By Redaccion
redaccion@latinocc.com
Paquita la del Barrio, an icon of Mexican music and a staunch advocate for women’s rights, passed away early Monday at her home in Veracruz at the age of 77.
The news was announced on her official social media accounts and confirmed by her representatives to The Associated Press. The capital of Veracruz mourns the loss of the iconic singer, who had faced various health issues in recent years.
“With deep pain and sadness, we confirm the 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 who knew her and enjoyed her music.”
Born Francisca Viveros Barradas, Paquita la del Barrio captivated audiences with her unmistakable style and lyrics denouncing mistreatment and romantic betrayal. Songs like Rata de dos patas and Tres veces te engañé became anthems, especially among her female fans, although she also managed to captivate men.
“At first, many men would say, ‘Why would I go, just to be insulted?’… Now they attend concerts with their girlfriends, their wives, and they love it,” she said in a 2016 interview with the AP.
Throughout her career, Paquita la del Barrio was nominated twice for both the Grammy and the Latin Grammy. In 2021, she received the Billboard Latin Music Award for Lifetime Achievement, presented to her by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, in recognition of her impact on Latin music.
News of her passing sparked an outpouring of grief on social media. The Latin Grammys and Apple Music were among those who expressed their condolences.
“Rest in peace, Paquita la del Barrio, the feminist icon from Mexico who sang what others were afraid to say,” Apple Music wrote on X.
