Mexico Canta contest highlights binational youth talent and peace message

The second edition of the Mexico Canta competition, a binational singing contest for Mexican and Mexican‑American youth, opened registration on May 11 and closed on June 10, drawing 16,289 participants (10,528 from Mexico and 5,761 from the United States). President Claudia Sheinbaum presented the seven U.S.‑based semifinalists on July 23. The semifinal round will be held on August 23 at Los Angeles’ historic Million Dollar Theater and on August 30 in Mazatlán’s Teatro Ángela Peralta. The Grand Final is scheduled for September 13 at the Auditorio Nacional, after which the winners will perform at the Independence Day celebration in Mexico City’s Zócalo on September 15.

Mexico Canta is promoted as a vehicle for cultural identity, peace and addiction prevention, and is part of the government’s “Attention to the Causes” security strategy. The contest will be broadcast live on 45 public‑media outlets, with real‑time audience voting to select finalists. Singer‑songwriter El Bogueto was invited to the launch, underscoring the project’s focus on positive musical narratives.