They spent 4.7 mdp on musical groups in Mexico-Ecuador match

The Mexican federal government spent approximately 4.7 million pesos on musical groups to perform before and after the Mexico vs. Ecuador World Cup match held in Mexico City on June 30. The performances took place at several locations across the city, including the Monumento a la Revolución, the Glorieta del Caballito, and the parking lot of the Palacio de los Deportes. These concerts were organized as part of a broader initiative to distribute celebrations and avoid large gatherings near the Angel of Independence, a popular venue during the tournament. According to reports, the Secretariat of Culture of the Federal District paid different amounts to each group. The Banda Cuisillos received 2.9 million pesos for their performance at an outdoor stage in Reforma and Bucareli streets. The Grupo Cañaveral was compensated with 1.1 million pesos for their show at the Palacio de los Deportes parking lot. Mi Banda El Mexicano earned 638 thousand pesos, while Triciclo Circus Band received 116 thousand pesos for their appearances at the Monumento a la Revolución. These figures were disclosed through transparency requests made by El Universal. The Secretariat of Culture explained that it did not enter into exclusive contracts with any of the participating groups. Instead, the organization contracted services through an integrated approach, working with companies such as Tayira Travel, S.A. de C.V. under contract number Cultura/DGAF/018/2026. This agreement covered the planning, production, and execution of festivals, parties, concerts, and other large-scale events throughout the second quarter of the year. Under this model, the musical performances were considered part of the programming for the “football festivals,” and thus, individual legal instruments were not created for each artist. The decision to spread out the festivities was aimed at preventing overcrowding at the Angel of Independence, which had become a central gathering point for fans celebrating Mexico’s victories during the World Cup. By organizing concerts in multiple locations, authorities sought to ensure public safety and manage crowds more effectively. The strategy also allowed for greater community engagement, as residents could participate in cultural activities close to home rather than traveling to one central location. The events were free to attend, making them accessible to a wide audience. The choice of artists reflected a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, aiming to appeal to diverse segments of the population. Performances were scheduled both before and after the football matches, creating a seamless transition between sports and music entertainment. This integration of culture and sport has been a recurring theme in recent major sporting events in Mexico, emphasizing the role of arts in enhancing national identity and collective celebration. The Secretariat of Culture emphasized its commitment to promoting local talent and supporting artistic expression through public initiatives. The funding for these events came from general municipal resources allocated for cultural programs. While the exact distribution of funds among all participating groups was not fully detailed, the amounts provided for specific acts offer insight into how the budget was utilized. The agency also clarified that the payments were part of a larger framework designed to support large-scale cultural events, not just isolated performances.