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Return of Cinco de Mayo Parade
DETROIT, June 11, 2014: The Mexican Patriotic Committee (MPC) of Metro Detroit recently met with local residents, nonprofit agencies, business owners and parade participants to discuss the future of the annual “Cinco de Mayo” Parade in southwest Detroit.
As a result of this meeting, MPC will continue the annual tradition that has been a part of the southwest Detroit community for more than 50 years. The next “Cinco de Mayo” Parade will be held in southwest Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2015.
“The tragic occurrence that took place on May 4, 2014 does not define us as a community nor reflect the 50 years of wonderful cultural celebration in southwest Detroit,” said Mexican Patriotic Committee Officer Gloria Rocha. “It was the consensus of our local stakeholders who participated in our post-event discussion to support this annual event, which acknowledges the diverse history, heritage and pride in our community.
The Mexican Patriotic Committee will continue to work with local partners, the City of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department to ensure safety remains one of our top priorities at future events.”
The 2014 Cinco de Mayo Parade featured 198 unique participants, including Mexican wrestlers, local horse groups, dance troupes, marching bands, traditional and modern musicians, floats, politicians, and much more. The MPC estimated more than 40,000 attendees joined the coalition of Latino, white, black, and Native American cultures in southwest Detroit for the annual celebration. Established in the early 1900s, MPC remains one of the oldest Mexican organizations in Michigan.
The Cinco de Mayo Parade celebrates Mexico’s 1862 Battle of Puebla. This conflict featured outnumbered Mexican forces resisting France’s initial attempts at invasion, which ultimately sparked national unity and pride among the people of Mexico. This eventually gave rise to the permanent removal of the French occupation. It has become a time of year when southwest Detroit families and friends come together to renew relationships and celebrate Mexican culture.
The Cinco de Mayo Parade is sponsored by the Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit and supported by its community partners, the West Vernor & Springwells Business Improvement District (BID), the Southwest Detroit Business Association, local businesses and community volunteers.
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