The lyrics were written by Máximo Ramó Ortiz in 1853 after the death of his mother. The melody of the song is believed to have originated from Andalusia and it was rearranged by Zapotec musician Andres Gutierrez (Whose name is Ndre Sa’a in the Zapotec language).
Sandunga is a rarely used word in the Spanish language that can be translated in a variety of ways including gracefulness, elegance, charm, wit, and celebration. It is inspired by the Spanish jota style of music and also contains Native American and Mestizo elements. 'La Sandunga' (also spelled 'La Zandunga') is a traditional Mexican waltz and the unofficial anthem of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, in the state of Oaxaca. For the 1938 film, see La Zandunga (film). This article is about the traditional Mexican song.
