Las Mananitas is a traditional song performed in many Latin American countries. Some of the most popular versions were sung by Marachi and Pedro Infante. Apparently, Ricky Martin sung Las Mananitas at his gay wedding.
In Mexico, it is played or sung on birthdays, usually before eating the birthday cake, or on other significant holidays. It was formerly also used to serenade girls of marriageable age.
In Bolivia and some other countries, where mariachis serenaded girls in groups, they would generally perform the song at midnight. One wonders how pleased the neighbors are with such performances.
In Colombia, as well as in various other countries, the song is traditionally sung to girls on their 15th birthday. This may be in reference to the fact that they are now coming towards an age where a potential suitor may begin to woo them.
At mexican birthdays, traditionally only the first two verses of the lyrics are sung. There are, however, several verses. These are usually included in particular when performed by mariachis. These lyrics, and a translation into English, can be found at
Go Mexico. Taking a look at these lyrics will provide an understanding why anyone would want to use a birthday or holiday song to serenade a girl they may potentially wish to marry.
There are a whole host of videos showing performances of Las Mananitas on
YouTube. Watching them will give a better idea as to the overall feel of the song when played on the violin.
There are a variety of places where the sheet music for this song can be found. The most promising is
Free Scores, where a free download is possible. After that, it will then be a case of practice makes perfect, so no giving up, please.
