“Nothing portrayed a ‘people’s’ celebration and parade like last year, 2020 during a global pandemic. The city shut down all summer festivals, parades and celebrations… The people came out, showed out, and created our own parade, our own festivities and our own joy in tradition that we refused to let pass without us.”
“A major part of this gallery exhibition is to showcase this very sentiment; to center our own joy, our beautiful community, our narratives, our nuance, our history, our resiliency.”
Fortaleza Y Flow: An ode to the Puerto Rican festival + parade
The Fortaleza y Flow people’s gallery is an interactive community-sourced experience highlighting Chicago’s Puerto Rican Parade and Festival over the years from the lens of festival and parade-goers and participants. The gallery will feature images, media, and stories of joy, celebration, friendship, family, dancing, and candid moments unique to the Puerto Rican experience.
In addition, there will be an interactive “parade float” pop up installation where guests are invited to take pictures on the float equipped with sashes, machetes, musical instruments + a tropical floral crown prop created by Madre de Perla Designs.
Events will transpire during the weekend of June 18th-June 20th,
*Masks + Temp checks will be required & social distancing in place.
WE ARE ACCEPTING PHOTO SUBMISSIONS FOR THE IN PERSON GALLERY UNTIL JUNE 11TH: TO SUBMIT YOURS CLICK THE LINK:
A public list of of free + ticketed events can be found below:
Photo Credit: Nani Kaya, 2006
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FORTALEZA Y FLOW: “¡sabado social!”
21 & over
$45 TICKET INCLUDES:
MUSIC:
DJ Sadie Woods & DJ Cqqchifruit
Spinning Carbbean rhythms, Tropical disco, Afro-Latin House, & more!
FOOD + DRINK
Catering by Casa Yari (Vegan Friendly)
Beverages and refreshments until exhausted
*We encourage dressing summertime fly for this! LIMITED TICKETS!
Photo Credit: Bella Vida Letty, 1968