Mexico City – Paquita la del Barrio, the legendary Mexican singer and feminist icon, passed away at the age of 77 in her home in Veracruz early Monday. Known for her unforgettable voice and empowering anthems, Paquita captivated millions of fans worldwide with songs of heartbreak, betrayal, and defiance, including iconic tracks like “Rata de dos patas” and “Tres veces te engañé.”
The death of Paquita la del Barrio was confirmed by her official social media accounts and later reported by The Associated Press. Fans in Veracruz, the state capital where she spent much of her later years, are mourning the loss of an artist whose impact transcended generations.
A Unique and Unrepeatable Artist
“With deep pain and sadness, we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved Paquita la del Barrio at her home in Veracruz,” the statement read. “She was a unique and unrepeatable artist who will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of all of us who knew her and enjoyed her music.”
Born Francisca Viveros Barradas, Paquita’s musical journey started in the small towns of Mexico but quickly made her one of the most recognizable names in Latin music. Her songs, often focused on themes of female empowerment, heartbreak, and betrayal, resonated deeply with her mostly female audience but also found a following among men.
A Voice for Women and an Unlikely Audience
In a 2016 interview with The Associated Press, Paquita reflected on how her music, particularly her empowered songs about betrayal, initially caused hesitation among men. “At the beginning, many men said ‘Why would I go, to get shamed?’ ... Now they join the concerts. They go with their girlfriend, their wife, and they love it,” Paquita shared, illustrating her broad appeal despite her songs’ often biting lyrics.
Her feminist message and bold stance made her a figurehead for women’s voices in the Latin music industry, something that was especially impactful in her earlier years. With a career spanning decades, Paquita la del Barrio became a two-time Grammy and Latin Grammy nominee and received numerous accolades throughout her life, including the Billboard Latin Music Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2021. She was presented with the award by Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican superstar.
A Global Legacy
Paquita’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists across social media. The Latin Grammys and Apple Music were among the organizations that paid tribute to her. On social media platform X, Apple Music wrote, "RIP Paquita la del Barrio, the feminist icon from Mexico who sang what others were afraid to say."
Her passing marks the end of an era for many in the Latin music community, but her legacy will live on through her empowering songs and trailblazing efforts for women in music.
Paquita la del Barrio will be remembered as a musical legend who not only captured the pain and beauty of heartbreak but also became a fierce advocate for women’s voices in the industry. Her anthems like “Rata de dos patas” and “Tres veces te engañé” will forever echo in the hearts of those who admired her courage, authenticity, and powerful performances.
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