Paquita la del Barrio, whose real name was Francisca Viveros Barradas, passed away at the age of 77 on Monday, February 17. The iconic Mexican singer not only left a legacy in music but also ventured into politics, running for the Congress of Veracruz in the 2024 elections under the banner of Movimiento Ciudadano.
One of the reasons that led Paquita la del Barrio to enter politics was her desire to represent women who suffer from violence, a topic she had given voice to throughout her more than three decades of artistic career. Movimiento Ciudadano described her as "the voice of the people, the voice of women," recognizing her closeness and understanding of the people's needs.
Despite her intention to serve her people from a political position, Paquita la del Barrio received only 9.4% of the votes in the electoral contest, being defeated by another candidate. Although she did not achieve her political goal, her artistic legacy remains intact in the hearts of her followers.
Following her sudden passing, attributed to a fatal heart attack according to her nephew 'Paquito', Paquita la del Barrio's family plans to hold a private funeral and fulfill the singer's wish for her ashes to rest in Casa Paquita. So far, it has not been confirmed whether a public tribute will be held in her honor, similar to what another prominent artist received in the past. The Secretariat of Culture of the federal government lamented the loss of this legend of ranchera music in Mexico.
