Fiesta Back of the Yards: A Celebration of Community and Culture

On a Saturday afternoon, families with children made their way through bustling crowds and bright carnival games on Ashland Avenue. The area was filled with the aroma of fried food and lively Latin music.

More than 100,000 people from all ages were anticipated to attend the Fiesta Back of the Yards over a three-day weekend. This annual event celebrates the vibrant community and diverse culture of the South Side neighborhood. Now in its 35th year, the festival goes beyond simple festivities.

In a neighborhood sometimes affected by gangs and violence, and during a period of concern over immigration enforcement, the Fiesta Back of the Yards stands as a positive gathering, offering food, social services, music, and fun in a secure environment.

“The goal is to showcase the community,” said Craig Chico, CEO of the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council. Chico has led this street festival for over 15 years. “Our community suffers from a negative perception, but we want everyone to know this is a beautiful community with beautiful people.”

This festival has roots in a month-long event called the Free Fair that started in 1940, and it has been held on South Ashland Avenue for the past three years.

For many like Zitlally Jimenez, 26, from Brighton Park, attending the Fiesta is a yearly tradition. Having participated since she was 10, this year she attended with her 1-year-old son.

Ava Harris, aged 6, enjoyed a mechanical bull ride during the Fiesta. Meanwhile, Sergio Garcia, 19, from Gage Park, experienced the festival for the first time, joining his family on Saturday afternoon.

“My favorite part is experiencing the different cultures of the community, the different establishments, restaurants, and obviously the attractions,” Garcia said.

The event maintained a strong presence of private security and police, ensuring attendees felt safe. This aspect was crucial, especially after many Hispanic festivals were canceled due to increased immigration enforcement last year through Operation Midway Blitz. However, the Fiesta Back of the Yards continued.

Phil Fuentes, a board member of the Neighborhood Council, stated, “For us to say, ‘We’re not going to do this anymore because of a threat,’ that’s not going to happen.”

Chico and Fuentes acknowledged ongoing concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement, though these are less intense compared to the previous year.

Chico emphasized, “You can’t stop living because of fear. We wanted to provide this for people so that those in fear would know they have a safe place to enjoy life and maintain some normalcy.”

Children lined up to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl, adding to the joyous atmosphere on Ashland Avenue.