The second day of Vive Latino began almost where the first had left off: with heat, huge crowds and the feeling that, for that weekend, Zaragoza’s Expo grounds belonged to music.
Saturday, September 5, once again tested those who chose to arrive early. The sun was still beating down when the first concerts began, and finding shade or heading to water stations was part of the strategy for getting through the many hours still ahead. Even so, crowds steadily filled the venue, which would eventually draw more than 20,000 people.
The day offered nearly 10 hours of concerts and an especially varied lineup. Múltipla opened the Escena VL stage, while B.V. All Stars soon brought Cuban son to the Caja Rural de Aragón stage. Classics including “Chan Chan,” “El cuarto de Tula” and “Guantanamera” rang out, and for a while the Expo esplanade seemed far closer to the Caribbean than to the Ebro River.
It was a fitting way to begin a day that would continually move between genres and generations.
Biznaga then took to the Ámbar stage with its punk rock, while Huesca-based El Verbo Odiado represented Aragón on Escena VL. Both acts stood apart from the biggest names on the bill, but they served as a reminder that part of Vive Latino’s character lies precisely in its ability to shift, within minutes and without much explanation, from one kind of music to another.
Guitarricadelafuente plays at home
As the afternoon progressed, some of the most anticipated performances began to arrive.
Veintiuno also made a distinctly Aragonese gesture. On stage, Diego Arroyo recalled his family connection to Zaragoza —his parents met in the city— before displaying an Aragón flag.
But if anyone was determined to underscore his connection to this land, it was Guitarricadelafuente.
Álvaro Lafuente was born in Benicàssim, but his family roots are in Cuevas de Cañart, in Teruel, and he has never hidden that relationship. In Zaragoza, he once again made it visible before one of the afternoon’s largest audiences.
His music occupies territory that is difficult to classify, blending singer-songwriter music, folk tradition, flamenco and contemporary sounds. The mix worked especially well at a festival whose identity is built on bringing music from different places into conversation.
The audience responded from the opening songs, and the concert built into one of Saturday’s highlights. There was also room to reflect on his Aragonese roots and on the personal connection to the region that makes his performances in Aragón something more than just another stop on a tour.
By the time it ended, the temperature was finally beginning to offer a brief reprieve. The festival, however, was entering its most intense hours.
Ojete Calor turns the Expo into a party
At 9 p.m., one of those concerts that is difficult to explain through the songs alone got underway.
Ojete Calor sees the stage as a blend of musical spectacle, humor, provocation and celebration…
