HERA Festival Shines in Mexico with Its All-Female Lineup: RECAP
The celebration wasn’t just about women in music but also about diversity and inclusion
Music has mostly been a male-dominated field throughout history. Women and female artists have often talked about how tough it is for them to get the same opportunities and recognition as their male peers. Thankfully, things are slowly starting to change, thanks to those working to make things fairer.
In Mexico, the HERA Festival has made a splash as the country’s first event organized by and for women. This festival was a big deal because it featured an all-female lineup with big names. Including Camila Cabello, Danna, Evanescence, María Becerra, Demi Lovato, and Bomba Estéreo, bringing a fresh and exciting vibe to the music scene.
Una noche PLATONIK con la princesa del pop. 📷📷#HeraHSBC24 pic.twitter.com/oEeTLHnHlR
— Festival Hera HSBC (@FestHeraHSBC) August 25, 2024
From the start, the festival had a unique feel that many attendees noticed and appreciated. “The atmosphere is so much more relaxed and harmonious. I feel safe here; no one has bothered us, and there’s no harassment,” said two festival-goers. While the festival was open to men, it focused on celebrating female energy. Even with an all-female lineup, artists and concert attendees could still bring along male dancers, musicians, or guests.
One highlight was Villano Antillano’s energetic performance, which lit up the crowd with her vibrant ’80s neon visuals, even though it was raining in Mexico City.
Villano Antillano en la primera edición del festival Hera HSBC 2024 🌸
📸: @makerocha #VilanoAntillano #HeraHSBC24 #FestivalHeraHSBC #Shoots pic.twitter.com/xZvMj9sKsm— Mr. Indie (@_MrIndie) August 25, 2024
Kesha and Demi Lovato, both of whom have overcome abuse, brought a powerful sense of sisterhood and strength to the festival, truly capturing the spirit of HERA; the goddess of women and family. Amy Lee, the lead singer of Evanescence, transported the crowd back to the golden days of alternative rock and gothic metal with classics like “My Immortal,” “Going Under,” and “Bring Me to Life.”
Camila Cabello made a triumphant return to Mexico after a three-year break, delighting her fans with Latin beats and songs from her new album, C, XOXO.
Camila Cabello at Festival Hera HSBC💘🇲🇽🩰✨ pic.twitter.com/o7bXQCTgqA
— ke, xoxo☀️💘🪞| #Shawn • 10.18 (@Xmas_gurl) August 25, 2024
The festival closed on a high with a performance by the Colombian group Bomba Estéreo.