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"Cinco Pa' Las 12" transforms the final five minutes of the year into a heart-warming race home. While church bells echo through the streets announcing that the old year is slipping away and the new one is knocking, Néstor Zavarce paints a vivid picture of Venezuelan New Year’s Eve customs. Instead of staying at a lively party, the singer bolts through the night to reach the person who matters most - his mother. The song celebrates the urgency of family affection, the excitement of fresh beginnings, and the bittersweet nostalgia of letting go of what has passed.
At its core, the track is a love letter to tradition and maternal warmth. Every chiming bell, every whispered countdown, and every hurried footstep reminds listeners that true celebration is not complete without sharing it with loved ones. By spotlighting a “linda viejecita” waiting at home, Zavarce reminds us that the simplest gestures - a midnight hug, a shared smile, a whispered “Happy New Year!” - carry more joy than any grand party. The song has become a Venezuelan classic that urges everyone to pause, dash home, and greet the new year wrapped in the comfort of family.
Néstor Zavarce was a Venezuelan singer and actor from Jadacaquiva, Falcón, born on April 9, 1936. He began as a celebrated child actor before moving into music and television in Caracas.
He’s best known for “Faltan cinco pa’ las doce,” a New Year’s staple across the Spanish-speaking world, and remains a seasonal favorite decades later. He also recorded hits like “El Pájaro Chogüí,” appeared in film productions, and hosted variety programs on Venezuelan TV. Zavarce died in Caracas on August 27, 2010.