West Chester celebrates Cinco de Mayo today

In parts of Mexico and around the U.S., Cinco De Mayo is a day of celebrating Mexican culture and heritage with family-friendly parades, festivals, and musical performance. Realizing there was nothing like that in West Chester, residents Rosario Roman and Kyle Hudson (currently a candidate for West Chester mayor) decided to take matters into their hands by organizing their West Chester’s only Cinco De Mayo festival two years ago.

This free, family-friendly festival will be held today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will take place at Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center, 501 E Miner Street, West Chester, PA 19382. Throughout the day, there will be Mariachi bands, DJs, Chinelo folk dancers, fantastic food, and tons of kids’ activities, basketball games, pinatas, and plenty of opportunities to shop from a variety of local vendors.

“El Día de la Batalla de Puebla is a day to commend our freedom. Everyone in Mexico always has a big party, and the whole community comes together to celebrate,” said co-organizer, Rosario Roman. “We want to share our culture by throwing a fiesta with the whole town.” Cinco de Mayo commemorates the courage of the Mexican soldiers during the La Batalla de Puebla, where 4,500 Mexicans defeated 6,500 Mexican traitors and French Army in Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862.

“This festival grew organically. We introduced the concept to the community, not sure what to expect, and hundreds of people showed up. Cinco de Mayo might be a Mexican holiday, but I see the festival as an opportunity for all community members to come together and celebrate in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere,” said coorganizer, Kyle Hudson.

This event is held in partnership with Events Guerrero, Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center and organized by Rosario Roman and Kyle Hudson, West Chester Mayoral Candidate. This is not an official campaign event. Residents can learn more by visiting West Chester Cinco de Mayo on Facebook or by calling 484-886-8750. This event is rain or shine.

“Cinco de Mayo might be a Mexican holiday, but I see the festival as an opportunity for all community members to come together and celebrate in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.” — Kyle Hudson, co-organizer