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Fiesta Del Sol, the largest Latino festival in the country, returned to the Pilsen neighborhood, bringing live music and entertainment lineup across multiple stages, along with a rich mix of local and regional food vendors, carnival rides, games and cultural programming.
This free family-friendly festival is organized by the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council serving as a voice in the Pilsen community, advocating for social justice, education reform, healthcare and immigration reform.
Juana Medina is the co-chair of Fiesta Del Sol for 2024, 2025 and 2026. A passionate community advocate, Medina helps organize year-round initiatives through the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council.
As a single immigrant mother of a 22-year-old daughter who is deaf and has a physical disability, Medina’s involvement with Fiesta Del Sol is driven by the desire to set a positive example and inspire her daughter to pursue her goals with courage and strong values.
“I challenged myself to set an example for my daughter and also to challenge her that whatever you want, you can do it. You just need to have courage and to have your values very high,” Medina said.
Medina explains that Fiesta Del Sol supports the community in more than one way. On the surface it’s a joyful celebration filled with music, food and culture that brings people together. But behind the scenes there is a deeper impact. Throughout the year organizers work to listen to the community’s needs and bring valuable resources to the festival through various programs and exhibitions.
“We organize committees that are not only responsible for helping plan and attend Fiesta del Sol, but also for listening to the community’s needs and identifying what support and resources are necessary. They then bring those resources to the festival’s exhibitions,” Medina said.
In this video, Medina explores the meaning of Fiesta Del Sol and what it brings to the community and social justice work.
Since its beginning in 1972, Fiesta Del Sol has been a grassroots, community-driven event, traditionally promoted through direct, person-to-person outreach. In recent years, it has expanded to include television, radio and digital platforms such as social media.
“We are aware that most people are very engaged with social media, and year after year, we’re developing strategies to make sure we reach everyone through those platforms—to keep that communication going and encourage them to come to the festival,” Medina said.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson made an appearance and spoke at the festival. Johnson emphasized the city’s dedication to defending every individual who calls Chicago home and called on the community to unite across all sectors to uphold their shared humanity and resist authoritarianism.
“I recognize the frustration and fear spreading across this country. But I can tell you, as clearly as the day is today, that our city will defend the rights of every single individual who wishes to call the city of Chicago their home,” Johnson said.
Another deeper impact of Fiesta Del Sol comes from the exhibitions developed throughout the year. Committees are formed to both help plan and participate in the festival, ensuring that community needs are reflected in every aspect of the event.
Fiesta Del Sol welcomed not only local vendors but also family-run businesses from across the country.
At Fiesta del Sol, Vice President Juana Medina introduced Alejandra Luis and a group of artisans from Mexico, representing the Universidad Intercultural del Pueblo as well as CEDE Oaxaca and CEDE Michoacán.
“The difference is that it’s made by hand, made from the heart, and shared from Oaxaca and Michoacán with Fiesta del Sol and Chicago. I am very happy,” Luis said.
Other vendors included Mexico Artisan and Wonders, a Texas-based pottery business rooted in Mexico City. This marks Mexico Artisan and Wonders second time as a vendor at Fiesta Del Sol.
When asked about the future of Fiesta Del Sol long term vision, Medina responded that the vision is to keep the festival going strong — while remaining independent of sponsorships from alcohol and tobacco companies.
“Fiesta Del Sol has no sponsorship from alcohol or tobacco companies. Historically, alcohol has been an element that harms society, so the festival has intentionally distanced itself from that type of sponsorship. One of the ongoing challenges is continuing to find ways to fund the event without having to rely on these sources,” Medina said.
For Medina, Fiesta Del Sol represents both a source of inspiration and a call to build equity, opportunity, and leadership within the Pilsen community.
“Our strength lies in our ability to come together across all communities and fight for justice and equality,” Medina said.
