Cielito Lindo

Cielito Lindo

"Cielito lindo" is a popular Ranchera song from Mexico, written in 1882 by Quirino Mendoza y Cortés (c. 1859–1957). It is roughly translated as "Lovely Sweet One". Although the word "cielo" means sky or heaven, it is also a term of endearment comparable to sweetheart or honey. "Cielito", the diminutive, can be translated as "sweetie"; "lindo" means cute, lovely or pretty. Sometimes the song is known by words from the refrain, "Canta y no llores" or simply the "Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay" song.

Commonly played by mariachi bands, it has been recorded by many artists in the original Spanish as well as in English and other languages. In recent decades it has come to be widely known as a theme song for Mexicans, particularly at international events, like the FIFA World Cup.