Variety of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the Valley
ArizonaLatinos staff
If you don’t know the story behind the Cinco de Mayo national holiday in Mexico, you are definitely not a Mexican or Mexican American, of which there are many in our fair Valley.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla. On May 5, 1862 a small group of Mexican soldiers defeated a formidable, invading French army that was twice its size. Mexico had long before (September 16, 1810) declared its independence, but there were constant struggles to maintain Mexico’s freedom for a long time from other ambitious countries like France after the country became independent from Spanish rule. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the pride and national loyalty of the Mexican people. Today the holiday is celebrated throughout the Southwest, and has become an annual festival filled with food, drink, music and culture wherever people of Mexican descent settle in the United States – which is just about everywhere. Happy Cinco!
Phoenix has one of the oldest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the Valley. The News 12 La Voz Cinco de Mayo annual event features live bands, dancers and entertainment along with food and libations. Muy familia friendly. Located at Van Buren between Central and 3rd Street, Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. $5 per person, children 12 and under free.
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival
The Enchanted Island at Encanto Park, a favorite outdoor getaway for Hispanic families, will celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 5 with live entertainment, including a Hispanic band and Ballet Folkloria, as well as candy-filled piñatas for the kids. $7.50 special priced wristbands. Iron Man will be in attendance to awe the kids from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enchanted Island at Encanto Park
Mundialito Food City soccer tournament takes place at the Food City’s Fiesta de Mayo Festival in Phoenix on Saturday, May 11 between 4-6 p.m. The festival runs May 11 and 12, Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. More than 200 soccer teams and many vendors and booth exhibitors will participate. Live entertainment is included. Scheduled to appear are Mexican fave stars Los Humildes, Mario Marion, and Lupillo Rivera. Food City and Midway Nissan will give away a new 2012 Nissan Frontier. Piolin, the internationally known radio celebrity, will be on stage to award the car to a lucky winner. Free, $5 for parking. West Side Sports Complex, 99th Avenue & McDowell Road., Phoenix.
Avondale celebrates Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 4 featuring Mexican food, drinks, live music, and dancing. This free event is hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn located directly off the Avondale Blvd south exit from the I-10, at 11460 W. Hilton Way. Sip on margaritas, and dance along with performances of Mariachi Ases de Mexico, Ballet Folklorico Esperanza, and Los Del Norte band. Arts will also be for sale.
Celebrate Mexican culture and heritage in Peoria on Saturday, May 4 from noon to 11 p.m. while supporting Peoria schools. Event headliner is Tejano music star Ruben Ramos plus other local performers. There will be a children’s area, ballet folklorico, and food vendors. $5 entrance fee; kids 12 years old and younger are free. Free parking. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Centennial Plaza, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria.
Peoria Cinco de Mayo
Historic Downtown Chandler is the site of the Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a family event that runs at the downtown Library Plaza, 100 E. Commonwealth in downtown. Music, dancing, food, vendors. Don’t miss the annual Chihuahua Races. Those little perros scoot fast and are fun to watch! Free admission.
Chandler Cinco de Mayo Festival
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