No border, just beats Perreoland music fest turns up the heat at San Joaquin fairgrounds

Perreoland, a vibrant reggaeton music festival, launched at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton on July 20, drawing a diverse crowd eager to celebrate Latin culture. The event featured a high-energy indoor stage focused on reggaeton and an outdoor area highlighting top Regional Mexican groups. Local resident Christian Ruiz emphasized the festival's importance in providing a joyful outlet amid escalating immigration tensions in the area. Daniel Castillo, CEO of the fairgrounds, remarked that this two-stage production was a significant milestone for the venue, indicating its ability to host large-scale cultural events. The festival showcased popular acts, including Los Originales de San Juan de Chuy Chávez, whose performance resonated deeply with attendees, fostering a strong sense of community.

Fill-in drummer Baltazar Chavez shared personal reflections on the significance of playing with the group he grew up listening to. DJs also contributed to the atmosphere, spinning Latin EDM and remixes that kept the energy high. Overall, Perreoland illustrated the growing influence of the Hispanic population in shaping the cultural landscape of the Central Valley.