DOWNTOWN — Latino satisfaction was in full show as hundreds flocked to Grant Park over Memorial Day weekend for Sueños Music Pageant, Chicago’s largest Latin music fest.
The competition, now in its fourth yr, drew hundreds to observe a number of the most influential Latin music artists, together with Colombian Grammy-winning famous person Shakira, Peso Pluma, Don Omar and Grupo Frontera.
Regardless of unseasonably cool temperatures Saturday night time, hundreds of followers arrived boasting shimmering tops, hip scarves and miniskirts impressed by headliner Shakira, dubbed the best Latina pop artist of all time by Billboard earlier this yr.
“Wow, I’m in love with this metropolis. It’s so lovely,” Shakira instructed hundreds of followers, who danced and sang alongside to her hits at Grant Park, 331 E. Randolph St.
The Colombian singer and songwriter appeared at Sueños Music Pageant as a part of her world tour, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, named after the artist’s Grammy-winning album by the identical identify. With quite a few outfit modifications, dancers and spectacular manufacturing, Shakira carried out megahits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” “Waka Waka,” “She Wolf” and “At any time when, Wherever,” amongst many different fan favorites.
Saturday’s set record didn’t disappoint Sofia Sanchez, who arrived from the western suburbs to observe Shakira. A fan since she was a little bit lady, Sanchez rocked an outfit impressed by the hit Hips Don’t Lie that she bought particularly for Sueños, she mentioned.
Juany Weibert traveled by practice from Wichita, Kansas, together with her son, husband and daughter-in-law to observe the Colombian pop icon.
“I hope she performs the one which goes ‘Las mujeres ya no lloran, las mujeres facturan’”, she mentioned, referring to the music “Shakira: Bzrp Music Periods, Vol. 53.”
The viral hit, produced with Argentine DJ and producer Bizarrap, wherein Shakira addresses her breakup with ex-husband and soccer star Gerard Piqué, has change into an anthem of feminine energy.
Earlier than Shakira’s efficiency Saturday, Mexican singer and rapper Peso Pluma appeared earlier than hundreds rocking a White Sox cap. His set got here a yr after his look eventually yr’s competition was canceled resulting from extreme climate.
“It’s good to be in Chicago,” he mentioned. “Keep in mind final time we acquired rained out? Effectively, no rain can cease me this time.”
Other than performing fan-favorite hits like “AMG,” “Rubicón,” “Nueva Vida,” “La Patrulla,” “Rompe La Dompe” and “Girl Gaga,” Peso Pluma acquired off stage to kiss his girlfriend, Kenia Os, a Mexican singer and influencer.
Brothers Damian and Daniel Gutierrez attended Sueños with their mother and father to observe Peso Pluma, desperate to hearken to a number of the Mexican artist’s corrido tumbados hits “Hollywood” and “BRUCE WAYNE.” The brothers rocked cowboy hats and boots, proudly honoring their Mexican roots, a few of which they’d bought at West City’s beloved Alcala’s Western Put on.
“It’s my blood. I’ve to symbolize,” Damian Gutierrez mentioned.
With an expanded footprint this yr that included a second stage and dance zone with extra bars and seating, plus extra actions and meals distributors, hundreds celebrated Latino tradition.
“It’s higher than final yr. Perhaps it’s the climate or the best way it was organized” mentioned Roberto Zuniga, from Chicago, who returned to the competition Sunday to get pleasure from performances by Don Omar and Tito Double P.
All through the two-day competition, a whole bunch repped their Latin heritage and favourite artists’ international locations of origin, wrapped in flags of Latin American international locations, additionally seen waving within the Chicago sky.
“I’m so excited to see Shakira, a fellow Colombian. I can’t clarify,” mentioned Abigail Blanco, wrapped in a Colombian Flag, who attended Sueños for the primary time after transferring to Chicago two years in the past.
Native psychological well being and networking collective Sin Título introduced immigrant satisfaction merchandise to the two-day music competition with customizable cowboy hats, attire boasting an immigration angel design and free tattoos.
Sueños occurred this yr as different festivals celebrating Latin tradition have been cancelled, together with Miche Fest and Pilsen’s Mole de Mayo Pageant.
“We’ve our immigration angel, placing us into mild in a constructive method amid a political local weather that depicts us negatively,” mentioned Iraís Elizarraraz Sosa, Sin Titulo co-founder and CEO.
The celebration of Latino tradition continued Sunday as hundreds arrived to get pleasure from performances of reggaeton, Mexican regional Latin hip hop, and lure, with a lineup together with Don Omar, Grupo Frontera, Wisin Omar Courtz, Tito Double P, Bellakath, Gonzy, Legallyrxx and Kapo, amongst different artists.
At La Fuente Stage, a whole bunch 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 observe headliner Don Omar Sunday after having fun with Shakira’s and Peso Pluma’s performances Saturday. Hundreds extra arrived Sunday rocking sombreros, cowboy boots and Western put on to observe Grupo Frontera.
“It was emotional. I cried, it was an out-of-body expertise,” mentioned Daniel Arizmendi, who arrived on the competition grounds from Chicago’s north suburbs to observe his favourite band, Grupo Frontera.
Native companies introduced a style of the native meals scene to the two-day competition. Lengthy strains shaped Sunday at fan favourite Tacotlan and Prime Tacos, two of greater than a dozen native companies bringing followers Latin meals staples like tacos, tortas, quesabirrias, arepas, aguas frescas and micheladas.
Chicago-based Darkish Matter Espresso joined the seller lineup for the primary time, bringing its signature horchata latte and different coffee-based drinks to the Latin music competition. Followers and competition workers alike had been very excited to see the native espresso store, mentioned Mike Mizzek mission supervisor for the Latino-owned espresso store which sources its espresso beans from Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.
Within the fourth yr, the native dance group Ballet Folklorico de Chicago returned to the music competition, bringing 45 dancers who carried out Mexican folklore dances. At instances, competition goers may very well be seen becoming a member of the group to bop to the favored music “Payaso de Rodeo,” recognized by many because the Mexican Cupid Shuffle.
“I’m so proud to be again and see the outcomes of our work,” trainer Miriam Gomez mentioned.
All through the two-day competition, artists celebrated town’s variety as they shouted out the names of Latin American international locations whereas followers cheered and threw their flags up within the air.
“All of you who’re pleased with being Latino, I need to see you bounce,” Puerto Rican reggaeton icon Wisin instructed hundreds who gathered to observe his set Sunday.
Closing out the competition Sunday night time was Puerto Rican songwriter, singer and producer Don Omar. The artist, dubbed “the King of Reggaeton” by followers and critics alike, hit the principle stage with reggaeton hits from the early 2000’s like “Salió el Sol,” “Pobre Diabla,” Ella y Yo,” “Dale, Don Dale,” amongst others.
“I really feel the tradition,” first-time competition goer Jennifer Moreno mentioned.
Listed here are extra pictures from Sueños Music Pageant 2025:
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