Photos by Comunidad de Madrid and Cris Andina
On Sunday, October 6, 2025, Madrid’s Plaza de Colón transformed into a grand dance floor as Cuban-American legend Gloria Estefan headlined the main concert for Hispanidad 2025. The free-access event, organized by the Community of Madrid, drew thousands of enthusiastic people, turning a Sunday morning into an unforgettable celebration of music and culture. The concert served a dual purpose: celebrating the annual Hispanic Day festivities and honoring the unparalleled 50-year career of Estefan, a global ambassador of Latin music.
A Career Spanning Five Decades
For nearly two vibrant hours, Estefan commanded the stage, delivering a setlist that spanned her decades-long journey from the Miami Sound Machine to international superstardom. The crowd erupted for classics like “Oye mi canto,” “Mi Tierra,” and “Conga,” while also enjoying tracks from her recent album, Raíces. Highlighting the celebratory and unifying theme, Estefan addressed the audience by saying, “We have to celebrate what unites us: this incredible language,” adding, “What a joy to be part of such a special celebration!”
Special Guests and Unifying Accents
The show was made even more vibrant by the inclusion of special guests, underscoring the concert’s message that “All accents belong in Madrid.” Rising star Nathy Peluso joined Estefan for a dynamic performance of “Chirriqui Chirri.” In a touching moment, Estefan’s daughter, Emily Estefan, paid tribute to great women in music, opening her medley with a song by American icon Billie Holiday. This generational collaboration highlighted Estefan’s undeniable legacy, which is marked by over 100 million albums sold and multiple Grammy Awards.
A Historic Cultural Event
The event, sponsored by organizations like Air Europa and Santander SMusic, was a spectacular testament to the enduring power of Latin music and its cultural impact worldwide. Estefan’s performance made the Hispanidad 2025 concert one of Spain’s most highly attended cultural events of the year. It was a historic moment, solidifying Gloria Estefan’s status as a trailblazer who continues to pave the way for Latin artists everywhere.
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