday person's routine and let the neighbors know if it will be late.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a serenade to another city?
Yes. Choose the city where the person will be, enter the address and the team confirms availability.
What happens if the person isn't home?
That's why it's important to coordinate with someone at the location. If there are changes, let the team know as soon as possible to adjust the booking.
When is the payment released?
It is released to the musician at the event, when you scan their QR code before they play. If they don't arrive, it isn't released.
Do they include "Las mañanitas"?
It's a very common song in the repertoires, but it's best to ask for it in the booking notes so the group has it ready.
Can I ask for an invoice?
Yes. The 16% IVA is added to the amount.