The Sueños Music Festival, which continued into its second day this Memorial Day weekend, had many vendors and artists from the city and from across the country.
Surrounded by many different colored jerseys and T-shirts was Samuel Toribio, more commonly known as “Sam Smilee,” who is the owner of Pa Nosotros, Por Nosotros.
The clothing varied from colors such as gold, blue and black. Each design featured a text stating different neighborhoods, such as Pilsen and “The Yards,” a shortened name for the Back of the Yards neighborhood.
Torribio said he wanted to connect the community through the idea of being from the same area despite different lives.
“I wanted to create a brand to remind us that we all went to school together, that we all grew up in the same neighborhoods, that we’re all friends at the end of the day,” said Toribio.
La Michoacana Premium was one of the food vendors at the festival. They sold items such as mangonadas and paletas.
Hugo Prado, one of the people involved with the establishment, said that they have been at Sueños since the first year.
The item choices were a result of wanting to have a good variety for festival attendees.
The best part of the experience for him was seeing attendees’ reactions to the food they purchased.
“Well, ice cream makes people smile. That’s what we do, just make people smile,” said Prado.
“Do Not Disturb,” more commonly known as “DND”, performed at Toyota’s Music Den in the evening. They are a Latin boy band from Miami, and it was their first time performing at the Chicago festival.
Javier Garcia De Castro, one of the group’s members, said that they have been rehearsing for some time and felt super excited. Last week, they performed with fellow artist Pharrell Williams, one of the people behind the creative vision for the group.
“This is our first 30-minute set, so we added more songs and covers to make it a little more fun for people,” said De Castro.
Emiliano Jofre, another of the group’s members, said that he has loved Chicago for its architecture, vibes and mixture of cultures.
“I feel like it’s a mixture of New York but a bit more gothic,” said Jofre.
Emilio Uvilla, a member of the group, also agreed and the amount of culture and representation.
“The people want to hear Latin music and that’s what we’re here to do,” Uvilla.
Kryztal and Kazzandra Peña, co-owners of Clay Chikas, were one of the vendors at the festival. Some of their items being sold ranged from bookmarks to hair clips and polymer clay earrings with designs such as snakes and daisy flowers.
Krystal said that they began the business during the pandemic as they were finding activities to do, which led to crafts.
Over time, they expanded into having designs such as the Virgin Mary and the flags of Latin American countries.
She said that they have enjoyed seeing people checking out their stand at the festival.
“I think it’s again, like seeing people wear our earrings, and it shows that they’re proud of their culture and where they come from,” said Peña.
Taco Maya, a family-owned restaurant business, was one of the vendors at Sueños.
They have an establishment located in the South Loop area.
Feliz Hernandez, who works at one of the locations, said his stepfather mixed different blends and spices due to his travels throughout Mexico that led to the type of options offered by the business.
“That’s why people need to come try it out and then check it out for themselves,” said Hernandez.
Dark Matter Coffee and Sleep Walk Chocolateria shared a stand in the vendor section. Drinks sold were items such as “Horchata Latte” and “Mexicali Orange,” a type of juice.
Dark Matter Coffee, as explained by project manager Mike Miczek, was started in Humboldt Park where the business turned an old bar into a cafe.
Miczek also said that it’s been great to see the culture’s presence given the current state of the country.
“The fact that this community can still come together and have a great time, is really awesome to see,” said Miczek.
Copy edited by Vanessa Orozco
