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-Editorial
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced Friday the launch of “México Canta por la Paz y Contra las Adicciones” (“Mexico Sings for Peace and Against Addictions”), a binational tour that will promote Mexican music free of violent or drug-related lyrics through concerts and youth outreach programs in Mexico and the United States.
The tour will run from Nov. 8 to Dec. 20, 2025, featuring the winners and finalists of México Canta, a cultural initiative that seeks to inspire new musical narratives centered on peace and social responsibility. Artists will perform in both major venues and community settings while visiting schools and youth centers to share personal experiences and encourage the creation of positive, socially conscious music.
“We decided, together with the Ministry of Culture, to invite the finalists on a tour across the country — not only large concerts but also smaller ones,” Sheinbaum said during her Las Mañaneras del Pueblo press conference. “The goal of México Canta is not only to promote Mexican musicians but to highlight lyrics that have a real impact. We don’t ban songs that glorify violence or drug use, as has happened in some states, but we believe that promoting them reinforces harmful narratives. To change those narratives, we must promote different kinds of music.”
The president emphasized that the initiative aims to connect with young audiences by using music as a universal language. “We want artists to go to schools and youth centers, to talk about their own experiences and share a different vision through music, which is a powerful way for young people to express themselves,” Sheinbaum said.
Culture Secretary Claudia Curiel de Icaza outlined the first phase of the tour, which will be organized in partnership with the collective Legado de Grandeza and supported by the Mexican Music Council (CMM).
The tour will open Nov. 8 in Los Angeles, California, followed by a performance Nov. 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the Latin Grammy showcase. The group will then travel to Miami, Florida, for shows on Nov. 14 and 15, continue Nov. 21–22 in Tijuana, Baja California, and conclude Dec. 20 in Mexico City during the annual Christmas Fair (Verbena Navideña).
Curiel said additional dates will be announced in 2026 to expand the program’s reach across both countries.
During the México Canta Grand Final earlier this year, audiences from 39 countries — including Mexico, the United States, Argentina, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Italy, Indonesia, and Japan — participated in voting for the winners. Sergio Maya was named Best Performer, Carmen María received the Best Composer award, and Galia Siurob earned the Specialists’ Prize.
As part of the project’s outreach strategy, a vinyl record featuring live performances from the Grand Final will be produced and released on digital platforms to further promote the movement’s message.
Curiel also noted that more than 25 public media outlets broadcast the México Canta program nationwide, reaching an estimated audience of 11 million viewers. She said the initiative demonstrates how cultural projects can foster positive change by offering young people alternatives to music that normalizes violence or substance abuse.
Curiel said the México Canta initiative extends beyond entertainment, aiming to use music as a tool to promote a culture of peace and encourage artistic expression that contributes to building healthier and more positive communities.
