In its second edition on Saturday (Sept. 7), the Arre Festival transformed the Curva 4 Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, typically a race track, into a sprawling venue where legendary regional Mexican music groups like Los Tigres del Norte and Los Cardenales de Nuevo León captivated both young audiences and solo artists such as Xavi and Carolina Ross, among others. The event gathered 54,300 attendees on its first day, according to the promoter Ocesa.
It was a multi-generational party that honored sounds such as the popular corridos tumbados, norteño music, mariachi, sierreño, banda sinaloense, Tex-Mex, duraguense, corridos alterados and other regional Mexican music variations. They were all delivered by acts such as Banda Cuisillos, El Fantasma, Guardianes del Amor, El Komander, Tito Double P, Adriel Favela, Joss Favela, EME Malafe and Los Esquivel. Curva 4 became a huge dance floor, where up to three generations gathered to enjoy the music that has been around for over a century.
Birthday celebrations, surprise shows, tributes to the greats and the passing of the baton to the younger generations of musicians were some of the most significant moments that took place during the first day of the festival.
On day two, taking place on Sunday (Sept. 8), Junior H, La Única Internacional Sonora Santanera, Gerardo Ortiz, Banda Los Recoditos, Los Invasores de Nuevo Leon, K.Paz de la Sierra and the popular electronic duo from the border city of Tijuana, Nortec: Bostich + Fussible, and more, are expected to perform.
Here are five of our favorite performances from the first day of Arre Festival.
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The Roar of Los Tigres del Norte
The legendary Mexican band roared loudly during the first day of the musical feast. Accompanied by a great visual production, the band (aka los Jefes de Jefes), performed their greatest hits such as “Contrabando y Traición,” “La Puerta Negra” and “Ni Parientes Somos.” which were chanted by thousands of people who crowded the area of the main stage.
With their lovelorn “Golpes en el Corazón,” they sealed the romantic moment, inciting some couples to dance along tightly. Both Mexican and American flags waved during their set — the band immigrated to San Jose, Calif., in the late ’60s — while the band members delivered messages in favor of the migrants who leave their countries in search of the so-called “American dream.”
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Xavi Shines Bright
At 20 years old, the Mexican-American performer was one of the star names at the festival, among veteran and legendary groups of the storied regional Mexican music genre. The La Haciendo stage welcomed him with an euphoric audience ready to sing hits from the heart such as “La Diabla,” “La Víctima” and “Corazón de Piedra.”
Since his stage debut in the Mexican capital last March, performing to a crowd of about 3,000, Xavi has made a significant leap. At the Arre Festival, he was greeted by thousands of fans who have embraced his music through digital platforms, eagerly anticipating his performance. The energy felt during his set was unique, full of romanticism and joy. Undoubtedly, one of the most applauded acts of the first day.
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Bobby Pulido Unleashes Plenty of Sighs
Mexican-American star Bobby Pulido got the audience dancing with his iconic song “Desvelado,” for which he invited Víctor García, a former member of La Academia who popularized the song years ago on the Mexican reality TV show. They also performed “Otra Vez” together.
Pulido, 53, drew sighs from women of all ages who did not hesitate to shower him with compliments. “What a handsome man,” shouted a female admirer in the audience who was adjusting her Texan-style hat, as she performed her best moves to the rhythm of “La Rosa.” The artist’s repertoire, one of the most anticipated of the night, also included “Se Murió de Amor” and “Llegaste a Mi Vida,” the latter dedicated to his son, who is now 26 years old.
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Los Cardenales de Nuevo León Celebrate a Birthday
The performance by one of Mexico’s most cherished norteño bands was not just a musical showcase, but also a celebration. Cesáreo Sánchez, famously known as Don Chayo, the iconic lead vocalist of the group, marked his 77th birthday. The event was filled with applause, cheers, and heartfelt recognition from both longtime admirers and new fans, who joyously sang and danced along to each song played by the band.
“Belleza de Cantina” highlighted Los Cardenales de Nuevo León’s performance, sparking euphoria and transforming Curva 4 Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez into a massive dance floor. Their set also featured popular tracks like “Quiero Que Sepas,” “Mi Cómplice,” “Si Yo Fuera Él” and “El Primer Tonto.”
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Belinda’s Surprise
Embracing a bold “bélica” style, pop sensation Belinda made a surprise appearance on the first day of the Arre festival. Sporting baggy black pants, a long-sleeved crop top, cowboy hat and boots, she delivered a compelling performance. Her set included “300 Noches,” a collaboration with corridos tumbado star Natanael Cano.
She also entertained the crowd by riding a mechanical bull and dancing, captivating everyone with her sultry moves to the tunes of “La Mala,” “Cactus,” “Amor a Primera Vista” and a corridos-infused rendition of her hit “Sapito.”
“I love you so much, thank you so much for supporting my music!” Belinda said to the audience before exiting the main stage. She left them eagerly anticipating her future projects, teasing, “Stay tuned for new songs, I have many surprises coming soon.”
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