Cancellation of the Michelada Festival
The Michelada, a popular Latin music festival in Chicago, has announced that it will be canceling its event from 2025 onwards. This decision comes amidst uncertainty about artist visas and the changing political climate under the Trump administration.
Reasons Behind the Cancellation
The festival was set to feature prominent artists such as Grupo Festivals, Anitta, and Danny Ocean. However, the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco, who were also scheduled to perform, had their visas denied last month. According to Deputy US Foreign Minister Christopher Landau, the band’s music "glorified" a notorious drug cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as Mencho.
A Difficult Decision
The festival organizers expressed their regret over the cancellation, stating that it was not an easy decision for them to make. They emphasized that the trust, time, and money invested by attendees mean everything to them, and they want to ensure that everyone has a worthwhile experience. The cancellation not only affects the festival but also the local vendors, small businesses, artists, and community partners who contribute to the event.
Refunds and Next Steps
The festival has announced that ticket buyers will receive full refunds, which are expected to be processed within 7-20 days. This move is a testament to the organizers’ commitment to their attendees and the community.
Broader Implications
Michelada’s cancellation is not an isolated incident. Many international artists have spoken out about the difficulties they face when trying to visit the United States under the Trump administration. For example, Canadian trans artist Bells Larsen was forced to cancel their US tour due to visa issues stemming from the administration’s gender-specific requirements. Similarly, Canadian-American artist Neil Young has expressed concerns about touring in the US.
A Message from the Organizers
The Michelada festival organizers have poured their hearts into the event for seven years, transforming it from a small street festival in Pilsen to a national stage. They have assured attendees that the festival will always be a safe space for the community to come together and celebrate their culture and music. Although the current event has been canceled, the organizers are already looking to the future and planning their next move. As they say, "The Michelada Festival will always be a safe place where our comunidad comes together, unites with pride and love for our culture and music. That will never change. We will keep coming back, giving back, and our people can be able to return. From Chicago. For Chicago. Always. We are already dreaming what comes next. ¡Nos Vemos Pronto!"
