El Burrito de Belén is a beloved Latin-American Christmas song that Juanes re-energizes with his warm Colombian vibe. The lyrics paint a charming picture: a young traveler rides his burrito sabanero (little savanna donkey) along starlit paths toward Bethlehem to greet baby Jesus. With every clip-clop step, the dawn star (lucerito mañanero) lights the way, and the boy’s small cuatro guitar keeps the journey lively.
What makes this carol unforgettable is its catchy onomatopoeia—“tuki tuki tuki” mimics the donkey’s trot and turns the road trip into an irresistible sing-along. The repeated lines “Si me ven, voy camino de Belén” (“If they see me, I’m on my way to Bethlehem”) invite everyone to join the adventure, celebrating faith, innocence, and holiday joy all at once. By the end, you can almost feel the morning breeze, hear the strumming strings, and picture a determined child urging his trusty donkey, “¡Apúrate!”—hurry up, because Christmas wonder is just around the corner.
Juanes, born Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez on August 9, 1972, in Medellín, Colombia, is a celebrated Colombian musician and singer known for blending rock with Latin pop and traditional Colombian rhythms. Beginning his career in 1988 with the rock band Ekhymosis, Juanes launched a highly successful solo career in 2000 with his debut album Fíjate Bien, which earned him three Latin Grammy Awards.
Over the years, Juanes has sold over 15 million records worldwide and won 26 Latin Grammy Awards along with three Grammy Awards, establishing him as one of the best-selling Latin music artists. His international hit "La Camisa Negra" from the album Mi Sangre is widely recognized. Beyond music, Juanes is also noted for his humanitarian efforts, especially aiding Colombian victims of anti-personnel mines through his foundation, Fundación Mi Sangre.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Juanes continues to create impactful music that resonates with audiences around the world while promoting peace and social change.