Mexican singer Paquita La Del Barrio, renowned for her feminist anthems such as Tres Veces Te Engañé and Rata de Dos Patas, has passed away at the age of 77. Her passing was announced on Instagram on Monday, where a photo of the beloved artist was shared alongside a statement confirming that she died at her home in Veracruz, Mexico. The message also requested privacy and respect for her family during this time.
“Today we sadly lost a great, great lady who paved the way for many singers in the world hispanic Paquita was not only a great performer who left everyone singing at the top of their lungs Three Times I Tricked You, Invite Me To Sin, and of course Two-Legged Rat. Sino Paquita was a member of our family for 25 years. 25 years that we will never, never forget.”
Francisca Viveros Barradas, known professionally as Paquita La Del Barrio, was born on April 2, 1947, in Alto Lucero, Veracruz, Mexico. She became one of Mexico’s most iconic and outspoken singers, recognized for her bold lyrics that challenged machismo and empowered women.
Paquita’s journey into music began in the 1970s when she moved to Mexico City in pursuit of a singing career. She initially performed at small venues before gaining widespread recognition for her passionate and defiant songs that spoke to women’s struggles in a patriarchal society. Her music, often classified as ranchera and grupera, resonated deeply with women who had suffered infidelity, heartbreak, and mistreatment.
She gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with hits like “Rata de Dos Patas” (Two-Legged Rat), a fiery anthem against deceitful men, and “Tres Veces Te Engañé” (I Cheated on You Three Times), a song that turned the tables on traditional narratives of betrayal. Her lyrics, often laced with irony and humor, struck a chord with audiences, earning her a loyal fan base.
Beyond her music, Paquita was known for her unapologetic personality and strong stance against gender inequality. She often used her platform to criticize men who abused their power, making her an icon of feminist resistance in Mexican music. She famously addressed men as “useless” (inútiles) in her songs and live performances, a phrase that became synonymous with her bold style.
Throughout her career, she released multiple albums and collaborated with renowned artists, solidifying her status as a legendary figure in regional Mexican music. Despite facing health issues in her later years, she continued to perform, drawing immense admiration from fans who saw her as a fearless champion for women’s rights.
Paquita La Del Barrio’s music was deeply rooted in her own life experiences. At just 16 years old, she married a man who was 28 years her senior, only to later discover that he had another wife and family. That marriage ended after seven years, leaving a lasting impact on her perspective and artistry.
She later found love again with Alfonso Martínez, whom she was married to for 31 years until his passing in 2000 per USA Today.
Rest in Peace.
