Skip to Content
Music

Listen to the Next Essential Cumbia Christmas Rola From Chicano Batman’s É. Arenas

"I hate Christmas music, so I decided to make my own," Arenas tells L.A. TACO. "The song is rooted in Bronco, dipped in Twin Peaks, and finding yourself lost and found on Christmas morning in a 3 A.M. warehouse dance party."

You've seen Home Alone and reveled in your nostalgic yuletide G-spot as "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee played in the background.

You've sipped on ponche con piquete with family and friends while "Burrito Sabanero" blasted in the background. Maybe you've even unconciously bobbed your head to Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" while waiting in line with your cart full of bargain buys at T.J. Maxx.

What now?

You can shake off your good ol' two-step and listen to É. Arenas' new Christmas cumbia banger, "Tuki Tuki." That's what.

Arenas, a founding member of Chicano Batman, has steadily been growing his solo project portfolio, quietly composing the cumbia-esque music to podcasts like this one. Now, he has just the cumbia track we all need to shake off our holiday rust.

"I hate Christmas music, so I decided to make my own," Arenas tells L.A. TACO.

"This single follows my summer single release, 'Takis,' and builds on the grotesque, fun, big bounce, [and] dramatic personality of my latest cumbias," he says about his inspiration for the song.

Arenas has been dropping a new cumbia every Christmas for the last seven years, but for the first time, he features other vocalists, including Austin Ford (Big Fun), Lilo Sanchez (Señor Loop), and Angélica Garcia.

"The song is rooted in Bronco, dipped in Twin Peaks, and finding yourself lost and found on Christmas morning in a 3 A.M. warehouse dance party," he says.

Listen to the full single as we enter the peak Christmas season in Los Ángelestitlán below.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

Public Outcry Sparks Over California City Officials’ Approvals of Immigration Detention Center

California City Chair David Brottlund told one attendee to “shut their mouth.” He issued warnings throughout the meeting that he could have individuals removed from the chambers.

Raised On Highland Park’s Legendary Mariscos Truck, This Street Omelet Chef Is Striving For His Dream Restaurant

Phillip Cejudo grew up serving tostadas at El Mar Azul, and currently oversees his own Venice breakfast street stand by a truck he calls home. His hope is to open Rosie's Canteen in a vintage Airstream and bring wholesome food back to the community that raised him.

July 8, 2026

The Best New Breakfast Sandwich in L.A. Is Hiding In La Mirada

At the center of it all? An all-beef longanisa patty, made entirely from scratch by Filipino-American chef Anthony Evan.

July 7, 2026

Venezuela’s Earthquake Victims Are Hurting. This Is How Angelenos Can Help

Continue supporting Venezuela's earthquake victims with L.A. TACO's list of donation requests, drop-off locations, and charities.

July 7, 2026

‘Mr. B Baby’ Is Painting Wings of Resistance and Representation on East L.A. Streets Against AI Art

"I essentially feel like the communities that I paint in have some sort of ownership towards the murals that I'm creating," says the City Terrace-based artist. "And I really like creating artwork that is accessible, much different than a gallery piece.”

July 7, 2026