Latino artists brought powerful performances and unforgettable moments to Coachella’s opening weekend in Indio, California. From indie pop to Amazonian cumbia, Latin trap, and regional Mexican hits, here are the highlights.
The Marías Set the Tone
Puerto Rican-led indie pop band The Marías returned to Coachella for their third appearance, opening Friday on the Mojave Stage. Though Selena Gomez didn’t join as rumored, fans were treated to “El Muchacho de los Ojos Tristes,” sung by María Zardoya, capturing hearts with dreamy vocals and psychedelic soul.
Latin Sounds Across Stages
On the Sonora Stage, Peru’s Los Mirlos hypnotized the crowd with their Amazonian cumbia and psychedelic guitar riffs. Brazilian DJ Vintage Culture kept the energy high with a progressive house set at Yuma, while Mexican-American star Becky G made her first of two weekend appearances as a guest during Tyla’s set.
Mexican Powerhouses Unite
Mexican regional favorite Junior H surprised fans by bringing out viral sensation Peso Pluma and his cousin Tito Doble P, amplifying the Mexican presence at the festival.
A Historic Saturday with Gustavo Dudamel
Saturday marked a groundbreaking moment as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Venezuela’s Gustavo Dudamel, performed for the first time at Coachella. The orchestra opened with “Ride of the Valkyries” and later blended genres with:
- Becky G, singing her pop hit “Shower”
- Jazz-pop singer Laufey, debuting “Silver Lining”
- Hip-hop legend LL Cool J, delivering a symphonic “Mama Said Knock You Out”
Genre Fusion on the Gobi Stage
The highlight came with Argentine duo Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso, who fused trap and electronic beats with Dudamel’s classical artistry. Their bold performance on the Gobi Stage showcased the evolution of Latin urban music.
Emerging Voices and Cultural Pride
Judeline from Spain enchanted with flamenco-electronic fusion and Andalusian aesthetics. Mexican singer Iván Cornejo delivered melancholic regional ballads on the Mojave Stage, while El Malilla fired up the Sonora Stage with energetic reggaetón. Brazilian DJ Alok brought vibrant rhythms to the Sahara Stage, blending intense beats with cultural flair.
Sunday: Caribbean Vibes and Global Beats
Venezuelan band Rawayana brought a full-on Caribbean fiesta to the Gobi Stage, joined by guests Danny Ocean, Akapellah, and Servando Primera. Their tropical-electronic mix kept the audience moving. Meanwhile, Spanish DJ Dennis Cruz had thousands dancing at Yuma, proving the universal appeal of Latin-influenced electronic music.
Latino artists didn’t just participate in Coachella 2025—they defined it. With genre-blending performances and cultural pride, they left an unforgettable mark on the desert stage. Keep up with the influence of Latino artists with us on Que Onda Magazine.