[dropcap size=big]M[/dropcap]on Laferte, Cafe Tacvba, Panteon Rococo, and a whole slew of the hottest Latin musical acts on the planet took over Los Angeles State Historic Park Saturday for the fifth annual La Tocada Music Festival. Framed by the majestic backdrop of the Los Angeles skyline, an eclectic collection of alt, rock, and pop en español maestros flooded the city soundscape with musica for close to nine hours.
People of all ages and shades of brown walked around the park in a sweltering heat, bouncing from stage to stage in a collection of black band tees, mariachi hats, Mexican flags, dark lipstick, and metal garb. The festival featured a day of Lucha Libre and three stages of music representing cultures from all over Latin America.
Hundreds of people were in attendance to see acts like Mexican indie band Little Jesus on one stage or pop en español brother-sister duo Jesse and Joy on another. So did Molotov, Caloncho, Porter, Chulita Vinyl Club, and Camilo Septimo. The festival closed out strong with Mon Laferte followed by Panteon Rococo, and finally Cafe Tacvba.
The festival fuel was also eclectic. Pupusas, Philly cheesesteaks and tortas ahogada were among some of the most popular food options for hungry festival goers. Usually an indoor event, this year’s festival was moved to Los Angeles Historic Park because it allowed a grassy, open-field experience for the fifth anniversary of the festival. Last year’s festival was held at the Anaheim convention center.
“In Los Angeles, a special kind of love from people has always existed for Panteon,” Panteon Rococo lead singer Dr. Shenka told L.A. Taco. “We always feel at home here. There is always a special camaraderie for all the people who live here.”
East Los Angeles resident Ramon Hernandez told L.A. Taco that this was his third La Tocada. He said he liked the park as venue better because he felt there was more space than in past years. Hernandez said he came to see Molotov and Cafe Tacvba. But his T-shirt spoke a little louder. It was a Panteon Rococo tee.
“Their more conscious songs, do get to you even harder because of the current climate,” Hernandez explained. “But their music has been pretty conscious from the get-go.”
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