On a sunny Saturday afternoon, families and children with joyful expressions moved through the bustling crowd on Ashland Avenue. The enticing aroma of fried foods mixed with the vibrant beats of Latin music. More than 100,000 residents of all ages anticipated this three-day weekend event known as Fiesta Back of the Yards, an annual celebration honoring the diverse heritage of the South Side neighborhood.

The 35th annual Fiesta Back of the Yards offers more than just fun. In a community often troubled by gang violence and amid heightened immigration enforcement anxieties, it serves as a comforting presence. The festival provides an arena for food, social services, music, and entertainment in a secure environment.

“The goal is to showcase the community,” said Craig Chico, CEO of the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council. For more than 15 years, Chico has managed the street festival.

He added, “Our community suffers from a negative perception, but we want everyone to know this is a beautiful community with beautiful people.”

This prominent event traces its roots to a month-long festivity called the Free Fair, which began in 1940. It has been consistently held on South Ashland Avenue for the past three years.

For attendees like Zitlally Jimenez, 26, from Brighton Park, it is an annual family tradition. Having attended the festival since she was 10, this year she brought along her 1-year-old son.

Ava Harris, a six-year-old, rides a mechanical bull during the festival on June 20, 2026. (Photo by Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

For Sergio Garcia, 19, from Gage Park, it was a maiden experience. He enjoyed the cultural experiences with his family. “My favorite part is being able to experience the different cultures of the community, the different establishments, restaurants, and obviously the attractions,” Garcia shared.

The festival maintained a safe atmosphere with plenty of private security and police presence. Concerns about safety were minimal among attendees. In the previous year, Operation Midway Blitz by the federal government resulted in the cancellation of several Hispanic festivals, such as El Grito and the Hispanic Arts Festival. Nevertheless, the Fiesta Back of the Yards continued. Board members mentioned grappling with the decision to proceed.

Phil Fuentes, a board member, stated, “That you can make a safe environment, that we’re offering that, is the best we can do.”

He affirmed their decision against halting the event due to threats. Chico and Fuentes acknowledged ongoing concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement, although the worry has lessened compared to the previous year.

Chico expressed, “You can’t stop living because of fear. We wanted to provide this for people so that the people who were in fear, they knew that they had a safe place to come to and enjoy life and still have some normalcy.”

Visitors, including children, lined up excitedly to enjoy rides like the Tilt-A-Whirl during the celebration on June 20, 2026. (Photo by Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)