DOWNTOWN — Latino pride was in full display as thousands flocked to Grant Park over Memorial Day weekend for Sueños Music Festival, Chicago’s largest Latin music fest.
The festival, now in its fourth year, drew thousands to watch some of the most influential Latin music artists, including Colombian Grammy-winning superstar Shakira, Peso Pluma, Don Omar and Grupo Frontera.
Despite unseasonably cool temperatures Saturday night, thousands of fans arrived boasting shimmering tops, hip scarves and miniskirts inspired by headliner Shakira, dubbed the greatest Latina pop artist of all time by Billboard earlier this year.
“Wow, I’m in love with this city. It’s so beautiful,” Shakira told thousands of fans, who danced and sang along to her hits at Grant Park, 331 E. Randolph St.
The Colombian singer and songwriter appeared at Sueños Music Festival as part of her global tour, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, named after the artist’s Grammy-winning album by the same name. With numerous outfit changes, dancers and impressive production, Shakira performed megahits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” “Waka Waka,” “She Wolf” and “Whenever, Wherever,” among many other fan favorites.
Saturday’s set list did not disappoint Sofia Sanchez, who arrived from the western suburbs to watch Shakira. A fan since she was a little girl, Sanchez rocked an outfit inspired by the hit Hips Don’t Lie that she purchased specifically for Sueños, she said.
Juany Weibert traveled by train from Wichita, Kansas, with her son, husband and daughter-in-law to watch the Colombian pop icon.
“I hope she performs the one that goes ‘Las mujeres ya no lloran, las mujeres facturan’”, she said, referring to the song “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53.”
The viral hit, produced with Argentine DJ and producer Bizarrap, in which Shakira addresses her breakup with ex-husband and soccer star Gerard Piqué, has become an anthem of female power.
Before Shakira’s performance Saturday, Mexican singer and rapper Peso Pluma appeared before thousands rocking a White Sox cap. His set came a year after his appearance at last year’s festival was canceled due to severe weather.
“It’s good to be in Chicago,” he said. “Remember last time we got rained out? Well, no rain can stop me this time.”
Aside from performing fan-favorite hits like “AMG,” “Rubicón,” “Nueva Vida,” “La Patrulla,” “Rompe La Dompe” and “Lady Gaga,” Peso Pluma got off stage to kiss his girlfriend, Kenia Os, a Mexican singer and influencer.
Brothers Damian and Daniel Gutierrez attended Sueños with their parents to watch Peso Pluma, eager to listen to some of the Mexican artist’s corrido tumbados hits “Hollywood” and “BRUCE WAYNE.” The brothers rocked cowboy hats and boots, proudly honoring their Mexican roots, some of which they had purchased at West Town’s beloved Alcala’s Western Wear.
“It’s my blood. I have to represent,” Damian Gutierrez said.
With an expanded footprint this year that included a second stage and dance zone with more bars and seating, plus more activities and food vendors, thousands celebrated Latino culture.
“It is better than last year. Maybe it’s the weather or the way it was organized” said Roberto Zuniga, from Chicago, who returned to the festival Sunday to enjoy performances by Don Omar and Tito Double P.
Throughout the two-day festival, hundreds repped their Latin heritage and favorite artists’ countries of origin, wrapped in flags of Latin American countries, also seen waving in the Chicago sky.
“I’m so excited to see Shakira, a fellow Colombian. I cannot explain,” said Abigail Blanco, wrapped in a Colombian Flag, who attended Sueños for the first time after moving to Chicago two years ago.
Local mental health and networking collective Sin Título brought immigrant pride merchandise to the two-day music festival with customizable cowboy hats, apparel boasting an immigration angel design and free tattoos.
Sueños took place this year as other festivals celebrating Latin culture have been cancelled, including Miche Fest and Pilsen’s Mole de Mayo Festival.
“We have our immigration angel, putting us into light in a positive manner amid a political climate that depicts us negatively,” said Iraís Elizarraraz Sosa, Sin Titulo co-founder and CEO.
The celebration of Latino culture continued Sunday as thousands arrived to enjoy performances of reggaeton, Mexican regional Latin hip hop, and trap, with a lineup including Don Omar, Grupo Frontera, Wisin Omar Courtz, Tito Double P, Bellakath, Gonzy, Legallyrxx and Kapo, among other artists.
At La Fuente Stage, hundreds danced Sunday to the sounds of DJs like 3BallMTY, Sorry Papi, Victor Cardenas and Deorro.
Hailing from Little Village, Teresa Frausto returned to Sueńos for the fourth time to watch headliner Don Omar Sunday after enjoying Shakira’s and Peso Pluma’s performances Saturday. Thousands more arrived Sunday rocking sombreros, cowboy boots and Western wear to watch Grupo Frontera.
“It was emotional. I cried, it was an out-of-body experience,” said Daniel Arizmendi, who arrived at the festival grounds from Chicago’s north suburbs to watch his favorite band, Grupo Frontera.
Local businesses brought a taste of the local food scene to the two-day festival. Long lines formed Sunday at fan favorite Tacotlan and Prime Tacos, two of more than a dozen local businesses bringing fans Latin food staples like tacos, tortas, quesabirrias, arepas, aguas frescas and micheladas.
Chicago-based Dark Matter Coffee joined the vendor lineup for the first time, bringing its signature horchata latte and other coffee-based drinks to the Latin music festival. Fans and festival staff alike were very excited to see the local coffee shop, said Mike Mizzek project manager for the Latino-owned coffee shop which sources its coffee beans from Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.
In the fourth year, the local dance group Ballet Folklorico de Chicago returned to the music festival, bringing 45 dancers who performed Mexican folklore dances. At times, festival goers could be seen joining the group to dance to the popular song “Payaso de Rodeo,” known by many as the Mexican Cupid Shuffle.
“I’m so proud to be back and see the results of our work,” teacher Miriam Gomez said.
Throughout the two-day festival, artists celebrated the city’s diversity as they shouted out the names of Latin American countries while fans cheered and threw their flags up in the air.
“All of you who are proud of being Latino, I want to see you jump,” Puerto Rican reggaeton icon Wisin told thousands who gathered to watch his set Sunday.
Closing out the festival Sunday night was Puerto Rican songwriter, singer and producer Don Omar. The artist, dubbed “the King of Reggaeton” by fans and critics alike, hit the main stage with reggaeton hits from the early 2000’s like “Salió el Sol,” “Pobre Diabla,” Ella y Yo,” “Dale, Don Dale,” among others.
“I feel the culture,” first-time festival goer Jennifer Moreno said.
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