Paquita la del Barrio, Iconic Mexican Singer and Feminist Voice, Dies at 77

Paquita la del Barrio, the celebrated Mexican singer known for her unapologetic ballads that called out male infidelity and machismo, passed away on Monday at her home in Veracruz. She was 77.

The news was confirmed through her official social media accounts, though no cause of death was disclosed.

Paquita, born Francisca Viveros Barradas on April 2, 1947, rose to prominence in the traditionally male-dominated ranchera genre. With songs like Rata de Dos Patas, Me Saludas a la Tuya, and Tres Veces Te Engañé, she gave voice to women’s frustrations and became a symbol of empowerment. Her music, raw and direct, turned personal pain into anthems.

Paquita’s music was shaped by her own life experiences. As a teenager, she married a man nearly 30 years her senior, only to discover he had another family. That marriage ended, but the heartbreak fuelled her artistry. In a 2021 interview with USA Today, she reflected on love and betrayal: “I’ve suffered a lot. The heart goes where it wants, and those feelings guide people to my music.”

Over time, even men became fans of her biting lyrics.

Paquita got her stage name—meaning “Paquita from the Neighborhood”—while performing alongside her sister, Viola Viveros, in Mexico City.

Throughout her career, she released over 30 albums and earned three Grammy nominations. In 2021, she was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, presented to her by Bad Bunny, recognising her profound impact on Latin music.