By: Max Garvey
Omaha, Neb. – Stinson Park was the location for the second-annual Midwest Chingona Fest on Saturday, Oct. 7. Event coordinators partnered with Omaha Michelada Fest to produce the event. Food, music, art, and cultural dress were on full display for the festival honoring the strength of Latinx women.
Omaha citizen Eddie Vallin helped set up and operate his daughter’s art sales booth. Vallin explains that the term “chingon”, or “chingona”, is now being recognized to instill pride within oneself or another person.
“It’s just a word of empowerment. Hyping yourself up that you’re doing great things”, said Vallin.
A pair of participants enjoying the festivities of this year’s Midwest Chingona Fest held at Stinson Park in Omaha, NE. (Photo/Max Garvey)
Many Latina-owned startup businesses and fashion vendors were there to join the fun and create awareness of this cultural bond during the month’s festivities. More than 60 total vendors were present. Entry fees were donated to Project International, a non-profit organization that helps women in need. Event staff employee, Samantha Vidales, assisted in managing a section of vendor tents. Vidales is eager to see the event become a growing tradition
“We’ve come a long way in history”, said Vidales, “I think this is definitely going down in history and it’s amazing.”
Local Latinx artists and vendors were on site at the festival to display and sell their homemade work including items such as art, jewelry and food. (Photo/Max Garvey)
Hundreds of Omahans of all cultures were in attendance to show support and enjoy the activities. Live music performances from Omaha’s DJ JPEG and fellow local artists throughout the day culminated in the Chingona Awards later in the evening, highlighting Latinx women in Omaha who have greatly contributed to the Chingona movement.
