The famous singer Paquita la del Barrio, known for her iconic song 'Rata de dos patas', passed away at the age of 77 on Monday, February 17. The artist's death was confirmed through her official profiles, stating that it occurred in her residence in Veracruz.
Her family expressed: 'With deep sorrow and sadness, we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved Paquita la del Barrio, in her home in Veracruz.' They requested respect and privacy during this period of mourning.
In an interview with Univisión in May 2019, Paquita mentioned: 'We had a president in Mexico whom at that time no one dared to disrespect, but a composer would say, 'Well, I'm going to make this song.''
Paquita la del Barrio, whose real name was Francisca Viveros Barradas, was born in Veracruz in 1947. Recognized as 'The Guerrilla of Bolero', her lyrics challenged macho culture. Due to the poverty in which she grew up, she worked from a young age, barely finishing elementary school. Her work life included coffee harvesting and bread selling. At age 16, she worked at the Civil Registry, where she met her first husband.
After discovering her husband’s double life in 1979, Paquita moved to Mexico City to start her music career. Her song 'Rata de dos patas' reflects her personal experience with betrayal and heartbreak. The song's author, Manuel Eduardo Toscano, revealed he was inspired by a politician from the 90s, also deceived in his marital relationships.
Paquita la del Barrio was always open about her personal life, revealing that the song was directed at her ex-husband Alfonso Martínez, with whom she was married for 30 years. Despite Martínez's infidelity, they decided to live together until his death in 2000, due to the resentment and helplessness expressed in her songs.
