Shakira Returns to Mérida After 15 Years With Energetic Concert for 30,000 Fans

Mérida, Yucatán — Colombian superstar Shakira returned to Mérida after a 15-year absence on Tuesday night, performing for more than 30,000 fans at the Carlos Iturralde Rivero soccer stadium. The concert marked her first visit to the Yucatán capital since July 16, 2011.

Shakira opened the show with “Latinas,” accompanied by pyrotechnics that echoed through the stadium as the crowd roared along. She followed with “Las de la Intuición” and “Estoy Aquí,” with the audience’s enthusiastic singing nearly drowning out her vocals. The singer, dressed in a sparkling sequined gown, changed outfits multiple times throughout the performance as part of her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.”

“Mérida, tonight and always we are one,” Shakira told the crowd during the show.

The temperature dropped to 17 degrees Celsius (63°F) during the concert, but the energy remained high as she performed hits like “Inevitable,” “Que Bien Actúas,” and “Te Felicito.” Between songs, she spoke about resilience, learning to get back up, and transforming tears into motivation.

The giant screen displayed “La Loba,” prompting howls from the audience that echoed for blocks around the stadium, home to the Venados de Yucatán soccer team of the Liga de Expansión, which typically draws about 3,000 fans per match.

Later, the stage transformed into an underwater scene for “Acróstico,” featuring a video of Shakira’s children that visibly moved the artist. The mood shifted from nostalgia to celebration with “La Bicicleta,” turning the venue into a Caribbean carnival, followed by “La Tortura.”

“Hips Don’t Lie” brought the stadium to its feet, with red and gold lighting bathing the stage as Shakira danced with her female backup dancers. She also performed “Chantaje” in a salsa version and joked with the audience, asking, “And what about them?” before answering her own question: “The best thing is self-love,” leading into “Soltera.”

Shakira took a moment to leave the stage, approach fans, shake hands, and receive hugs. She read a sign that said “Happy Birthday, Valentina!” and dedicated a special greeting to the fan.

“Mérida, you don’t know how happy I am. Thank you for walking with me for 30 years,” she said near the end of the show.

She closed with “Antología,” “Día de Enero,” and “Suerte,” wrapping up the nearly midnight performance that marked her long-awaited reunion with Yucatán fans.