"Cielito Lindo" is a Mexican folk song or copla popularized in 1882 by Mexican author Quirino Mendoza y Cortés. It is roughly translated as "Lovely Sweet One". Although the word cielo means "sky" or "heaven", it is also a term of endearment comparable to "sweetheart" or "honey". Cielito, the diminutive, can be translated as "sweetie"; lindo means "cute", "lovely" or "pretty". The song is commonly known by words from the refrain, "Canta y no llores", or simply as the "Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay song".
Bust of composer Quirino Mendoza y Cortés with a plaque showing measures of the song and lyrics
Vicente Fernández Gómez was a Mexican ranchera singer, actor and film producer. Nicknamed "Chente", "El Charro de Huentitán", "El Ídolo de México", and "El Rey de la Música Ranchera", Fernández started his career as a busker, and went on to become a cultural icon, having recorded more than 100 albums and contributing to more than 30 films. His repertoire consisted of rancheras and other Mexican classics such as waltzes.
Fernández at Pepsi Center in 2011
Image: Firma de Vicente Fernandez
Fernández, c. 2008
Fernández performing at Estadio Azteca in Un Azteca En El Azteca retirement show in 2013