Panteón Rococó returned on Saturday (May 30) to Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, a massive suburb of Mexico City — and one of the first places the band visited during its early days 30 years ago — to deliver one of the biggest concerts of its career. The iconic Mexican ska rock band performed in front of more than 120,000 people, according to official figures, at a festival organized by the federal Ministry of Culture.

Panteón Rococó headlined the Festival Ecos de Oriente, which is part of the National Circuit of Festivals for Peace, a government initiative aimed at promoting the right to culture and fostering a culture of peace. Other groups on the lineup included Nana Pancha, Fania y la Rebelión Rumbera, Los Kramer and Out of Control Army.

“Welcome, everyone!” exclaimed lead vocalist Dr. Shenka to the crowd that packed the Deportivo Ciudad Jardín, located in one of the most densely populated municipalities on the planet with over one million residents, according to official figures. “Nezahualcóyotl looks beautiful, a land of great artists, culture and struggles.”

Young people, families and many children filled the venue to enjoy the hits that have made Panteón Rococó one of the most important Latin rock acts of the past few decades, with songs such as “La Carencia,” “La Dosis Perfecta,” “La Rubia y El Demonio,” “Arréglame el Alma” and “Vendedora de Caricias.”

The event was part of the band’s worldwide 30 Aniversario Generación del 95 tour, which the Mexico City-based group is currently undertaking. This year, the band was also recognized by Billboard as one of The 50 Best Latin Rock Bands of All Time.

The National Circuit of Festivals for Peace is a new initiative this year to provide free access to cultural activities for thousands of young people across the country. Its lineup has included both Mexican and international artists such as Carín León, Lila Downs, Caloncho and Dutch DJ Martin Garrix.

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