Every December, the Venezuelan Christmas carol ‘Mi Burrito Sabanero’ brings joy to homes throughout Latin America, Spain, and the U.S. This beloved song, composed by Hugo Blanco and first popularized by Ricardo Cuenci when he was just eight years old, continues to resonate with audiences decades later. Yet, the story behind this iconic piece of holiday music reveals surprising and unfortunate truths.
Cuenci recorded the song with the Venezuelan children’s choir, La Rondallita, almost 50 years ago. Though now shared by artists like David Bisbal, Simón Díaz, and Juanes, Cuenci's original version remains unmatched. Yet, with its widespread fame, Cuenci has come forward to disclose a shocking reality: he was never compensated for his performance.
“One as a child never knew anything about money or payments... We were never paid even half a bolívar, neither me nor my companions from La Rondallita,” Cuenci shared during an interview with the BBC. His heartfelt confession has sparked discussions about the treatment of child artists within the music industry and the lack of compensation they often face.
‘Mi Burrito Sabanero’ has become synonymous with Christmas celebrations across Latin America, filling the air with its cheerful melody and storytelling essence. The song tells the story of traveling to Bethlehem with the titular 'burrito' (donkey), and its catchy chorus, “Con mi burrito sabanero, voy camino de Belén,” evokes nostalgia for many.
Despite the enduring popularity of the song, Cuenci's path was marred by disappointment. His father once turned down an opportunity for him to join Menudo, the Puerto Rican boy band famed across Latin America, which Cuenci reflects could have dramatically altered his future: “Maybe my dad lacked some spark. He didn’t let me join, and I was left feeling ‘mérmole’... with Menudo!”
This series of missed opportunities added to Cuenci’s frustrations, leading him to distance himself from 'El Burrito Sabanero' and La Rondallita. “I didn’t want to know anything more about the Burro de Belén, or La Rondallita, or anything like it. I dedicated myself to my family and my own matters,” he remarked.
Nonetheless, music remained part of Cuenci’s life. He pursued his passion, engaging with it on his terms as he gained experience and knowledge over the years. Even today, he maintains connections with his former choir colleagues and is contemplating releasing new music, including a piece featuring his granddaughter, which will be available on YouTube this December 24th.
Cuenci’s perspective on his involvement with ‘Mi Burrito Sabanero’ reflects recognition of the simple joy it has brought to millions. He expresses gratitude for the happiness the song has generated globally, stating: “May every child in the world hear this song and be filled with joy; it fills me immensely.”
His story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing contributions made by artists, particularly children. Despite the glamour associated with success, it is imperative to acknowledge the realities and potential pitfalls within the entertainment industry.
This year, ‘Mi Burrito Sabanero’ experienced renewed popularity after Spanish singer David Bisbal performed it live, propelling the song to viral status on social media platforms, especially TikTok, and rekindling nostalgia among fans. The resurgence acts as both a celebration of the carol’s enduring appeal and as a point of reflection on the origins of its legacy.
Overall, the narrative of Ricardo Cuenci and 'El Burrito Sabanero' embodies more than just musical achievement; it stresses the significance of fair compensation and recognition for artists at every stage, especially children, whose contributions must not go overlooked.
