El Burrito de Belén

Biography

El Burrito de Belén "El Burrito Sabanero" ('The Little Donkey from the Savannah'), or rarely "El Burrito de Belén" ('The Little Donkey from Bethlehem') is an aguinaldo from Venezuela. It was written by Hugo Blanco for the 1972 Christmas season. The song was first recorded by the Venezuelan folk singer Simón Díaz, included on his record, Las Gaitas de Simon where he was accompanied by the Venezuelan Children's Choir. Later, the children's musical group La Rondallita recorded the song in November 1972. This version gained popularity in Latin America. It has since been recorded many times by popular artists. Nearly 50 years later, "El Burrito de Belén" remains a yuletide favorite, cherished in Latin communities worldwide — and beyond, into the Anglo market of the United States. Billboard magazine included the tune...

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