Come Out to Fiesta del Sol This Weekend
Jessica Grant
Published: July 28, 2010
The Pilsen Neighbors Community Council (PNCC) invites you to take part in this year's "Fiesta del Sol," which will take place on July 29 - August 1 on Cermak, between Loomis and Morgan streets. Click here for the Pilsen Portal Calendar listing.
The Pilsen tradition of Fiesta del Sol originated in 1973 to commemorate the council's role in both building and establishing Benito Juarez Community High School. Since that initial celebration, this annual event has transformed into nearly mile-long festival that draws a million people each year.
The services offered at this year's festival reflect PNCC's longtime commitment to the community. In between rides, patrons can learn the educational opportunities available in Illinois at the College Fair and Pilsen School Expo, receive complimentary health screenings at the Keeping Healthy Campaign booth, play games and donate books in the Children's Area, participate in a soccer tournament, partake in crafts at the Art Pavilion, and much more. Fiesta del Sol is also competing in the Green Festival Challenge, and student volunteers will promote recycling and other environmentally conscious practices to festival visitors.
Aside from all the services offered at Fiesta del Sol, one of the biggest attractions of the festival is the food. The food available at the festival unite an array of cultures throughout the city, as people of all backgrounds come to enjoy Mexican specialties such as pina coladas and enchiladas. Another highlight of the festival is the House of Sol stage. This year, the stage will host acts such as Ghetto Divison, Lady D, Qunito Imperio, and many others.
For the first time in the festival's history, PNCC is recognizing seven "heroes" that have worked particularly hard over the years to make Fiesta del Sol a success. These heroes include Alejandro Romero, who creates the festival's commemorative poster each year, who has been a main organizer of Fiesta del Sol since 1975, and Rita Aguilar, who is currently the chair of the festival and focuses much of her work on youth engagement.
With food, education, live music and rides, Fiesta del Sol is the perfect place to get a taste of Mexican culture and create fun memories with your friends and family.
Posted in Community Events
