The walls of HAUS at 623 S. Wabash Ave. transformed into a celebration of Puerto Rican heritage on Friday, April 25. Banners of the Puerto Rican flag hung from the walls, while shiny silver balloons displayed “#FFPR,” standing for Fuego Fest Puerto Rico. Over 50 students filled the space, some dancing to reggaeton beats while others gathered around tables decorated with handmade decorations and Taíno symbols.
The annual Fuego Fest hosted by Latino Alliance delivered more than just entertainment this year, as the event carried heightened significance amid current political tensions.
“It means that Latines are here. We are here to stay and to be ourselves,” said Mario Jimenez, senior photography major and president of Latino Alliance. “Even when there’s a political administration that is actively deterring Latine communities, it is important to not lose our identity and to continue to express it. We should never let our fear stop us from celebrating our cultures.”
This semester, Latino Alliance also collaborated with the Hispanic Journalists of Columbia. Lizeth Medina, senior photography major and vice president of HJC, expressed excitement about the collaboration.
“They have always been very supportive to us whether through budget or sharing posts online. It’s really important for us to support events and stick by each other,” Medina said.
Their presentation highlighted the challenges Puerto Rico faces today and called for support of local cultural organizations, such as the National Museum of Puerto Rican Culture and Arts in Chicago, dedicated to preserving and celebrating its heritage in Humboldt Park.
“I definitely do believe events like Fuego Fest will create solidarity amongst students at the Latine community at large,” said Adilene Vega, junior arts history major and event coordinator of Latino Alliance. “While there may be some fears and anxieties, we have a community and we have ways of organizing to provide a source of comfort and support for each other.”
Stefanie Valle-Aguilera, a junior fine arts major and vice president of Latino Alliance, said she hopes to continue promoting inclusivity this year, particularly for students of color with heritage outside the U.S.
“As a person who was born and raised in Mexico, when you are out of your home and your culture, it makes you feel lonely and out of place,” said Valle-Aguilera. “I know there’s international students that might feel the same way I did, so I’m happy the team gets to do events for people to enjoy and learn different cultures.”
The event featured a salsa dance performance from Mi Gente dance club and music from senior audio arts and music interdisciplinary major DJ Jahdiel Lopez.
John Reyes, junior ASL-English interpreting major and member of Mi Gente, felt energized after performing and was grateful to be part of something that highlighted his own Puerto Rican culture.
“I am Puerto Rican and this hits close to home because I feel like most of my experience with Latino representation at institutions, it was never my culture. It means a lot to see my flag and I definitely love the food,” Reyes said.
Lorena Castro, senior fashion studies major and president of Mi Gente, expressed pride in her team’s performance.
“I think through dance is where a lot of people are able to showcase their emotions but also have fun,” Castro said. “Latinos have fun wherever they are and in whatever environments they are faced with.”
Traditional Puerto Rican foods such as pollo guisado and arroz con gandules were also provided by the restaurant Jibaritos y Más. They also offered non-alcoholic coquito to drink, a Puerto Rican beverage made with vanilla, coconut milk, coconut cream and spices traditionally served during December holidays.
While waiting in line for food, Galilea Diaz, sophomore film major, said she was excited to immerse herself in Puerto Rican traditions she had never explored prior.
“I’m looking forward to the music, the food and performances. I have a lot of Puerto Rican friends and I feel grateful to know more about their culture and be in tune with it,” Diaz said.
Before heading to the dance floor, first-year film and television major Oshun Cortez, a regular at Latino Alliance club meetings, said the fest was more than just a party, it was a safe space that fostered unity.
“Honestly, right now with our current president and a lot of bigotry and hate going around recently, especially when it comes to just foreigners and immigrants, I feel like we need something to bring everyone together at least at some point,” said Cortez.
While sitting down and enjoying music, Abigail Paucar, sophomore music major, member of Mi Gente reflected on the importance of gatherings.
“I think it’s a nice space for everyone to come together especially during these times. Hearing about these events makes me want to be a part of the community and being around each other makes moments like these better,” Paucar said.
Copy edited by Matt Brady
Resumen en Español:
Las paredes de HAUS en 623 S. Wabash Ave. se transformaron en una celebración de la herencia puertorriqueña el viernes, 25 de abril. Pancartas de la bandera puertorriqueña colgaban de las paredes, mientras que brillantes globos plateados mostraban “#FFPR”, en representación del evento Fuego Fest Puerto Rico.
Más de 50 estudiantes llenaron el espacio, algunos bailando al ritmo del reggaetón, mientras que otros se reunieron alrededor de mesas decoradas con adornos hechos a mano y símbolos taínos.
El Fuego Fest anual ofreció más que solo entretenimiento este año, ya que el evento tuvo una mayor importancia en medio de las tensiones políticas actuales.
“Significa que los latinos están aquí. Estamos aquí para quedarnos y para ser nosotros mismos”, dijo Jiménez. “Incluso cuando hay una administración política que está disuadiendo activamente a las comunidades latinas, es importante no perder nuestra identidad y seguir expresándola. Nunca debemos dejar que nuestro miedo nos impida celebrar nuestras culturas”.
Resumen en Español por Araceli Ramirez
Resumen editado por Doreen Abril Albuerne Rodriguez
