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Bears celebrate Latino Heritage Month at Soldier Field

Story by Gabby Hajduk, photos by Jacob Funk and Kevin Anderson

ChicagoBears.com highlights the team's efforts around Sunday's Latino Heritage Month-themed game, brought to you by Miller Lite, against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field.

Since the start of Latino Heritage Month Sept. 15, the Bears have recognized the rich contributions of Latino culture and history within the organization and the broader community. Those club-wide efforts culminated in a day-long celebration of Latino Heritage at Soldier Field Sunday during the Bears' 24-18 victory against the Rams.

The celebration started well before kickoff with multiple performances, giveaways and displays around Soldier Field. Ballet Folklorico de Chicago — the city's largest Mexican folkloric dance organization — performed at the Vizzy Hard Seltzer Fan Zone. The group's colorful and dynamic traditional Mexican dances celebrate Mexico's rich cultural heritage.

Up at the Miller Lite Ultimate Tailgate at the Field Museum, the Mariachi Sirenas — Chicago's first all-female mariachi group — put on their own show. The women blend Mexican heritage with a modern twist in their vibrant performances.

Fans who stopped by the Miller Lite Ultimate Tailgate were also treated to special Latino Heritage Month giveaways, including limited-edition hats and posters designed by local artist Alecks Cruz. Fans can follow Cruz on social media (@aleckscruz) to explore his work and support the Chicago native.

Inside the concourse, there was a display of Latino Heritage-themed Bears helmets, which were designed by Bears manager of brand creative Ghada Yousef and partnership activation coordinator Danica Lopez. Each helmet featured a unique design that reflects Latino cultures and traditions.

The stadium itself was also decorated with Latino Heritage Month signage and messaging from the concourse all the way down to the field. Around the stands, banners reading "Vamos Bears" and "Es Miller Time" also pointed to the celebration.

During pregame festivities, the Bears Monster Squad ran out of the tunnel and around the field with Latino-inspired team flags.

Following player introductions, Mexican American and Pilsen native Jesus Ramos sang the national anthem. He also did so for last season's Latino Heritage Month game.

During a break in the first quarter, former Bears offensive lineman Roberto Garza helped recognized the 2024 Chicago Bears Latino Heritage Youth Leaders: Heydee Saucedo from Round Lake High School and Luke Yolich from Whitney Young High School.

The award acknowledges Latino boys football and girls flag football players who excel in academics and sports, actively engage in community service, advocate for the Latino community, demonstrate leadership abilities, uphold exemplary character and exhibit resilience.

Along with being honored by Garza in front of the Soldier Field crowd, Saucedo and Yolich appeared on FOX 32 and the team's Spanish-language broadcast on Latino Mix 93.5 FM with announcers Omar Ramos and Mateo Moreno.

Garza was also featured on the in-stadium Miller Lite Cheers to the Game segment with team reporter Lauren Screeden and answered the prompts in both English and Spanish.

The halftime performance featured Ballet Folklorico de Chicago as well as Mariachi Herencia de México — a Chicago-based and two-time Latin Grammy nominated band rooted in the rich tradition of mariachi music from Guadalajara and Mexico City.

Throughout the game, fans had the opportunity to celebrate Latino Heritage Month on their own. Using the Chicago Bears Official App brought to you by Verizons' exclusive photo keepsake experience, fans could take pictures and add Latino Heritage Month-themed stickers to share with friends and family or on social media.

Fans from around the world were also invited to partake in the festivities by answering a "Question of the Day" on the Chicago Bears Official App. Fans were asked "As a Bears fan, what does Latino Heritage Month mean to you?" and "How do you celebrate your heritage?" Click to hear the responses to Question 1 and Question 2.