For a serenata (serenade) in Argentina, boleros, rancheras, romantic ballads, folklore and tango all work, depending on who receives it. The key is not the longest list but three or four songs with a story. Here are ideas by genre and how to order them so the surprise feels like your own.
Which genres are used for a serenade in Argentina?
The classic serenade arrived hand in hand with the bolero and Latin American romantic song, and today it mixes with the local repertoire. In Argentina the range is wide: some want mariachi, with rancheras and boleros; others prefer a romantic trio with guitars; and others ask for folklore (zamba, chacarera, chamamé) or tango, genres born in this country.
A tour of the classics of Argentine genres published by the country's official tourism portal reminds us precisely that each region built its own version of folklore, from chamamé in the Litoral to zamba in the northwest. Choosing the genre according to the person's origin is a refined way to get it right.
A simple criterion for deciding: if the serenade is for a couple, think about the voice and the lyrics; if it is for the family, think about songs that everyone knows. A song nobody knows how to sing turns the guests into spectators.
Add a song from the soundtrack of the couple's or the family's story: the theme of a trip, of a movie, of an era. It does not need to be a classic to move people.
Which classic songs work for almost any serenade?
Some titles that cross borders and that almost any group knows: Bésame mucho, Sabor a mí, Contigo aprendí, Perfidia, Sabes una cosa and Quizás, quizás, quizás. In the realm of rancheras, Cielito lindo and El rey set a party mood. For birthdays, nothing replaces the traditional birthday song, which everyone sings together.
A practical warning: before confirming, ask the group for the list of what they have in their repertoire. Not all of them play every song, and it is better to know in advance.
If the person is from another generation, add a song from their youth. Boleros from the forties and fifties work very well with grandparents, and eighties ballads with parents.
How do I choose according to the occasion?
- Couple or anniversary: boleros and slow ballads, few songs and a dedication.
- Birthday: a cheerful opening song, the birthday person's favorite and the final happy birthday sung by everyone.
- Mother's Day: songs with memories, such as the one that played at her wedding, and one to sing as a family.
- Apology: a sincere, short song; less is more.
- Big party: rancheras and danceable songs so everyone joins in.
How do I order the repertoire so it moves people?
Think of it in three beats: an opening that announces the surprise, a central moment with the most emotional song and a close for everyone to sing. With three or four songs you already have a complete serenade; adding more only makes sense if the budget and time allow it.
Send the list in writing ahead of time and say if there is any song that must be included no matter what. If the group does not have it, it is better to replace it by mutual agreement than to improvise in front of the guests.
One last idea: ask the group to introduce each song with a short phrase, like "this one is for you from your children." That small detail changes the mood of the whole serenade.
Are there Serenattia musicians in Argentina today?
Not yet. Serenattia is a marketplace that was born in Mexico and is arriving in Argentina: today it has no musicians published in Argentina, and we prefer to tell you straight. If you want us to let you know when there are some, leave your details from the musicians page with the option "Notify me when there are musicians in Argentina."
Are you a musician in Argentina? Publish your profile for free: you put your price in plain sight, with no exclusivity, and you receive 100% of your rate.
In the meantime, if you hire on your own, these checks work for any group. A good group is not offended by these questions, and one that does not want to answer them is already giving you information. Keep screenshots of the conversation until the event is over.
- Total price and what it includes, in writing.
- Number of musicians and minutes of music.
- Travel, sound and deposit clarified beforehand.
- What happens if it has to be canceled or rescheduled.
- A name and a contact phone for the day of the event.
So you know what to expect, this is how it works today in Mexico: the client pays 100% when booking, the money stays in escrow and is released to the musician at the event, when the client scans the musician's QR code before they play. If the musician does not show up, the payment is not released. You can see how we publish prices there, in Mexican pesos and with no possible comparison to Argentina, in the index of prices in Mexico.
Frequently asked questions
Which songs are sung at a serenade?
Boleros, rancheras, romantic ballads and, depending on the group, folklore or tango. It is best if at least one is meaningful to whoever receives the serenade.
How many songs does a serenade include?
It depends on what you hire. A short serenade runs about 15 minutes; ask that the quote state the minutes and the approximate number of songs.
Can I choose the songs?
Yes, and it pays to. Send the list ahead of time and ask whether the group has each song in its repertoire.
Can I ask for folklore or tango at a serenade?
You can, but you need musicians of that genre. A mariachi group plays Mexican music, so ask before hiring.
Are there Serenattia musicians in Argentina?
Not yet. Serenattia was born in Mexico and is arriving; you can leave your details so we let you know.