Sueños Festival shines the spotlight on Latin music and culture in Chicago

Sueños Music Festival has quickly become one of the premier events to experience Latino music in the United States. During Memorial Weekend, downtown Chicago was engulfed in Latino pride with all flags of origin proudly represented. For the third year in a row, organizers have done a terrific job bringing together some of the culture’s biggest artists. 

Sueños Music Festival creates a complete experience for the attendees by offering plenty of photo ops, an abundance of food options, a Ferris Wheel with a great skyline view, and a multitude of beverage pop-ups. But the main reason people come together is to dance to some of the best Latino artists. Fans were elated once Xavi arrived, rocking a crimson Chicago Bulls jersey with a Mexican flag draped over his shoulders, the 19-year-old Arizona stud sang his heart out for “Corazon de Piedra”. The speakers blasted his corridos horn instrumental as he wailed the lyrics of favorites “La Victima” and “La Diabla”.

DJ/producer Bizarrap kept the party going, playing bangers from his catalog in collaboration with artists like Shakira to other mixes with artists on the lineup such as Yung Miko, Rauw Alejandro, Young Miko, and Peso Pluma. The amount of hits Bizarrap has been able to produce in his short career is simply incredible. The music was complemented by cartoony visuals which worked perfectly with Bizarrap’s brand. 

Another 19-year-old heartthrob who made his presence known during the weekend was Ivan Cornejo. Dressed in a black suit and turtleneck, Ivan passed out roses to the lucky few in the front section walking up the stage. He melted hearts serenading listeners with his ballads. Cornejo’s acoustic tunes echoed throughout the crowd, softly speaking the emotional lyrics for “Dónde Estás” and pouring his soul for “La Última Vez”.

Next was Young Miko. It’s been great to see her growth as an artist over the past year witnessing her meteoric rise to fame first-hand. Sueños has been supporting her from the start having her open last year and now giving her top billing. Young Miko showed off why she’s been successful by performing club hits “Colmillo,” “Classy 101,” and “Offline”. The young Puerto Rican rapper has already collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest acts like J. Balvin, Bad Bunny, Feid, Karol G, and many others. Young Miko also surprised fans by bringing out Bad Gyal to perform their team-up track “Chulo Pt. 2”.

Rauw Alejandro was the perfect artist to end Day One. The roaring screams of female fans in attendance were deafening upon his arrival and he certainly had the stage presence to earn it. The full setup included pyro, choreographed backup dancers, and fantastic vocals were on full display, especially for  “Espectaular”. He got the crowd riled up for “Panties Y Brasieres” and caused another wave of cheers when Alvaro Diaz joined him on stage for “BYAK”.

The first day was a dream of heavenly bliss. Unfortunately, Day Twp started off rough when a terrible rainstorm caused a delay in opening the gates. Fans frantically watched social media updates while committee members surveyed unstable conditions. When the gates were allowed to open midday, herds of attendees congested the entrance leading to more frustrating wait times. Credit is due to the event workers doing due diligence and keeping the festival grounds as safe and pleasant as possible. 

Bad Gyal got the restless crowd back into the swing of things by performing the sensual “Perdió Este Culo,” “Bota Niña,” and her single track “Chulo”. Next was Colombian rapper/singer Maluma. There was a full video hype package shown before he hit the stage creating anticipation. Being in the game for a while Maluma had a plethora of tracks to pull from including  “Borró Cassette,” “El Perdedor,” and “Según Quién” before wrapping up his set.

Ultimately, the collecting gray clouds overhead became too concerning. A severe weather report was issued and organizers had to come to the difficult realization that the best option for everyone’s safety was to evacuate and end the festival early. Fans were understandably heartbroken because it meant for the third time this year there would be no Peso Pluma. 

Leaving the park as the downpour came was an insult to injury. The weather was an unexpected factor and coordinators have stated fans will receive partial refunds for their troubles. The abrupt ending was disappointing but only because Sueños Music Festival has delivered on their past promises. However, the future is bright for Sueños Music Festival and we look forward to what they could bring next year.