On March 16, 2025, the 25th edition of Vive Latino showcased the renowned Mexican band Caifanes transforming their concert at the Estadio GNP Seguros, turning it not onlyinto a musical event but also a powerful protest against domestic violence and femicides. The lead singer, Saúl Hernández, issued a passionate appeal, asserting the urgent need to end gender violence and demand accountability for the rising femicide rates across Mexico.
During their performance, Hernández stated, "We will keep denouncing the situation at all times. It’s tough, folks. Femicides continue to occur, and we need to applaud the women who have made history in this country. We need more men and fewer 'machos.'" His words echoed the grim statistics revealed by the most recent reports detailing 54 femicides reported as of January 31, 2025, and 839 throughout the previous year. The states marked with the highest incidences included the State of Mexico, with seven reported cases, followed by Puebla, Morelos, Tamaulipas, and Chihuahua.
Besides addressing this pressing social issue, Caifanes leveraged their platform to express their support for those affected by mass deportations carried out under the Biden administration. Hernández fumed, "No human being is illegal," welcoming migrants back to Mexico and urging them to return, stating, "This is your home, don’t leave, we need you, come back, we want you here. Together we will grow."
The event highlighted Caifanes’ rich musical legacy as they performed classics such as “Nubes” and “Los dioses ocultos” to raucous applause from the crowd. They also unveiled their new track “Y caíste,” which they explained delves deep within the struggles of violence and its impact on individuals.
With rhythms flowing through the air, the festival's energy wasn't solely about Caifanes. The second day of Vive Latino, held on March 16, attracted over 80,000 attendees. Notable performers scheduled for the day included Astropical, Aterciopelados, Mon Laferte, and the highly-anticipated group, Zoé, all performing on one of the five vibrant stages across the venue.
The festival is known for not only its stellar musical acts but also its emphasis on inclusion and diverse entertainment offerings. This year there are also areas dedicated to comedy and wrestling. The overall lineup reflects not only established names but also up-and-coming Mexican artists as well.
Streaming the event live via Amazon Prime, viewers were treated to back-to-back performances starting at 1:30 pm and concluding with the closing act, Víctimas del Dr. Cerebro, slated to end at 1:55 am on March 17.
Scorpions kicked off the celebratory weekend with their first performance at the festival since 2020. They opened their set with “Coming Home” to raucous cheers and continued with hits like “Wind of Change,” leaving the audience chanting their name. Klaus Meine, the frontman, exclaimed, “Hello, Mexico! We’re so happy to be here. It’s been three years, and this is one of the most amazing places on earth.”
Other standout performances included the heartfelt homage paid to Pau Donés, the founder of Jarabe de Palo, who passed five years prior. The band performed “El bosque de las manzanas,” and lead singer, Ernest Armengol, expressed gratitude to the Mexican audience, saying, “You have made our music part of your lives.”
Vive Latino held its ground as one of the leading festivals, celebrating the confluence of iconic talent and social activism. It not only serves as a platform for musical expression but conveys pertinent social messages pertinent to the Mexican populace.
The festival's environment packed with food areas, medical services, and spaces for hydration, made it accessible and ensured attendees' comfort throughout the day. The utilization of diverse stages meant festival-goers never ran out of entertainment options. From rock to cumbia, the expansive lineup ensured something for everyone.
Artists continued to bring their best throughout the day, with Caloncho serenading as the sun set, much to the delight of attendees who reveled under the sweeping skies. The festival brought bands from various genres and backgrounds to set the tone for collective enjoyment and discussion around serious subjects.
Overall, Vive Latino remains more than just music; it's emblematic of resilience, unity, and the commitment to making significant changes within society through art.