The annual festival was established after members of the community continued the tradition previously organized by the Latin American Club. Although the celebration paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers have continued counting each year as part of its history, making 2026 the 14th annual event. Beyond entertainment, Taste of Fiesta is dedicated to celebrating Hispanic culture while encouraging education through its scholarship program.
This year’s festival will feature returning favorites alongside several new additions. Guests can expect live music from both familiar and new bands, a new DJ, cultural dance performances, food vendors, children’s activities, and the introduction of a petting zoo. Organizers also announced the 2026 Taste of Fiesta King and Queen, Kevin Marquez-Mendez and Jaz’Mya Castaneda, who were selected through an application, essay, and scoring process. Winners receive scholarships to the school of their choice, with runner-up scholarships awarded when funding allows.
Rodriguez shared that the scholarship program has been part of Taste of Fiesta for several years and reflects the organization’s commitment to helping local students continue their education after high school. Applications are evaluated based on essays and other criteria that highlight pride in Hispanic heritage and community involvement.
Planning for Taste of Fiesta is nearly a year-round effort. While organizers are focused on this year’s event, they have already begun discussing plans for next year’s milestone 15th anniversary celebration, which they hope will be an even larger community event.
One of the festival’s highlights remains its traditional folkloric dance performances. Local youth spend months practicing before taking the stage during the festival, helping preserve cultural traditions while introducing younger generations to Hispanic dance. Cervantes, who previously performed as a dancer, will return to the stage this year. Organizers said seeing children embrace and continue these traditions is one of the most rewarding aspects of the event.
During the conversation, the guests also clarified a common misconception about September’s Hispanic Heritage celebrations. Taste of Fiesta is organized by the Taste of Fiesta Board of Directors, while the Hispanic parade is coordinated separately by the Sauk Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Although the events occur about a week apart and share similar goals of celebrating Hispanic culture, they are planned and managed by different organizations. A separate group also organizes the community soccer tournament held later in the month.
The 14th Annual Taste of Fiesta will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, from noon until 7 p.m. at RB&W Park in Rock Falls. Admission is free, and attendees can enjoy a full day of food vendors, live entertainment, cultural performances, family activities, face painting, children’s crafts, train rides, and a petting zoo. This year’s theme features alebrijes, colorful mythical creatures that inspired children’s art activities and the event’s commemorative shirts and hats.
Those interested in purchasing commemorative apparel before the festival can contact organizers through the Taste of Fiesta email. Event updates and additional information are also available on the Fiesta Days of Sterling and Rock Falls Facebook page.
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