By: Joseph Rios
For the first time in two years, NEWSED’s Cinco de Mayo festivities will take over Civic Center Park again.
Since 1988, NEWSED has hosted the festival around Cinco de Mayo to celebrate Colorado’s Latino communities and cultures. But because of the pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 events were canceled.
This year’s 2022 Cinco de Mayo Festival will take place on May 7 and May 8 at Civic Center Park in Denver from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The days will be filled with live musical and dance performances, including Mariachis, food, carnival rides, vendors, taco eating contests, a community parade, and Chihuahua races.
The event is produced by and benefits NEWSED Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization that conducts economic development in low-income communities and provides affordable housing options to low- and moderate-income families and individuals. The nonprofit also works to promote business development throughout Denver.
Andrea Barela, president and CEO of NEWSED, said its significant for her organization and the community to be able to come together to celebrate in the way we’re used to for Cinco de Mayo. “The fact we get to come back after being gone for two years is really what I’m excited about,” said Barela. Among those who will be performing at this year’s event include 8 Segundos, Escolta de Rancho, Lobo Hombre, La Fiebre del Sabor, Integridad Norteña and others. Of course, there will be Mexican food and choices of beverages like margaritas at the event, Barela explained.
“We recognize this event falls on Mother’s Day, so we encourage people to bring moms down and celebrate with us. It’s a family orientated event, and there is something for everyone,” said Barela.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the outnumbered Mexican army who defeated French forces
in the town of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The victory provided momentum and national confidence to drive foreign power out of Mexico. Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by Latinos and others across the country and honors the tradition and beauty of Latino culture.
The Cinco de Mayo Festival in Denver originally started as a street fair to showcase and honor Mexican heritage, and the event grew and moved to Civic Center Park where it became one of Colorado’s top four outdoor food and entertainment events, according to the event’s page.
The 2022 Cinco de Mayo Festival is free to attend and more information about the event can be found at cincodemayodenver.com.
Outside of the Cinco de Mayo Festival, NEWSED will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo Festival Kick-Off Party at Number Thirty Eight in Rino on May 5 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. It cost $10 to enter the event, and there will be food, drinks, entertainment and more.
Cinco de Mayo is not, as many choose to believe, Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16th. It is an American-born holiday (Pueblo, CO) that celebrates the Latino culture nationwide.
