Juanes's "Peace Without Borders" Concert Draws Hundreds of Thousands

“It’s time to change,” sang Juanes on Sunday as he and 14 other musicians performed in front of the 1.15 million people that crowded into Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución to witness his “Peace Without Borders” concert. It was the culmination of months of controversy for the Colombian rocker, who was criticized by exiles of supporting Castro’s government when he announced the show.

And not since Pope John Paul II said Mass on the same square in 1998 had Cuba seen such an incredible turnout. “It’s marvelous,” enthused Juanes, as he gazed at all of the cubanos smiling and dancing in the audience. He and the other artists dressed in symbolic white as they braved the scorching sun and sang for the island.

Puerto Rican vocalist Olga Tañon opened the concert with “Mentiroso,” a merengue about a lying man. After the set, she said, “May God always bless you. You’re staying with a piece of my heart.” Spanish crooner Miguel Bose took the stage two hours later to perform the '80s classic “Amante Bandido.” “We’re all here making the dream of peace, of love and of solidarity come true,” he told the crowd.

Juanes, who was the 10th artist in the lineup, sang hits like “A Dios le Pido,” “La Camisa Negra” and the slow-paced “Sueños,” about kidnappings in his native country. “This is the most beautiful dream, one of peace and love. ... In the end, guys, we’re all brothers,” said the colombiano, who closed the show with the chant “Cuba libre! Cuba libre!”

After the historic concert, he told The Miami Herald, “This is the power of art, the power of music. We’re so happy because the people are happy, and that’s what matters to us.”

Here he is singing “Odio Por Amor” with Miguel Bose: