A&E

A pictorial glance at the Joliet Latino Fest

Organizers said the event attracted thousands

Jesus Rodriquez performs with the Mariachi Sirenas at the Joliet Latino Fest, which was held Saturday, September 18, 2021 in downtown Joliet. Organizers estimated the event attracted 3,000 attendees. (Photo provided)

By Denise M. Baran-Unland

Organizers for the Joliet Latino Fest, which was held Sept. 18, estimated the event attracted 3,000 attendees.

The Joliet Latino Economic Development Association and Unidos Marketing Network co-hosted the event.

Pictured are volunteers and members of the Joliet Latino Economic Development Association at the Joliet Latino Fest, which was held Saturday, September 18, 2021 in downtown Joliet. Organizers estimated the event attracted 3,000 attendees. (Photo provided)

The one-day, family friendly event was held from noon to 11 p.m. in downtown Joliet near the Rialto Square Theatre. Features included authentic food as well as music.

The Joliet Latino Fest was held Saturday, September 18, 2021 in downtown Joliet near the Rialto Square Theatre. Organizers estimated the event attracted 3,000 attendees. (Photo provided)

This included Latin Grammy nominated headlining artist Alacranes Musical. Musical has roots in Chicagoland, with original band members having lived in Joliet.

Pictured is Alacranes Musical at the Joliet Latino Fest, which was held Saturday, September 18, 2021 in downtown Joliet. Organizers estimated the event attracted 3,000 attendees. (Photo provided)

Other performers include Grupo Rival, a Joliet-based Norteño group that has toured the U.S., La Obra (American/Latino fusion group, mixing salsa, merengue, reggaeton and cumbia) and local talent.

Pictured are members of Ballet Folklorico at the Joliet Latino Fest, which was held Saturday, September 18, 2021 in downtown Joliet. Organizers estimated the event attracted 3,000 attendees. (Photo provided)

A portion of the proceeds was donated to the Hispanic Latino Coalition of Will County, which has awarded over $130,000 in scholarships to Hispanic students in the region.

Pictured are the recipients of the Hispanic Latino Coalition scholarships at at the Joliet Latino Fest, which was held Saturday, September 18, 2021 in downtown Joliet. Organizers estimated the event attracted 3,000 attendees. (Photo provided)

For more information, visit unidosmarketing.com and jolietleda.org.

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Denise Unland

Denise M. Baran-Unland

Denise M. Baran-Unland is the features editor for The Herald-News in Joliet. She covers a variety of human interest stories. She also writes the long-time weekly tribute feature “An Extraordinary Life about local people who have died. She studied journalism at the College of St. Francis in Joliet, now the University of St. Francis.