Thousands of Latin music lovers headed to Dodgers Stadium this past Saturday, Dec. 2, to attend the one-day festival Besame Mucho. The festival celebrates Latino culture with an eclectic list of musical performers, art installations and cuisine from several Southern California vendors.
The festival featured more than 60 artists performing across four stages in the stadium parking lot: Rockero, Las Clásicas and Te Gusta El Pop? and Beso Stage.
The sounds of Latin rock and punk filled the Rockero Stage as it featured artists including Natalia Lafourcade, La Ley, Caifanes, Maldita Vencidad and Molotov. The stage was headlined by rock en español icons Maná. The band is no stranger to the LA area as they have an ongoing residency at the Kia Forum in Inglewood. The band had the biggest set of the night – two hours. They also had the biggest crowd of the night as they performed all their greatest hits including “Labios Compartidos,” “Mariposa Traicionera,” and “Oye Mi Amor.” Maná also performed rock-infused covers of "Bésame Mucho" in honor of the festival and of the late Mexican icon Vicente Fernández.
Other notable acts included Mexican rock pioneers Café Tacvba who have become staples of the Besame Mucho Festival. They performed last year and have been announced as performers for the Texas version of the festival. Argentinian rock group Enanitos Verdes are still going strong after the loss of their frontman, Marciano Cantero who died in 2022, the band has a lot of love for performing and wonderfully honoring their bandmate's musical legacy.
For people who wanted a break from the music, the festival featured an array of food from local and Mexico-inspired eateries - from tacos to churros to esquites, the options were endless. The festival grounds also featured a large variety of photo op opportunities and was decorated with beautiful Día de los Muertos inspired installations.
The Las Clásicas stage featured classic Latin music from musicians with a multigenerational legacy including Grupo Niche, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Ramón Ayala, Banda El Recodo and Pepe Aguilar. Musicians like Paquita La Del Barrio and Alejandro Fernandez got huge love from the crowd. Before Paquita La Del Barrio hit the Clásicas stage the crowd was chanting her name. She's a beloved musician as she pushed the movement of female empowerment anthems in Mexican music with hits like "Rata de dos patas" and "Las Mujeres Mandan." Alejandro Fernandez gave one of the liveliest performances of the night, accompanied by a big group of musicians. With his strong powerhouse vocals and catchy tunes, it's no wonder he's one of the best-selling Latin music artists. Back together again after 25 years, Los Bukis headlined the Las Clásicas stage. Nostalgia soared through the crowd as the band serenaded us with their love ballads including “Tu Carcel" and "Navidad sin ti."
The Te Gusta el Pop stage featured notable pop acts including Kumbia Kings, Amanda Miguel, Camila, Jesse & Joy and Reik. Gloria Trevi was the biggest lure of the night as she stole the show with her entertaining dances sequences and costume changes. A true pop icon as the crowd went wild during the songs "Gloria, ""Pelo Suelto" and "Todos Me Miran."
Lastly the Beso stage featured intimate performances from acts including Band Machos, Los Caminantes and Bomba Estéreo. Besame Mucho festival delivered another fantastic event filled with wonderful performances from heavy-hitters and icons in Latin music.
