Los Tucanes de Tijuana to close Festival Arre 2026 as band says it respects the law

Los Tucanes de Tijuana will close the 2026 edition of Festival Arre, but the group may leave some of its classic corridos out of the set after receiving a fine in May.

Speaking briefly before taking the stage, vocalist Mario Quintero Lara addressed recent government restrictions affecting regional Mexican music. He said the band respects President Claudia Sheinbaum’s decisions, even though it does not fully share them.

“We are very respectful of the laws. Whatever the law decides, we respect it greatly. We do not believe it is the way to end social problems, but as people we must follow all the rules. We hope it works for something,” Quintero said.

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We are very respectful of the laws. Whatever the law decides, we respect it greatly. We do not believe it is the way to end social problems, but as people we must follow all the rules. We hope it works for something.

He left open whether the group would perform “Suena la banda en el rancho” and other corridos after the May sanctions. The band’s time onstage was limited, he said, and restrictions remained in place. Still, he argued that much of Los Tucanes’ music is calm, upbeat or romantic, while its corridos do not contain anything especially strong.

Festival Arre continued under persistent but light rain, which did not cause another suspension after an earlier interruption. The event drew 35,789 people. Mi Banda el Mexicano, led by Germán Román, attracted one of the largest crowds and performed songs including “Ramiro de Violetas” and “La bota.” Román told the audience, “It does not matter if it rains, I want to be with you,” before the performance.

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It does not matter if it rains, I want to be with you.