Mexico City remains on alert as Shakira prepares to take the stage at the Zócalo on , despite a surge in violence following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The free concert, intended as a gift to residents and visitors and coinciding with Grupo Modelo’s 100th anniversary, is currently still scheduled to proceed, though officials have remained tight-lipped about potential security adjustments.
The Colombian superstar announced the performance last week, promising a show for “hundreds of thousands of people” in the historic Plaza de la Constitución. The event will serve as the closing date of the Mexican leg of her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” (Women Don’t Cry Anymore) world tour. Organizers are preparing for a massive turnout, with live transmission available on Shakira’s social media channels and viewing screens set up in Alameda Central park and at the Monument to the Revolution to accommodate overflow crowds. The Zócalo itself has previously hosted crowds exceeding 600,000 people.
The timing of the concert, however, is undeniably sensitive. The death of “El Mencho” on in Tapalpa, Jalisco, triggered a wave of violence across at least 20 states, with criminal groups responding with “narco-blockades” and coordinated assaults. This outbreak of unrest prompted concerns about the safety of large public gatherings, leading to speculation about a potential cancellation.
Entertainment journalist Gustavo Adolfo Infante first raised the possibility of cancellation in a live broadcast, suggesting the concert could be called off “to safeguard the safety of thousands of residents of Mexico City and tourists.” His comments quickly gained traction, fueling rumors that the event was in jeopardy. The uncertainty was further compounded by the cancellation of other performances in the region, including a concert by Kali Uchis in Zapopan, a city near Guadalajara.
As of , however, Shakira’s concert at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City, scheduled before the Zócalo performance, remains on the calendar. Despite the heightened security concerns, no official announcement regarding the Zócalo concert has been made by either the Mexico City government, led by Clara Brugada, or Shakira’s team. Requests for confirmation or denial from the Mexico City Ministry of Culture have gone unanswered, according to reports.
Shakira’s connection to the Zócalo dates back to , when she drew a crowd of 210,000 – a record that stood for 15 years. That performance was notable for the sheer volume of attendees, with reports of long lines, packed streets, and fans fainting from the heat and crush. “We have a love story; I’m here to tell you: I love you, Mexico,” she told the crowd that night, cementing a bond with the country and its fans.
The upcoming concert is poised to cap a remarkably successful run for Shakira in Mexico. She recently completed 12 sold-out nights at Mexico City’s Estadio GNP Seguros, selling over 1 million tickets across the country as part of her current world tour, according to OCESA, Mexico’s largest event promoter. The Zócalo performance represents a gesture of gratitude to her Mexican fanbase, a sentiment she expressed in a video shared on her social media platforms: “Mexico of my life, it’s time to give back some of the love you’ve given me.”
The situation remains fluid, and the decision regarding the Zócalo concert will likely depend on ongoing security assessments and consultations between city officials, event organizers, and Shakira’s team. The potential for cancellation underscores the complex challenges of hosting large-scale events in a region grappling with ongoing security concerns, and highlights the delicate balance between providing entertainment and ensuring public safety.
