You can add the name of the person or their relationship to you if you feel so inclined. For example, if you were wishing happy birthday to your mother, you might say “¡Feliz cumpleaños, mi madre!” If you want to say “happy birthday” in a more informal way to a friend, you can also say “feliz cumple” (fay-LEEZ KOOM-play). [3] X Research source

For example, if you were attending a friend’s birthday party, you might say “feliz cumpleaños” when you arrived, then say “felicidades” as you were leaving. You can also say “felicidades en tu día,” which means “congratulations on your day. "

A literal translation of the phrase would be “that you complete many more. " Pronounce it “kay KOOM-plahs MOO-chohs mahs. "

The lyrics for the basic Latin American birthday song are: “¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti! ¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti! Feliz cumpleaños querido/a (name), feliz cumpleaños a ti. Ya queremos pastel, Ya queremos pastel, aunque sea un pedacito, pero queremos pastel. " In Spain, on the other hand, you would sing “Cumpleaños feliz, cumpleaños feliz, te deseamos todos, cumpleaños feliz. "

If you’re a friend at one of these parties, expect the family to be warm, loving, and inviting. Especially in Spain, you may find yourself hugging a lot of people you don’t know.

Part of the church service is the “misa de acción de gracias,” through which the girl gives thanks for completing childhood. The “festejada” (birthday girl) traditionally receives gifts from her family, including tiaras and jewelry. The party typically includes an elaborate banquet of food, followed by music and dancing that can last into the wee hours.

For example, if the person celebrating their birthday is a huge fútbol fan, you could expect the “tres leches” cake to be iced to look like a fútbol pitch, complete with tiny players and fans in the grandstands cheering on their teams.

The donkey-shaped piñata typically sold in the US and Europe is rarely seen in Latin American countries. The piñata may have a shape that reflects the theme of the “tres leches” cake. While partygoers attempt to hit the piñata, the others sing the traditional piñata song, which starts “Dale, dale, dale. " The song encourages the person to have good aim and hit the piñata so it bursts for everyone’s enjoyment, raining down the sweets they crave.

The word “mordida” means “bite. " In this context, the chant from the party guests encourages the birthday celebrant to take the first bite of their birthday cake.

If you don’t feel right going to a birthday party without a present, consider a gift such as a calendar, a mug, or a nice ink pen.