5 Best Moments From Day 1 of Arre Festival 2024 in Mexico City

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”