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It was all part of a greater effort by organizer Goldenvoice to feature a more diverse slate.
But I never expected inclusion to extend to the crowd.
Before this weekend, my (everyones?)
general perspective of the desert fest was that the attendees skewed heavily white.
The lineups not to mention tickets that cost upwards of half a grand gave Chella a Vineyard Vinesmeetsoontzoontzvibe.
At This Aint No Picnic in Pasadena, someone got mad at me because my hair was too big.
Imagine my surprise, then, at feeling not only welcome at Coachella, but at home.
People were waving Mexican flags, stomping their vaquero boots, and chanting, O-tra!
This was a celebration of regional Mexican culture, and the Latin-heavy crowd ate it up.
We smiled at each other, a silent acknowledgment of the moments importance.
When I moved into the crowd later that evening for Bunnys set,migentewere all around me.
Benitos set began with a video of him narrating a detailed history of Coachella and its various performers.
Notably absent, with the exception of footage from Benitos 2019 appearance at the fest, were Latino artists.
Screens lit up with the portraits of Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Tego Calderon, and Daddy Yankee.
every time the mix transitioned Brujeria, by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, into another recognizable anthem.
It only took 24 years to get there.
