By Ami Medina, Mar. 11, 2025
Paquita la del Barrio, one of Mexico’s most beloved and iconic female artists, died at the age of 77 from a heart attack Feb. 17.
According to billboard.com, hundreds gathered for a tribute to Paquita Feb. 21. Her remains were taken to her restaurant in the Guerrero neighborhood, Mexico City, where a mass was held in her honor, and the doors were opened to fans for a final farewell.
The procession began at a funeral home in the Juárez neighborhood, passing along Paseo de la Reforma Avenue and ending at Plaza Garibaldi. Her fans, mostly women, and mariachi groups waited to perform her famous songs. The route also included a stop at a public market, where merchants paused their work to honor the legendary singer.
Known for her fierce and unapologetic personality, Paquita leaves behind a legacy as a champion for women in the Latino community. Through her music and outspoken activism, she became a voice for those who had long been silenced, particularly in the context of gender equality, love and heartbreak.
According to nuestrostories.com, Paquita’s real name is Francisca Viveros Barradas, and she was born in 1947 in the Mexican state of Veracruz. From a young age, she showed a deep passion for music, often performing at local festivals and gatherings.
Her powerful voice had a strong presence that quickly set her apart, as she faced challenges of entering a music industry dominated by male voices in the ranchero and boleros music genre scene.
Paquita’s most popular songs, like “Rata de Dos Patas” (Two-Legged Rat) and “Cheque en Blanco” (Blank Check), were central to her appeal. In “Rata de Dos Patas,” Paquita famously called out the men who had wronged her and other women, using the metaphor of a “two-legged rat” to describe unfaithful lovers.
This unflinching critique of male behavior in romantic relationships made her an outspoken defender of women’s dignity, and her lyrics gave voice to the frustrations and heartbreaks experienced by countless women in Mexico and beyond.
Briana Tapia, an apparel merchandising and management student at Cal Poly Pomona, said she would often hear her mother play Paquita’s music, especially when it was time to clean.
“It’s that funny stereotype where you grow up not liking your parents’ music, but you end up liking it when you’re older,” Tapia said. “I personally think everyone can say the most famous song is ‘Rata de Dos Patas.’ As an adult, I can appreciate the lyrics when it comes to the pain women endure from men.”
Paquita’s ability to address gender inequality and societal norms with humor, razor-sharp wit and unapologetic insults made her a revolutionary figure in Latin music. She transformed the traditional machismo world of Mexican music by confronting the painful truths of infidelity and mistreatment.
With songs like “Cheque en Blanco,” “Tres Veces Te Engañé” (Three Times I Lied to You), and “Me Saludas a la Tuya” (Say Hi to Your Woman), Paquita became a voice for the unheard, taking aim at male egos and patriarchal structures.
Paquita’s music reached beyond her own generation and inspired many modern artists. The 2022 breakup anthem “Rata de Dos Patas” made its way into mainstream culture again, referenced by Becky G and Karol G in their smash hit, “Mamiii.”
“She brought Latina women out of their comfort zones, especially female artists such as Jenni Rivera, Karol G, and Becky G,” said Laney Sanchez, a child development student and admirer of Paquita’s legacy. “She even called Bad Bunny ‘inútil’ at the Latin Music Awards for helping her with the mic on stage.”
At the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Paquita was honored with a lifetime achievement award. She also received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. For example, she was honored with the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, celebrating her exceptional contributions to Latin music. She also earned multiple Premio Lo Nuestro awards in various categories and has been recognized by the Billboard Latin Music Awards for her influence in the industry.
Paquita’s immense popularity was further acknowledged with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. Throughout her career, she earned several gold and platinum records, a testament to her commercial success. Paquita’s voice and contributions to the ranchera genre have solidified her as a legendary figure in Latin music history.
Andrea Torres, a music industry student, echoed the deep influence Paquita’s music continues to have on Latina women today, including herself as a female artist.
“I feel like Paquita’s music has led to a more supportive environment, especially within Latin women in the industry,” Torres said. “It makes it easier to be forward and direct with our lyrics and performance as we have that supporting sense of not being alone.”
For many, Paquita’s music was part of the fabric of their upbringing and representing a connection to cultural identity, but also to the shared experiences of love.
“My family was very shocked when she died, but we know that she died being an icon, and she left her huella (mark) in the community,” said Sanchez.
Gabriel Flores, a marketing student and fan of Paquita, recalled how his uncle had attended one of Paquita’s concerts years ago and described it as an unforgettable experience, with the entire audience singing along to every song.
Even though Paquita is primarily known for empowering women, men can’t help but appreciate her stage presence and the emotion she brought to her songs.
Though she may no longer be with us, Paquita la del Barrio’s legacy will continue to echo in the hearts of millions who found solace, strength and power in her music. Long live “La Reina del Pueblo” (The Queen of the People).
Feature image by Connor Lālea Hampton