The 25th anniversary of the Vive Latino festival was celebrated on March 15 and 16, 2025, attracting around 80,000 attendees to the GNP Seguros stadium, bringing together fans of various generations under the vibrant spirit of music and cultural exchange.
With renowned artists such as Caifanes, Scorpions, Los Ángeles Azules, and Molotov headlining, the festival blended rock and cumbia beats to create electrifying performances. Caifanes made headlines not just for their music; they included poignant commentary on significant social issues, such as femicide and migration, making their performance one of the most talked-about of the festival. Lead singer Saúl Hernández commented, "We will continue to speak out against it," underscoring the band's commitment to social issues as they performed their hits, including "Y Caíste" and "Afuera." This social awareness was heightened during International Women’s Month, with the band using the stage to promote the feminist cause.
Los Ángeles Azules, who made their awaited comeback after 12 years, energized the audience with their infectious cumbia rhythms. They were joined by notable artists like Natalia Lafourcade and Belinda, exciting fans with collaborative performances of classics such as "El Listón de Tu Pelo." "Welcome. This is cumbia!" exclaimed the band during their set, catalyzing waves of dancing throughout the venue.
Another significant moment came from Molotov, whose guitarist Tito Fuentes surprised fans by joining the group during their 30th-anniversary celebration performance. "He did come. This was the surprise," said bassist Paco Ayala, addressing the eager crowd. The band also took the opportunity to express solidarity with immigrant communities, dedicatively performing their empowering song "Frijolero."
On the opening day, Saturday, March 15, 2025, music lovers reveled as the festival featured diverse acts across multiple stages. Emerging artist Macario Martínez captured hearts with his folk melodies, bringing thousands to the Intolerante Tent to witness his remarkable debut. Having transitioned from street sweeper to TikTok sensation, he performed his viral hit "Sueña Bonito, Corazón" and also shared the stage with established band Little Jesus.
Café Tacvba's keyboardist, Emmanuel “Meme” del Real, showcased his solo repertoire, delighting long-time fans with both new songs and Café Tacvba classics like "Eres" and "Princesa." Meanwhile, Scorpions fulfilled promises to their dedicated Mexican audience following last year’s cancellation, marking their emotional return to the festival.
The second day of the festival promised even more excitement, with performances lined up from artists like Zoé, Mon Laferte, Aterciopelados, Sepultura, Keane, and Rüfüs Du Sol. Every performance was streamed live for music fans unable to attend, thanks to Amazon Music's partnership with the festival.
The festival's impact stretched beyond just entertainment. It provided a much-needed platform for musicians to voice socio-political issues attendees may face. Caifanes’ acknowledgment of the femicide crisis underscored the prevalence of violence against women, with statistics highlighting 10 women murdered daily, as stated by UN Women. The band stressed the importance of supporting women's rights and feminist causes, demanding change through their lyrics and stage presence.
Celebrated for its role as Mexico's premier musical festival, Vive Latino has evolved significantly over the last 25 years since its inception in 1998. Today, it stands as not only one of the longest-running festivals but also one of the most diverse, showcasing artists from all genres. Both Zoé and Babasónicos emerged as the festival’s most frequent performers, each making ten appearances since their debut.
This year, festival attendees were treated to the nostalgia of yesteryears combined with contemporary acts capable of mesmerizing even the youngest of audiences. Those unable to attend were not shy about voicing their regret on social media platforms, creating an engaging online space filled with memes celebrating the event's success.
Beyond music, Vive Latino serves as an annual celebration where generations unite, creating connections over shared musical memories and social consciousness. The festival showcased its commitment to inclusion, ensuring all voices and backgrounds found representation on stage. Each act at Vive Latino reinforced not only the richness of Mexican culture but also the unity music inspires, drawing listeners from all walks of life to celebrate together.
Vive Latino has proven its significance time and again and shown its capacity to adapt alongside changing societal landscapes, embracing contemporary issues, and keeping its audiences engaged. With participation from around the globe, the festival’s reach is wider than ever, ensuring its standing as not just Mexico's largest music festival, but as a cultural phenomenon contributing to global discussions around identity, migration, and social justice.
So as the curtain falls on the 25th anniversary of Vive Latino, one can only anticipate what the next iteration of this iconic festival will bring—more artists, more social messages, and undoubtedly, more unforgettable moments for fans to cherish.