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“El Año Viejo” is a festive cumbia that turns saying goodbye to the old year into a joyful shout of gratitude. Instead of focusing on resolutions or regrets, Tony Camargo lists the unexpected “gifts” the year left him: a goat, a black donkey, a white mare, and - surprisingly wholesome - a good mother-in-law. These quirky images paint a picture of simple, down-to-earth blessings that make life rich, reminding listeners to treasure whatever fortunes, big or small, came their way.
Wrapped in catchy calls to dance and playful interjections, the song’s message is clear: celebrate what you have and step into the new year with a grateful heart and moving feet. Its upbeat rhythm invites everyone onto the dance floor while the lyrics invite them to smile at life’s surprises. By the end, you can almost feel the confetti of gratitude filling the air, proving that a thankful groove is the best way to welcome whatever comes next.
Tony Camargo was a Mexican singer from Guadalajara, born on June 1, 1926, and later based in Mérida, where he died in 2020.
He is best known for his early-1950s recording of El Año Viejo, a festive standard across Latin America each New Year.
With a warm, versatile voice, Camargo moved comfortably through tropical styles, bolero, and cumbia, often performing with leading dance orchestras such as Chucho Rodríguez’s.
His career began in the 1940s and spanned radio, television, film, extensive touring, and many recordings, cementing his status as a seasonal favorite for December celebrations.