Festival Cubano: Chicago's first and only Cuban-themed fiesta
On August 7th-8th, Chicago’s first annual Cuban festival will merge the distinct cultures of the United States and Cuba into a melting pot fun for the entire family. Featuring live music, Cuban and Latin American cuisine and games, the West side festival “brings a bit of Havana to Chicago.”
Chicago boosts quite a few authentic Cuban restaurants and many of them will be on hand to dish out their signature dishes during the fest including ropa vieja (shredded flank steak in a tomato sauce) and medianoche sandwiches (similar to a Cuban sandwich with pork, ham, mustard, swiss cheese and pickles piled high on an egg bread).
The food is one thing, but the live music is another as illustrious live Spanish language singers and dancers compliment the festivities. Grammy-award winning singer Albita Rodriguez headlines Saturday night, while “the salsa legend” Rey Ruiz showcases his talent Sunday night. Throughout the two day event, many other singers, such as a Celia Cruz impersonator, will perform a range of musical genres such as the rumba and cha-cha-cha.
While the parents gaze at "caliente" Latin musical stars, kids can get their face painted, play games, hear bi-lingual stories from an on-site storyteller and get involved in a domino tournament for a chance to win up to $1500 in cash and prizes. Finally, the fest will also feature tributes to Cuban heroes Jose Marti (a revolutionary philosopher), Antonio Maceo (second-in-command in the Cuban army) and the Memorial Flame.
Posted by Garin Pirnia
