CHICAGO (WLS) — Thousands of people gathered in Pilsen for the 54th annual Fiesta del Sol, a festival celebrating food, music, culture, and community.
Festivalgoers filled the neighborhood streets to enjoy local and regional food vendors, carnival rides and games, live entertainment, and dancing.
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“If you love being Latino, you have to go to the street festival. I feels like a little piece of Mexico here, and I’ve had the best time, the best food, the best music,” said Issac Domenech, who attended the event.
The festival featured a variety of attractions, including food stands, rides and live performances. Organizers also introduced a new art installation this year called “Stories of Us.”
The festival’s theme was “Somos America,” or “We are America.”
“We came. We migrated, but we are part of this. We contribute, and we know that, too,” said Juana Medina, co-chair of Fiesta del Sol.
Attendees said the event reflects both the culture and identity of the community.
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“Pilsen is known as the heart of Chicago, so yeah, you know, it just feels good. It’s a good vibe, just seeing everyone here, hanging out,” said Gilberto Dominguez.
Soila Macias, another festivalgoer, said, “This is my country. This is my people, my food. I feel like this is my town.”
The festival was one of several major events taking place across Chicago during a busy summer weekend. Other attractions included a Karol G concert at Soldier Field, Gospel Fest at Millennium Park and the Savannah Bananas at Wrigley Field.
“The food, the energy, the fun, the love of the people. You just can’t get no better than this,” said Shanelle Brandon, who attended Fiesta del Sol.
As the festival continued in Pilsen, visitors celebrated the neighborhood’s culture, heritage and community spirit during a summer weekend filled with events across the city.
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