Salsa is an uptempo style of fiesta music that was originally rooted in Havana. Salsa became popular when it was brought to New York by Puerto Rican immigrants, with large Salsa ensembles appearing in dance halls around New York City. Salsa bands consist of horn sections, a tight rhythm section with a bass and guitar and a percussion section made up of timbales, bongos and congas.
Tejano music is a style of fiesta music that was invented and performed by Mexicans living in Texas. The sound is made up of accordions, guitars and vocals and is slower in tempo then Salsa music. Mariachi is Mexican folk music that is more uptempo then Tejano. Mariachi bands are made up of various instruments such as violins, trumpets and guitars. Both of these styles of music can be found at fiestas.
Fiesta music also encompasses pop music that is performed by Latin artists and incorporates the Latin sound into American pop music. Artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera and Christina Milian all incorporate Latin influences into their individual styles of pop music.
Live bands bring vibrant energetic energy to the dance floor at a fiesta even if it's a small ensemble performing a mix of traditional Latin music and pop tunes. Another option that may be more economical is to have a D.J. provide the music for the party. A talented D.J. reads the mood of the room as he spins records or plays MP3s and mixes well-known Latin tunes along with Latin influenced pop and hip-hop songs.