The AXE Ceremonia Festival is one of the most diverse and ambitious music events held in Mexico City, usually taking place over two days—Saturday and Sunday. Sadly, due to a fatal incident on April 5, the second day of the festival was canceled, and many artists were unable to perform as planned.
Each year, the festival features some of the most influential contemporary artists and rising voices whose music speaks to new generations. In past editions, major names like Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía, Travis Scott, C. Tangana, Tyler, the Creator, Sevdaliza, Bad Gyal, and Kenia OS have all performed.
The 2025 festival marked its 12th edition and included an exciting lineup with artists such as Charli XCX, Natanael Cano, Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso, FKA Twigs, and The Marías, among others.
Kenia Os performs during the Axe Ceremonia music festival 2024 at Parque Bicentenario. (Ismael Rosas/Getty Images.)
What Happened at AXE Ceremonia 2025?
On the first day of the festival, April 5, 2025, a crane carrying a decorative structure—designed to serve as a “safe meeting point” for attendees—unexpectedly collapsed. According to initial reports, the incident occurred around 5:00 p.m.
The collapse caused severe injuries, including head trauma and multiple fractures, to both victims. Tragically, the two individuals, who were set to work at the festival as photographers, lost their lives in the accident.
Initial reports from Civil Protection authorities in Miguel Hidalgo (Mexico)—the district where the event took place—indicated that strong winds were responsible for bringing down the structure. Infobae later reported that these structures had not been officially registered or approved by the festival organizers.
After the accident, the Miguel Hidalgo district issued an order to suspend the event. Despite this, the festival continued that evening, with performances by artists such as Natanael Cano and Charli XCX. It wasn’t until the following day that the rest of the festival was officially canceled.
Who Were the Victims?
According to El Universal, the victims were identified as Miguel Ángel Rojas, 26, and Citlali Berenice Giles Rivera, 28. In their memory, groups of journalists and photographers came together to pay tribute—leaving flowers and messages in their honor.
“Nadie merece morir haciendo lo que ama”.
Velada a las afueras del parque bicentenario en Memoria de los colegas fotógrafos Miguel y Berenice que fallecieron el día de ayer por la negligencia del festival Axe Ceremonia. 📸🕊️D.E.P.
Todo el peso de la ley a los responsables! pic.twitter.com/qbV7ofyKb2
The tragedy has also sparked a wave of support on social media, where many have expressed their sorrow and solidarity. Even Charli XCX, who performed at the festival, shared her regret and condolences following the accident.
Charli xcx has come out to express her condolences to Miguel and Berenice who unfortunately passed away during the AXE Ceremony 2025.
A decorative structure that was being moved by a crane collapsed on the victims. We wish comfort to friends and family, and that the organizers… pic.twitter.com/P5RaPXE7i2
Rinden homenaje en la FES Aragón, periodistas qué perdieron la vida por ejercer su trabajo y por la negligencia en todos sus niveles del AXE Ceremonia. #JusticiaParaBereyMiguelpic.twitter.com/uOBw8hNSmC
🚨 Estudiantes de Comunicación y Periodismo colocan memorial para Berenice Giles y Miguel Ángel Rojas, fotógrafos egresados de la Fes Aragón que perdieron la vida durante el Festival AXE Ceremonia.
Así luce esta noche el Parque Bicentenario, donde periodistas y estudiantes de la FES Aragón se reunieron para levantar un memorial para Berenice Giles y Miguel Hernández, dos jóvenes fotógrafos que fallecieron ayer por una negligencia en el festival Axe Ceremonia.
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