Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Foundation of Parks and Museums of Cozumel (FPMC) has opened registration for middle and high school students to take part in the 22nd Mexican Song Contest, set for Friday, September 25, at 7 p.m. at the Museo de la Isla auditorium.
The contest is designed to strengthen pride in Mexico’s national identity and give young people a stage to showcase their vocal talent, according to organizers.
Dianela Cervantes Chi, director of the foundation’s Pedagogy and Social Assistance department, said the event will feature separate categories for middle school and high school students, allowing Cozumel’s youth to demonstrate their singing skills and share their appreciation for Mexican music with the public.
Participants must perform a song written by a Mexican composer or songwriter. They may use recorded accompaniment but no backing vocals. Eligible genres include ranchera, ranchera bolero, bolero, huapango, ballad, and banda.
A panel of judges with experience in music and voice will evaluate contestants on pitch, intonation, meter, diction, and interpretation to determine the winners in each category.
The top three finishers in each category will receive prizes of 2,500, 2,000, and 1,500 pesos, respectively. All contestants will receive a certificate of participation. Students who took first place in either category during the 2025 edition are not eligible to compete this year.
Juanita Alonso Marrufo, FPMC’s general director, said the contest plays an important role in preserving and promoting Mexican musical traditions, especially among younger generations.
