On Friday, 4th District State Representative Delia Ramirez and other honored guests celebrated the official kick-off for the 2019 GranFestival Centro Americano. The festival is the largest of its kind and highlighted artists, food and cultural traditions from Central American countries. “As the first Guatemalan American to be elected to the General Assembly in Illinois, I am honored to serve as Madrina of this cultural celebration. Our city is filled with so many communities from Central America, and I am grateful this celebration is in our district. I encourage everyone to come join us this weekend to experience the wonders of Central America without getting on an airplane” said Representative Ramirez. “In a time when our immigrant communities face discrimination and restrictive policies from our federal government, it is especially important to support the cultural bridges that create community in our Chicago neighborhoods. I am proud to serve in a state government that protects and supports immigrant communities with policy protections like restricting federal immigration centers from operating in Illinois” noted Ramirez. The GranFestival Centro Americano was held at Mozart Park and kicked-off with the help of Senator Aquino, Alderman Maldonado, Alderman Vasquez, and Alderman Cardona.

Photo Credit: Tony Diaz