Birthday song

Birthday cake

The birthday song is a popular song that is often sung at a birthday party for the person celebrating the anniversary of their birth. It is normally recited when all attendees are in front of the birthday cake and before the party blows out the candles.

Origin

There are several songs. Normally each culture has a different song, however one of the most popular internationally is "Happy Birthday", which is an adaptation of the original English version "Happy Birthday to you" which has been translated into multiple languages. This translated version coexists alongside the traditional tune.

By region

Other well-known songs in the Spanish-speaking world are «Feliz, feliz en tu día», by Los payasos de tele and «Cumpleaños feliz» by Parchís.

In Mexico, "Las mañanitas" is sung to the celebrants, which is the most popular song, usually in a mariachi arrangement, although there are even pop versions, like the one by the singer Tatiana.

The song used in Russia is «The Guena Crocodile Song», which is a melody taken from an animated series from Soviet times.

In Norway the traditional song is called "Hurra for deg" (Hurray for you) and includes mime instructions that all guests must perform simultaneously while singing.

In Venezuela, the traditional song is called "Ay, que noche tan preciosa." It is loaded with very good wishes towards the birthday boy.