by Miguel “Mostro” Vázquez
We are weeks away from my favorite time in Barrio Borikén, the biggest party of the summer, Fiesta Boricua “de Bandera a Bandera”. For 27 years I’ve been blessed to be the host of this celebration of culture, through the years I have witnessed my community come out from all over the Midwest and country to celebrate with us. As a Univision employee, I have represented my people on 6 different Chicago radio stations. Today I keep our culture and music alive as part owner of Radio Ritmo Mix, a digital radio station with international reach. 2026 didn’t receive me with open arms because I got sick and for the first time in 27 years I won’t be present on stage but now you’re in good hands with La hija de barrio Melissa Duprey, another homegrown talent from Humboldt Park. Though physically I’m not 100 percent to move the stage I will still be present enjoying with the rest of my community, celebrating the fight and sacrifices of all those that came before me and the ones that one day will take over long after El Mostro is Gone.
I want to thank my mentor and adopted father Dr. José López for believing in “El Nene Rebelde del Barrio” year in and year out, and I will as long as I have a breath will continue to represent our culture and people proudly. Cancer couldn’t kill me, meaning I’ll be around for many more to come. See you on Labor Day weekend WEPA!!
