Less than a month after launching the binational contest “Mexico Sings for Peace and Against Addiction,” the Government of Mexico reported that 5,821 young people have already registered, including 4,578 from Mexico and 1,243 residing in the United States. This initiative seeks to promote a new wave of Mexican music free from glorification of violence and drug use.
During her morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized the contest’s importance as a platform for youth expression, encouraging messages of peace and social awareness. “This music contest has begun and it’s a space to create from the roots, without promoting violence or drug use,” she stated.
Culture Secretary Claudia Curiel de Icaza reported that the contest is currently in its first phase, with registrations open until May 30 on the official website www.mexicocanta.gob.mx. She clarified that the project does not aim to ban other genres, but rather to encourage new creative proposals and strengthen traditional Mexican music, which now ranks tenth in the global music market.
Of the total participants, 64% are between the ages of 24 and 29, with balanced participation between men and women. The most popular genres include banda (2,088), norteño (1,641), campirano (745), mariachi (329), bolero (279), tropical (228), along with rap, hip hop, and indigenous traditional music (285). The singer-songwriter category has received the most entries, with 3,243 registrations.
On May 31, 365 participants will be selected: 10 from each Mexican state and 15 from each U.S. region. The second stage will begin on July 5 with virtual activities, and the final phase will take place in person at seven locations — three in the United States and four in Mexico — culminating in the grand finale on October 5 in Durango.
