Skip to Content
Music

‘We Always Feel at Home Here’: Mon Laferte, Cafe Tacvba, Panteon Rococo Rock Los Angeles State Historic Park for La Tocada

[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.

Mon Laferte. Photo by Piero F Giunti.

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.

Jesse and Joy. Photo by Piero F Giunti.

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.

Rubén Albarrán of Cafe Tacvba. Photo by Piero F Giunti.

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.

Panteon Rococo. Photo by Piero F Giunti.

“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.”

RELATED: ‘Mar Iguana’ Director Lorena Endara Explains How Power Rangers Helped Inspire the Visuals

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Ten New Foods of the Future That Stole the Show at Expo West

What you missed out at the 'The Coachella' of natural foods expo that takes place every year in Anaheim.

March 10, 2025

The Five Best Pescados Zarandeados in Los Angeles

Pescado zarandeado is a grilled, butterflied whole fish marinated in a mix of salt, chiles, citrus, and, in some places, achiote paste. It's a flavor bomb that is cooked in steel baskets over charcoal or wood fire. L.A. is the best city in the country to find this dish... if you know where to look.

March 7, 2025

Mosh For Youth, L.A.’s Most Hardcore Non-Profit, Is Slam-Dancing for Latino Scholarships

“If nobody is going to help us,” says Victor Campos, the lead singer of Barrio Slam and CEO and founder of Mosh For Youth. “We'll just do it ourselves.” His new record label out of Pomona goes against the status quo by raising money for scholarships through its support for DIY HxC bands.

March 7, 2025

Weekend Eats: Mafia Sushi, Knafeh Sundaes, and Fried Chongqing Chicken

Plus, a pop-up offering the first peek at Firstborn, a new restaurant coming to Chinatown from a veteran of .ink and Destroyer, with Chinese and French influences.

March 7, 2025

Tokyo Art Legend Takashi Murakami Is Making Dodgers Gear Now

He did covers for Kanye and Kid Cudi, now he's slapping his happy flowers all over a collection of Dodgers (and Cubs) baseball bats, hats, Yamamoto and Ohtani jerseys, tote bags, baseballs, hoodies, bobbleheads, slides, and other stuff.

March 6, 2025
See all posts