It has taken almost 20 years for the Zócalo, the largest public square in Latin America and one of the largest in the world, to witness something like what happened this Sunday. Shakira gave a free concert to more than 400,000 of her Mexican fans—as confirmed by the Mexico City government—who sang their hearts out to the songs that have been with them since the late nineties. The roars echoed off the Cathedral and the National Palace in a massive event that broke all attendance records.
The Colombian artist returned the love and devotion of her fans after selling out the GNP Seguros Stadium 13 times in a row. “The love and friendship I have with Mexico is incomparable,” she told her fans, whom she treated to a two-hour show and even the premiere of a new song with her fellow countryman, Beéle.
The plaza began filling up two days prior, with groups camping out in the Zócalo to secure the best spots. In the hours leading up to the concert, Shakira herself posted a picture on her social media of the venue gradually filling up like an anthill, with people sheltering under colorful umbrellas from the scorching sun. “I feel so grateful for everything you do for me. Tonight I promise to give you everything,” she wrote. And without a doubt, she kept her promise.
