Camila Cabello
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

In popular slang, there's a phrase made famous by Costa Rican singer Chavela Vargas, who, despite being born in Central America, felt more Mexican than many and expressed it with her saying: "Mexicans are born wherever we want." While she wasn't the only one to think this way, she was the first to say it out loud and with all her heart.

The new Chavela Vargas of our time, with all due proportion, could be Cuban singer Camila Cabello. Time and again, she puts her father's homeland above the United States and even Cuba, the island where she was born, demonstrating how proud she is of being 50% Mexican and even a bit of a chilanga.

The term chilango is a beloved Mexican colloquialism used to describe people from Mexico City. Although Camila Cabello spent only her early years in the Mexican capital, her deep connection to Mexican culture is evident. Her flawless Spanish and strong ties to Mexico highlight how fitting it is that Mexicans can truly be born where they choose.

Here's how Camila Cabello embodies her Mexican heritage:

  • Prefers Tacos Over Cuban Cuisine Cuban cuisine is undeniably delicious, but for Camila Cabello, Mexican tacos are unbeatable. While Cuban food certainly has its charm, Cabello's preference for tacos underscores her love for Mexican culinary traditions.
  • Traveling to Mexico Feeds Her Soul Despite her globetrotting lifestyle, Camila finds a unique rejuvenation in Mexico. She has shared that spending time in the country, with its warm people and vibrant culture, deeply recharges her. "Being in Mexico really recharges my soul," she revealed in an interview with Tanya Charry for 'El Gordo y La Flaca'.
  • Doesn't Hide Her Strong Attachment to Mexico Even though she has spent most of her life in the United States, Camila hasn't forgotten the good years she spent in Mexico. After a show in Mexico, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude and connection to the country. "Mexico, without you I would not exist. I carry you with me in my heart. No matter where I am. Nothing gives me more energy than moments like yesterday," she wrote on August 25, 2024.

  • Eager to Collaborate with Peso Pluma Despite her impressive career, Camila Cabello is keen to work with Mexican artist Peso Pluma. She has expressed admiration for him and dreams of a collaboration that could blend their talents. As Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández famously said, "Let's imagine things chin...," meaning let's dream big!
  • Dreams of Meeting Luis Miguel Despite Luis Miguel's complex origins-some say Puerto Rican, others Mexican-his artistic roots are deeply embedded in Mexico. Cabello, who grew up listening to Luis Miguel's music thanks to her father, dreams of meeting him and honoring his legacy. "I know every melody of every Luis Miguel song," she said, recalling her excitement at seeing him perform live in Miami.

  • Wants to Sing with Mariachi Camila Cabello's admiration for Mexican culture extends to her musical aspirations. She has expressed a desire to record a mariachi song with Luis Miguel, showcasing her affection for Mexico and its musical heritage. "I would love to do a duet with Luis Miguel... a mariachi song with Luis Miguel," she enthused.
  • Celebrates Día de los Muertos Día de los Muertos is a significant Mexican celebration, and Camila Cabello has participated in the festivities. She celebrated this tradition in 2021 with Shawn Mendes, demonstrating her appreciation for Mexican customs.

  • Also Celebrates Mexican Independence Day Camila's pride in her Mexican heritage is evident from how she celebrated Mexican Independence Day in 2022. Her enthusiastic post, "Proud to be Mexican. Viva Mexico, cabr...," complete with emojis of the Aztec flag, showed her deep connection to Mexico.

Camila Cabello, with her Cuban roots and Mexican connections, embodies a unique blend of cultures. Her pride in her Mexican heritage and her efforts to honor it make her a remarkable figure who bridges worlds with her music and personal passion.