Cincodemayocelebration returnstocityonsaturday
Louie Lopez remembers the day when Longmont’s Cinco de Mayo festival attracted more than 100 people — a stark contrast from the more than 7,000 it has drawn more recently.
After the event’s cancellation in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Lopez, a Cinco de Mayo festival co-chair, is eager to see the crowd that this year’s celebration will bring out as it returns for its 19th year.
The Cinco de Mayo celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave. It is free and open to the public.
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that marks the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, according to the event’s website. For Lopez and Mary Aragon-vigil, an event co-chair, the holiday is also about community.
“I think after two years, the buzz is that people are really excited for the event,” Lopez said. “This event brings out families, elders and it really has reached a lot of people outside Longmont as well. It’s just bridging community and the diversity that we bring.”
When asked what this year’s highlights will be, Aragon-vigil replied: “everything there.”
The festivities will kick off with the traditional Mexica/aztec dancing group, Tlaloc Danza Azteca, blessing the whole community. Throughout the day, there will be a breakdancing competition; a car show that will feature glimmering low-rides, hot rods and bikes; live music; and vendors to shop. There will also be more than a dozen food booths for people to choose from.
Aragon-vigil and Lopez said the festival is made possible through a partnership with the city, local nonprofits and businesses, as well as roughly 70 volunteers.
The event is drug and alcohol free. Water stations will be available to encourage zero waste, and people are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
With the weather on Saturday forecasted to be in the 80s, the organizers said they’re looking forward to enjoying the sunshine and giving people the chance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo as a city once again.
“It means community, celebration, bringing people together, showing people the different cultures,” Aragon-vigil said. “It’s a great day.”