Colombian singer Shakira drew a record 400,000 people to her free concert in Mexico City's Zócalo on March 1, 2026, surpassing prior records and closing her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. The event, echoing her 2007 performance at the venue, earned praise from President Claudia Sheinbaum for its logistics and crowd behavior but criticism from actress Susana Zabaleta as 'bread and circuses' amid recent violence. No major incidents were reported.
Shakira's milestone concert at the Plaza de la Constitución attracted 400,000 attendees, according to the CDMX government, exceeding the 2023 record set by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (around 300,000) by 100,000 and Grupo Firme's 280,000 in 2022. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada noted on X that the crowd extended from the Zócalo to the Monumento a la Revolución. Fans had camped out starting February 28 to secure spots near the stage.
The free show began after 8:30 p.m. (precisely at 8:33 p.m.) with hits including 'Estoy aquí', 'Las de la intuición', 'Girl like me', 'Antología', 'Loba', 'Te felicito', 'TQG' (referencing Karol G), 'Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53', 'Inevitable', 'Don’t Bother', 'Acróstico', a surprise 'Dónde estás corazón', and an unreleased collaboration with Beéle. Shakira shared her excitement during the show: “¿Cómo está mi gente de México? Esto es un sueño... Hoy tengo una mezcla de emoción, nostalgia y agradecimiento. Hoy es nuestro último día aquí en México, mi casa... No hay mejor reencuentro que el de una lobita con su manada mexicana. Somos uno.” She previewed the event on X, waved a Mexican flag at the end, and called the country her 'home.'
Brugada highlighted the Zócalo's history of international events. Screens were installed at Alameda Central, Torre Latinoamericana, Monumento a la Revolución, and elsewhere, with extended Metro, Metrobús, and Cablebús services. Pedestrian access opened early; allowed items included cell phones and binoculars, while large backpacks and alcohol were prohibited.
President Sheinbaum praised the 'super show, very beautiful' in her March 2 press conference, noting exemplary attendee behavior from Palacio Nacional views and the value of free access versus pricey tickets (up to 15,000 pesos) at Estadio GNP Seguros, where Shakira held 13 record-setting shows from 2025-2026.
Criticism came from actress Susana Zabaleta in a YouTube interview, who called it Roman 'bread and circuses' shortly after violence from the 'El Mencho' operation, including security deaths, narcobloqueos, and burnings: 'Remember what the Romans said: to the people, bread and circus; that's how they keep them quiet... Obviously, it had to be free.' Authorities reported no incidents.
