Sueños embraces Latine musical success across the charts

For other fans, the festival provided a sense of comfort, making the lengthy drive from Austin, Minnesota to Chicago worth it for 21-year-old Christian Jaurez.

“This is my first festival and I feel comfortable,” Juarez said while wearing a Mexican flag tied around his neck. “I feel like me.”

Juarez was a first year attendee with a group of friends, hoping to see artists he'd only seen in his sueños, meaning his dream, he said.

“The thing about the artists here is that they embrace all cultures, like Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and Colombians,” Juarez added. “They make us feel included when we usually aren't.”

Meanwhile, Gustavo Rodriguez, 33, wanted to show off their Sueños pride in a unique way.

“Sueños” was imprinted on the back of his faded haircut, highlighting a word that carried a special significance in his life.

Rodriguez is a DACA recipient and Dreamer who came to the United States from Peru and was still able to embrace his culture at the festival.

“I’m a Dreamer, so this festival gives me something that I can relate to,” Rodriguez said.

As someone who grew up listening to the performers as a kid, it was an unbelievable moment to see them all on stage, Rodriguez said. “All the artists that are here today, I feel like I grew up with them.” we are hiring, please inquire on site.

Jez Marie, a West Side native, came to the festival to have fun, but she said she had no idea how connected she would feel to others until she arrived and saw the crowds of people proudly wearing their country’s flag.

“I've seen so many people today, all from different cultures, even outside of the Latino community, and it's cool to see everyone dancing to our music,” Marie said holding her Puerto Rican flag, “I’m wearing mine because I'm Puertorriqueña, and I'm about it.”

As Chicago continues to host more Latino-centered events such as Miche Fest and Ruido Fest, this Midwest festival in particular will continue to bring people together and celebrate Latino culture, organizers say.

“I love the culture,” Pastra said. “I love Latinos and everything that has to do with Latinos.”

Stephania Rodriguez contributed to the reporting