On the night of 12 September, the legendary Sonora Santanera performed for the very first time in the Nordics, lighting up Kägelbanan with a concert filled with tropical rhythms that will long be remembered by Stockholm’s Latin community. The evening had been highly anticipated, especially among the city’s Mexican residents, some of whom had travelled considerable distances just to be part of this historic occasion.
All photos by Karen Lundquist.
Before Sonora Santanera took to the stage, the audience was treated to a rousing set by Mariachi Fiesta México, Sweden’s only original mariachi group. Their performance of classics such as Cielito Lindo, El Son de la Negra and El Rey brought the festive spirit of Mexico straight to Stockholm. They even offered a rendition of the theme from the film El Mariachi, delighting the crowd. Many long-time fans of the group remarked that this was their finest performance yet, perfectly setting the stage for the main act.
When the 13 members of Sonora Santanera appeared, Kägelbanan erupted. From the opening notes, the audience was on its feet—singing, dancing, and swaying to every beat of salsa and cha cha cha. The romantic ballad Perfume de Gardenias drew a heartfelt singalong, while irresistible dancefloor favourites such as La Boa, Donde Estás Yolanda, Bonita Y Mentirosa and Bomboro Quiñá Quiñá had the hall moving as one.
A particularly emotional moment came with Por las calles de México, a song that paints a vivid portrait of the historic and picturesque capital. For a few minutes, it felt as though Mexico City itself had been transported to Sweden.
Perhaps the most theatrical highlight of the night was Los Luchadores. In a burst of colour and spectacle, every band member donned a Lucha Libre mask as they performed the hit, which pays tribute to Mexico’s iconic wrestling heroes. The audience responded in kind, with many fans pulling on their own masks to relive the drama and excitement of the wrestling ring.
The joy continued when Sonora Santanera honoured one of Latin music’s greatest voices, Celia Cruz, with their rendition of her classic La Vida es un Carnaval. The crowd erupted in cheers, clapping and dancing to every note in a carnival atmosphere that perfectly captured the song’s message of resilience and joy.
The evening also carried a special patriotic touch. The Mexican Ambassador to Sweden, together with his wife, joined the band on stage to pay tribute to the Mexican flag and lead the audience in El Grito. This traditional cry of independence, first uttered by Father Hidalgo in 1810 and now re-enacted every 15 September, symbolises the beginning of Mexico’s fight for freedom. The band then proceeded together with the Mexicans in the audience to sing the Mexican national anthem. For the Mexican community in Stockholm, it was a moving reminder of home and a moment of deep cultural pride.
Earlier in the evening, Your Living City Stockholm had the chance to speak with members of Sonora Santanera. They expressed their joy at performing in the Nordics for the first time and their pride in making Stockholm the very first stop. Reflecting on their more than 60-year career, they said they continue to be amazed by the opportunity to conquer new frontiers and bring Mexican music to new audiences. “We are thankful for the chance to bring joy to this audience and to continue promoting the richness of Mexican culture to the world,” they said, adding with a smile that they are not planning to stop any time soon.
That night in Stockholm, they proved exactly why. For one unforgettable evening, Kägelbanan was transformed into a little piece of Mexico, filled with song, dance, pride, and passion. And as the final notes rang out, it was clear: there will be more Sonora Santanera for a while to come.
