The upcoming Marilyn Manson concert in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, scheduled for August 10, 2025, as part of the Feria Nacional Potosina (FENAPO), has ignited a wave of spiritual protest from local religious groups, particularly among Catholic communities.
The controversy stems from Manson’s provocative image and past allegations of sexual abuse, as well as his association with violent and anti-religious themes in his music. Critics point to his name—an amalgamation of Marilyn Monroe and cult leader Charles Manson—as symbolic of what they call a “culture of death”. Some also recall the Columbine High School massacre, where Manson’s music was controversially linked to the shooters’ mindset, though no direct connection was ever proven.
In response, a group of Catholic believers has launched a 40-day spiritual protest, which began on July 1 and will conclude on the day of the concert. Their actions include fasting, prayer, and acts of mercy, aimed at expressing moral opposition without resorting to public demonstrations or blockades. Organizers say they respect artistic freedom but feel compelled to speak out against what they view as a threat to spiritual and social values.
The Archbishop of San Luis Potosí, Jorge Alberto Cavazos Arizpe, has distanced the Archdiocese from the protest, though he previously expressed concerns to the state governor about the concert’s appropriateness. The governor responded by affirming the event’s continuation, stating, “We’re no longer in the age of the Inquisition.”
As the concert date approaches, the debate continues to stir questions about freedom of expression, public morality, and the role of government in curating cultural events. For many, the protest is not just about one artist—it’s a reflection of deeper tensions between faith and modern entertainment.
Source: ADN 40
