THE SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS transformed into a cultural explosion of rhythm, heritage, and resistance with Perreoland, a vibrant new addition to the region’s entertainment scene.
Bringing its unmistakable reggaeton flavor to Stockton on July 20, the East Coast-born event created by two friends with a dream and a turntable expanded their local party into a statewide experience.
In collaboration with Valdivia Marketing Group, the fairgrounds hosted a family-friendly music event with two distinct vibes: a high-energy indoor Perreoland stage showcasing Latin rave culture, and a sun-soaked outdoor stage stacked with top-tier Regional Mexican Grupos.
In the days leading up to the event, immigration activity was visibly present in the area. For some, the presence served as a painful reminder, but for others Sunday was a chance to forget.
“Honestly, I just turned my thoughts about immigration off for the night. We’re here for a good time and to show our Mexican pride by having a good time with our people. I personally feel like that alone speaks volumes,” said Lodi resident Christian Ruiz.
The rhythm of the Valley
Perreoland’s expansion to California was no accident. As the Hispanic population continues to shape the cultural fabric of the Central Valley, Valdivia Marketing Group and the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds saw an opportunity to amplify those voices — through basslines and cumbia breaks.
“This is the first two stage production at the fairgrounds for an event like this since the Fair,” said Daniel Castillo, chief executive officer of the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. “It’s really fun to watch us grow and with a very diverse crowd. Even though it is Banda and Reggaeton music there is a very diverse spectrum of people who are interested and here to have a fun time and that’s what is really nice about this event.”
Outside, the crowd gathered under the late afternoon sun with loud cheers and tears with headliners such as Los Originales de San Juan de Chuy Chávez, Canelos Jrs, Jesús Ojeda Y sus Parientes, Ultimo Nivel, La Peligrosona and Gio Y Su Esencia took the stage.
What began as a modest crowd became a sea of faces and cellphones for Los Originales de San San Juan De Chuy Chávez, a renowned band from Jalisco, Mexico. Some attendees Facetimed their parents, so they could watch their performance from afar.
Throughout the set families, friends and couples were locked into every lyric, cheering and singing along to grupo’s entire set list. It was a moment that caught even the grupo by surprise — a surge of connection that felt both intimate and massive all at once.
The people are going crazy over the songs that my dad has recorded, they’ve always been hits,” said lead singer Jesus Chavez Jr. “There’s a lot of people who are just going crazy over the songs and it’s just the satisfaction that I will take with me forever.”
Living a dream
Sharing the same sentiments, fill-in drummer Baltazar Chavez explained how this experience has become a dream come true. From once being a little kid listening to this group with his uncle to now playing with them.
“When I was born I used to always play their music,” Chavez said. “My uncle showed me their music and he was a big fan, but he passed away, and now I’m pretty sure he’s proud of me and what I’m doing right now,” Chavez said. “It’s a big band, I’m not used to playing with so many people, but you know, they hired you for a reason.”
Inside the venue, DJs such as Chris Acosta, DJ Star, Ray Burger, DJ Misk, and DJ Gizmo worked the crowd with Latin EDM, Dembow, Reggaeton, and Trap while weaving in underground club remixes of Mexican party classics such as “La Chona,” “El Beeper,” and Daddy Yankee’s top hits.
“I’m not gonna lie, at first I didn’t know what to expect because when I first got here it was kinda empty, but as the night kept going and the crowd got bigger it was honestly lit. I even got this foam glow stick and got to ride on someone’s shoulders,” said Manteca resident Danna Gonzalez.
“We’re here for a good time and to show our Mexican pride by having a good time with our people. I personally feel like that alone speaks volumes.” Christian Ruiz, Perreoland attendee from Lodi
Sunday’s festival proved that music rooted in culture remains a unifying force.
“At the end of the day this is a business. Daniel has mentioned to me that everyone here at the fairgrounds are protected, but we do the best we can to keep everybody safe. We have a lot of people behind us that have to pay rent and feed their families, so we’re going to keep going, we can’t stop the business. We all have someone to take care of,” said Jose Jimenez, Logistics and Booking operations manager for Valdivia Marketing Group.
Despite the nightclub vibe indoors, the event remained family-friendly with vendors, food stalls, and security keeping things smooth from the afternoon through the evening. Toddlers danced the night away dressed up in their cowboy boots and hats while abuelitas sang and danced with their family.
“I see a lot of different cultures in today’s event than other events and that’s something I will never forget,” said Jimenez.
This story originally appeared in Stocktonia.
