About
Fiesta del Sol is an annual fundraising event organized by the (P.N.C.C.).
P.N.C.C. (Pilsen Neighbors Community Council) is a grassroots organization founded in 1954. Its organizing efforts focus on issues such as education, healthcare, housing and civil rights. Among other issues P.N.C.C. also helps in immigrant civil rights issues.
P.N.C.C. has been responsible for ground breaking events in the Pilsen neighborhood. P.N.C.C. was the lead organization in helping build Alivio Medical Center , that is now a very important institution in the Pilsen neighborhood. P.N.C.C. was also instrumental in the building of Benito Juarez High School .
In 1972 Fiesta de Sol began as a celebration to commemorate P.N.C.C.'s role in securing the city's commitment to building Benito Juarez High School. Fiesta del Sol continues to reflect P.N.C.C.'s desire for social transformation.
What started off as a block party, has evolved into a nationally publicized event complete with corporate sponsorship. But unlike other festivals, Fiesta del Sol is alcohol and tobacco-free.
Why is it called Fiesta del Sol? Teresa
Fraga, a long time board member and organizer for Pilsen Neighbors
Community Council says that "the sun is a vital symbol to the Mexican
American people." Although there is no written statement
which would confirm this, the name "Fiesta del Sol" is indeed
representative of many things Mexican. During
the 1980's Fiesta del Sol hosted the "Voladores de Papantla" (The
Flyers), a group of four men who "fly" upside down from a 75 foot tree
pole secured by a rope that is tied around their waists. The
1500-year-old rite is a sacred homage to Quetzalcoatl, the Morning
Star. The flyers were led by a priest dressed in red and white (to
represent the sun), into a circle which rotates at the top of the
pole--the priest sits at the center. The
symbolism is tied with the connection to the importance of nourishing
the soil for cultivation of crops and their knowledge of Astronomy and
the Universe. The ritual is combined with dance, music, poetry and art. "What would Mexicans call it? says Fraga. "Immigrants are the people who toil the soil." We
are people who work under the sun...and we also celebrate under the
sun." To Fraga, the name "Fiesta del Sol" only seems "natural." Moreover, the sun is a universal symbol representing power, vitality and strength. Pilsen community members continue to evoke that positive energy through Fiesta del Sol every year.
Telemundo Chicago
"At Telemundo Chicago we are proud to support the efforts of Fiesta del Sol. The event consistently exceeds our expectations in terms of attendance and value. It is a great summer festival in which we will always plan to participate. It is one of the largest four-day festivals in the Midwest organized to serve, entertain and help our growing Hispanic Community"
-Ed Fernandez
Vice President & General Manager Telemundo Chicago
Food 4 Less
"Food 4 Less has a long tradition of supporting the communities where our associates and customers live and work, and this is reflected at the Fiesta del Sol. Food 4 Less is proud to be in partnership with Pilsen Neighbors Community Council and the Fiesta del Sol. We are delighted to participate in such a wonderful event that not only brings enjoyment to families, but also educates its patrons on social issues. Food 4 Less congratulates the Fiesta del Sol committee for a job well done"
-Terry Roberson
Midwest - Director, Sales, Food 4 Less
Hoy Chicago
"As the only Spanish language daily newspaper in the Chicagoland area, we are a proud sponsor of Fiesta del Sol and all that it contributes to the fabric of the vibrant and growing Hispanic market. We look forward every year to working with the professional staff and participating in all that Fiesta del Sol provides us."
-Julian Posada
VP of Business Development, Hoy Chicago
State Farm
"State Farm is a proud Corporate partner of Pilsen Neighbors Community Council and we salute them on their commitment to the community. "Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There" is the State Farm's slogan, but they are more than just words. State Farm is also committed to serving the communities in which we do business and we embrace the same philosophy of helping improve and support the quality of life in the communities we serve as does the Pilsen Neighbors. State Farm's mission is to help people manage risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. Many businesses make statements of commitment, but at State Farm, we make an investment."
"Supporting the educational dreams of youth in our communities is important as they will become our leaders in the future. We hope our investments reflect our understanding of and respect for the traditions, organizations, and institutions that are part of the fabric of life in the communities we serve."
-Yolanda J. Gaspar
Multicultural Markets Specialist
Chrysler Financial
"Chrysler Financial continues to support Pilsen Neighbors Community Council's desire for social transformation trough the Fiesta del Sol Guadalupe A. Reyes Scholarship Program. Dedicated in our commitment to social responsibility, the program offers college scholarships and year-round educational programming support to deserving individuals pursuing higher education. We commend Pilsen Neighbors Community Council for their efforts in promoting education, arts and culture and encouraging long-term, positive social change in the Hispanic Community."
-Peter Guthrie
Director - Midwest Business Center for Chrysler Financial
