Artists Deny Participation in Venezuela May 1st Peace Festival

A series of high-profile musical artists have publicly denied their participation in the Festival por la Paz (Festival for Peace), a massive concert event scheduled for May 1, 2026, at the Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base, popularly known as La Carlota, in Caracas.

The event, announced by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, was designed as a cultural celebration to conclude a pilgrimage against sanctions and to honor workers, women, and youth. However, the government’s efforts to secure a star-studded lineup have been met with a wave of public disavowals from some of Venezuela’s most prominent musicians.

Artists Deny Participation

Salsa icon Oscar D’León is among the most notable figures to distance himself from the event. According to reporting from El Nacional and Informe21, the singer’s manager, José Verdalles, used Instagram to clarify that D’León has no scheduled performances for May 1, 2026, effectively contradicting earlier claims that he would appear at the festival.

Similarly, Porfi Baloa, the director of the group Adolescentes, issued a formal statement via social media to deny his involvement. Baloa’s production company, Porfi Music, stated that the musician would not be participating in any events scheduled for May 1 in the capital city.

The brothers Servando and Florentino also rejected the reports. Their manager clarified that the duo has no scheduled performances within the country, further challenging the official announcements regarding the festival’s roster.

Event Logistics and Confirmed Acts

Despite these denials, the government continues to promote the festival as a major attraction. According to Globovisión, the event is expected to feature eight stages and a diverse range of genres, from urban music to classical arrangements. The lineup reportedly includes the Sinfónica de Venezuela, as well as artists such as Nicky Jam, Jerry Rivera, Víctor Muñoz, and Omar Enrique.

The festival is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. On May 1, 2026, with free admission for the public. The venue at La Carlota is intended to serve as a high-level entertainment center for the day’s festivities.

Political and Social Context

The concert coincides with International Workers’ Day and serves as the finale for a government-led campaign against international sanctions. While the administration frames the event as a celebration of national unity and joy, the timing has drawn criticism from other sectors. Reports from Efecto Cocuyo indicate that the lavish nature of the megaconcert stands in contrast to the expectations of workers who are currently awaiting salary increases.

The public distancing of artists like D’León and Baloa highlights a recurring tension between the Venezuelan entertainment industry and official state events, as musicians seek to clarify their professional agendas amidst government promotional claims.