The Festival AXE Ceremonia in Mexico City was abruptly canceled on April 6, 2025, following a tragic incident during its first day, where a structure collapsed, resulting in the deaths of two photographers. This unfortunate event led to a wave of concern and mourning within the community, prompting organizers to cancel the second day of the festival, which was set to feature performances from notable artists including Tyler, The Creator.
In response to the cancellation, Ticketmaster announced that it would begin processing refunds for tickets purchased for the event. According to a statement released on their social media accounts, the company assured customers that they would receive a full refund, including any service charges incurred during the purchase. Refunds are expected to be processed within 30 days of the event's cancellation.
Ticketmaster stated, "The refund will be carried out for the nominal value of the ticket plus service and shipping charges during the 30 days following the event's cancellation. Additionally, the instructions established by banking institutions for purchases made with credit cards will apply." This means that for those who bought tickets online, refunds will be automatically processed without requiring any further action from the buyer. However, for those who purchased tickets at the box office, a refund request must be made at the same location within the 30-day window.
Refunds for the Festival AXE Ceremonia will officially begin on April 9, 2025. This timeline has raised questions and concerns among festival-goers, particularly those who were eagerly anticipating the second day of performances.
The situation has drawn attention from the Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (Profeco), Mexico's consumer protection agency. Profeco highlighted that consumers are entitled to a partial refund for the unprovided service, specifically mentioning that attendees could request the return of their tickets for the canceled day. Furthermore, due to the circumstances being attributable to the festival's promoter, affected individuals will receive a bonus of no less than 20% on top of their refunds.
Profeco stated, "Consumers have the right to request a partial refund for the service not rendered, meaning the return of today's ticket. Additionally, since the reasons for cancellation are attributable to the promoter, they will receive a bonus of no less than 20%." This measure aims to provide some relief to those who suffered financial losses due to the event's abrupt end.
The loss of life and the subsequent cancellation of the festival have sparked discussions about safety regulations at large events. Many attendees expressed their grief and frustration on social media, urging for better safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The incident has also prompted calls for accountability from the festival organizers and local authorities.
As the community mourns the loss of two talented photographers, many are also reflecting on the importance of safety at public events. The festival's cancellation has left a void for both fans and artists alike, who were looking forward to a weekend filled with music and celebration.
In the wake of this tragedy, discussions about the responsibilities of event organizers and the implementation of stricter safety protocols are more crucial than ever. The festival-goers who were affected by this incident will have to navigate the refund process while dealing with the emotional impact of the day's events.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the festival organizers will address the concerns raised by attendees and what measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of future events. For now, the focus is on providing support to those affected and ensuring that refunds are processed efficiently.
The tragic events of April 6, 2025, serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of large gatherings and the importance of prioritizing safety above all else. The community continues to come together in solidarity, honoring the memories of those lost while advocating for change.
