Clara Brugada Celebrates Pioneers and Heirs of Mexican Rock at Equality Festival

Mexico City is currently resonating with the vibrant sounds of rock music as the city’s Head of Government, Clara Brugada Molina, is leading a tribute to the women who have shaped and continue to influence the Mexican rock scene. During the inauguration of the Festival for Equality, «Tiempo de Mujeres» (Time for Women), Brugada presented awards to 44 pioneering and inheriting female figures in Mexican rock, emphasizing their indispensable role in the evolution of this musical genre.

«Their music, dear pioneering rock colleagues, never stops sounding, their life and struggle stories are spreading and continue being told, and the transforming power of women in music always remains present,» Brugada stated, highlighting the ongoing impact of these artists (Clara Brugada Molina, as cited in Redacción, 2025). The event, held at the Museo de la Ciudad de México, marks the beginning of a month-long celebration coinciding with International Women's Day, honoring women who have defied stereotypes and revolutionized music in Mexico and Latin America.

Acknowledging a Legacy of Courage and Innovation

Brugada emphasized that it’s not just «women’s time» now, but that it always has been, recognizing the courage and determination of these 44 extraordinary women. According to the news published by Redacción (2025), these women have fearlessly challenged established norms, broken barriers, and left an indelible mark on the history of rock in Mexico and Latin America. The recognition extends beyond their talent to acknowledge the daily struggles they faced and overcame in their careers.

Addressing musicians, rock artists, families, and the general public, Brugada reflected on the period from the 1950s to the 2000s, when women dared to pick up instruments, raise their voices, and use music as a means of empowerment in a field historically dominated by men. «You demonstrated that there are no barriers that a woman cannot break down. It is women's time and it is time to recognize and pay tribute to all of you,» she asserted (Clara Brugada Molina, as cited in Redacción, 2025).

Utopía del Rock: A Future for Musical Empowerment

Looking forward, Brugada is announcing plans to enrich public primary and secondary schools with musical instruments through the program «Do Re Mi Fa Sol,» inviting the recognized rock artists to contribute their expertise. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of music-loving children and adolescents, offering six years of free musical education in Mexico City. This, Brugada believes, will transform the city into a leading entity in promoting arts and culture among its youth, fostering peace through cultural and sports programs.

«We want to build a new generation of girls, boys, and adolescents who fall in love with music,» Brugada stated, emphasizing the importance of passionate instructors to inspire young musicians (Clara Brugada Molina, as cited in Redacción, 2025). Furthermore, Brugada is revealing plans to dedicate one of the 16 Utopías currently under construction to rock music, aiming to preserve and celebrate its history.

Voices of Gratitude and Resistance

Ana Francis López Bayghen, head of the city's Ministry of Culture, praised the resilience of female rock artists, recognizing their struggles against sexism and stereotypes to gain recognition and respect within the artistic community. Yolanda Gamboa, mother of the late singer Angélica Infante, expressed her gratitude for the posthumous recognition of her daughter, noting the difficulties women face in rock but highlighting Angélica’s fierce determination to sing louder and pave the way for future generations of female musicians.

Notable Honorees

  • Yolanda Espinoza
  • Tere Estrada
  • Angélica Infante (posthumous)
  • María Antonieta Lozano
  • Rita Guerrero
  • Julissa
  • Kenny Avilés
  • Leda Moreno
  • Maggie Mei
  • Margarita Bauche
  • Las Mary Jets
  • Maricela Durazno
  • Mayita Campos
  • Mayimi Toyoma
  • Nina Galindo
  • Norma López
  • Noma Valdez
  • Rosa Adame
  • Roxxxy Glam
  • Rocío y Silvia Garcel
  • Sara Valenzuela
  • Ximbo
  • Wendy Valdez

The «Tiempo de Mujeres» festival is currently celebrating these trailblazing women who have shattered stereotypes and transformed the musical and cultural landscape. The creation of the Utopía del Rock will ensure the legacy of these influential artists endures.

Reference