Chavela Vargas

Legendary Costa Rican-born Mexican Ranchera Singer

Chavela Vargas was a renowned Costa Rican-born Mexican singer who became an iconic figure in Latin American music, particularly known for her soulful and haunting renditions of Mexican rancheras. Born on April 17, 1919, in San Joaquín de Flores, Costa Rica, she moved to Mexico at a young age and eventually adopted Mexican nationality. Vargas challenged mainstream norms with her unique style and openly gay identity at a time when it was not widely accepted. She was closely associated with the artistic circles of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and gained fame for her deep, raspy voice and intense performances.