This weekend, a variety of vendors, performers and festivities will gather at the South Main Mercado to celebrate the Hispanic and Latino heritage rooted in Rockford. Highlighting the culture, ingenuity and community spirit of south Rockford, the Mercado brings everyone together to enjoy and learn from one another.
The South Main Mercado is an annual event in Rockford that began in 2023 and has grown ever since. This year, it is organized by the Ethics Heritage Museum, Comprehensive Community Solutions, La Onda and SWIFTT.
Rudy Valdez, president of SWIFTT, discussed the growth of the Mercado since its inaugural year.
"This event started in 2023 in the Ethics Heritage Museum and we had about 400 people," said Valdez, "but then we decided in the subsequent years, to close the streets, and since then we have had about 5,000 people in 2024 and 2025."
He also said organizers expect even more people this year as they expand the outdoor market by an additional 35% to 40%, closing a larger portion of South Main Street.
The market will feature more than 100 vendors offering arts and crafts, textiles, food and beverages, and community resources from local organizations, as well as live music, dancers and other performances.
Victor Rivera, a local hip-hop artist, explained there will be something for everyone who attends and described the variety of music visitors can expect to hear.
"Every hour, the patrons can expect something different," Rivera said. "From modern to old-school classics; stuff that represents the northern part of Mexico to the central part of Mexico."
"So whether you are into tuba, accordions and polka, or into romantic, old-style music," said Rivera, "there will be something for everybody and all ages."
The South Side Mercado will take place on Sunday, June 7, from noon to 7 p.m. on South Main and Morgan streets in Rockford.
The Mercado is free and open to the public.
- WNIJ's Jenna Dooley contributed to this report
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent
