Fiesta Boricua Takes Over Humboldt Park

By: Celia Martinez

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local NewsChicago’s Puerto Rican community came together on Sunday, September 2, in celebration of the 19th annual Fiesta Boricua “De Bandera a Bandera.” The celebration, which took place in Humboldt Park, on Division Street, between Western and California, brought food, comedy and plenty of music to the much awaited Puerto Rican Fiesta.

Food and drink vendors were located throughout offering a taste of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine from arroz con gandules to alcapurias and tostones. Festival goers also enjoyed the comedic styling of Elizardi Castro and musical performances by Africaribe, Bompleneras, Alambre Dulce and Frankie Ruiz Jr. among others and everything else the festival had to offer.

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local NewsHowever, it was the promise of the appearance by Grammy winning sensation, Calle 13 that really got the crowd going. The superstars were set to make an appearance at 4 o’clock on the main stage and receive an honorable recognition from the Fiesta along with appearances by Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Roberto Maldonado and State Representative Cynthia Soto.

As 4 o’clock arrived, attendees began making their way to the stage in hopes of even catching a glimpse of the members of Calle 13.

Executive Director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Jose E. Lopez, served as the host as he introduced the political line up. Although appreciative of all who came to lend support, it was evident that Mayor Emanuel’s appearance at the Fiesta was an important one to note. “This is the first time a Chicago Mayor has come to our festival,” said Lopez said with a sense of pride.

One by one, politicians took the microphone expressing their pride not only in the Puerto Rican community but the Latino community as a whole, including the mayor. “I’m proud to be here,” said Mayor Emanuel. “This is a great day.”

Congressman Gutierrez and Lopez then presented Mayor Emanuel with a Paseo Boricua Flags Award and Lopez then surprised Gutierrez with a Paseo Boricua Cuatro Award.

Lopez then proceeded to introduce the members of Calle 13, sans lead singer, Rene Perez Joglar a.k.a. Residente. However, this did not seem to bother the crowd who cheered as Lopez introduced Eduardo Cabrera, a.k.a. Visitante and Ileana Cabrera Joglar, a.k.a. PG-13. The brother and sister musical team were then presented with the Keys to Paseo Boricua by Congressman Gutierrez, followed by the Paseo Boricua Walk of Fame Medallion presented by Alderman Roberto Maldonado and State Representative Cynthia Soto.

The recognition was then followed by a musical homage to Calle 13 by students from Pedro Albizu Campos High School and Batey Urbano with a rendition of their hit, “Atrevete Te Te.”

Afterwards, Visitante and PG-13 took time back stage as security allowed a few lucky fans to meet their idols and take some pictures. “I think it’s important for events like this to happen,” said the soft spoken Cabrera, “especially for the youth.”

Cabrera was extremely mild mannered, even amidst the chaotic atmosphere and explained that his brother could not be there due to their work schedule. “Sometimes we have to divide the work, but look, to me this isn’t work. We are on a mission, and this was a learning experience for me.”

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