“What were your favorite children’s shows when you were my age” my eight-year-old asked me a few weeks ago. That simple question brought me back fun memories filled with tall boots, cones and colorful headbands.

In the early 90’s, there were talented artists singing for a generation of children in Latin America. They had their own television shows that were aired on public channels during the weekends or specific times during the week. Check out some of the most popular children’s shows that kids in Latin America grew up with.

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Xuxa

If you grew up in Latin America in the early 90s, you know exactly who Xuxa is. She was known as “La Reina de los Bajitos” (The Queen of the Shorties.) It was every little girl’s dream to see one of her shows but tickets were so hard to get. Xuxa’s children’s songs were catchy, positive and I remember how happy they made me feel about life. Here I share a few of my favorite ones:

Arco Iris

“Pintaré un arco iris de energía. Por dejar el mundo lleno de alegría. Si está feo o dividido. Va a quedar tan colorido. Lo que vale en esta vida es ser feliz ”

Todo El Mundo Está Feliz

“Todo el mundo está feliz. Muy feliz. Y no deja de bailar…. ”

Hoy Es Día de Alegría

“Hoy es día de alegría. Mi corazón quiere invitarte a ti a bailar la vida entera….”

NUBELUZ

Nubeluz was a Peruvian television show aired in many Latin American countries. The show was famous for the “Nubeluz cone,” the major prize for the winner of the games. We all dreamed with those cones and always wondered what they contained inside! Nubeluz songs were my favorite part of the show. They had positive messages about nature, health and the joy of life.

Yo Quiero Ser

Yo quiero ser astronauta. Y a las estrellas llegar, y a las estrellas llegar. Yo quiero ser almirante Los siete mares surcar, los siete mares surcar. Yo quiero ser ingeniero. Y lindas casas hacer, y lindas casas hacer. Yo quiero ser jardinero. Y hacer la paz florecer, y hacer la paz florecer.”

La Naturaleza

“La naturaleza tiene maravillas que te las ofrece con amor. Ésta es nuestra casa, si la cuidas vivirás mejor…”

Topo Gigio

I was not a fan of the television show but the songs were so fun that I’d watch it. Topo Gigio aired in Argentina and reached many homes in Latin America. Listen below to a few of the popular songs.

A la Camita

“Hasta mañana, si Dios quiere, que descansen bien. Llegó la hora de acostarse
y soñar también porque mañana será otro día, hay que vivirlo con alegría.”

Los Abuelitos

“Los abuelitos son los papas de mis papitos, nos quieren como a sus hijitos pero nos consienten mas”

Quiero Ser Como Mi Papá

“Yo quiero ser como mi papá, me haré un bigote con la crema de rasurar, su corbata y sus zapatos me pondré, si si y me iré como él a trabajar”

El Chavo del Ocho

If you grew up with a Latino family, it is very likely that you are familiar with “El Chavo del Ocho,” a Mexican television sitcon that reached enormous popularity in Latin America for more than 30 years. My kids are not fans of the show, but they love the songs.

Qué Bonita Vecindad

“Qué bonita vecindad es la vecindad del Chavo…”

Cri Cri

“Ayer, soñé con un desfile militar, y vi, a las cinco vocales desfilar, y atrás, hormigas con paraguas, alzando las enaguas, para poder saltar…”

El Show de Yuly

All right. All right. El Show de Yuly was only famous in Ecuador, but some of the songs were SO good that I had to share. In fact, I always sing “El Abecedario” song to my kids when they are learning their letters. It is such a good song! Plus, I still think that wearing colorful headbands like Yuly is super cool! 😉