SOUTHWEST DETROIT, May 1, 2023: The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metropolitan Detroit (MPC) has announced the 58th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Southwest Detroit. This year’s theme — “Music of our Heritage” — honors the bond shared by Latino families around music and dancing. Cinco de Mayo falls on a Friday this year, the perfect start to a weekend of festivities.
The celebrations begin with the Annual Fiesta located at 21st & Bagley Streets, right behind Donovan’s Pub located at 3003 W. Vernor Hwy. This Cultural and Musical Festival will host artisan vendors, food trucks, local musicians & mariachis, community resources, and family-friendly activities. The weekend celebration will be open from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday, May 5; 12 noon – 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 6; and 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 7. No alcoholic beverages are served at this event.
The Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade will commence at 12 noon on Sunday, May 7, starting at Patton Park located at the corner of Woodmere St. and W. Vernor Hwy. It will end at Clark Park, lo0cated at the corner of Scotten St. and W. Vernor Hwy. Please note that streets between these points will start to close at 11:30 a.m. The MPC is working with the DPD to ensure a safe and enjoyable procession of dignitaries, schools, charros, businesses, community leaders and organizations.
It is estimated that the miles-long procession will end at Clark Park around 2:30 p.m. at which time the roads will start to reopen. Spectators will have great views of vibrant floats and decorations in the musical theme as well as plenty of music to liven up the W. Vernor Corridor.
The MPC invites community stakeholders, agencies, and businesses to support the festivities with their participation or by volunteering. Visit the MPC Facebook page for more information. The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit continues to work toward safe and enjoyable events in Southwest Detroit.
10 Parade & Fiesta questions with new MPC President, Alma Cruz
When are the events?
This year is going to be a three-day celebration starting with the opening of the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on 21st & Bagley St. on Friday, May 5. It will be open on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 until 8 p.m., and until 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 7. The Fiesta will be held right behind Donavan’s Pub and is an alcohol-free family celebration. The Parade, which will serve as the Fiesta’s finale, will travel down the W. Vernor Hwy. corridor on Sunday, May 7 beginning at noon. Streets leading to W. Vernor Hwy. will start closing at 11:30 a.m. and open back up around 2:30 p.m.
What do you think draws people to this particular event?
This event combines traditions, unity, entertainment, and a grand fiesta all in one. It’s a destination to be engulfed in the fun of Mexican culture of resilience and celebration. It commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a historical battle defeating the French army. This year the theme will be Musical Roots which is rich in this community.
Who participates in this event?
The whole community! and also surrounding communities that relate to this tradition and visitors from far away who want to enjoy a family-fun event. Plus, schools, local agencies, local businesses, charros, entertainers, families and dignitaries.
What is the Parade Route?
The Procession starts at Patton Park and ends at Scotten St. and W. Vernor Hwy at Clark Park.
How much planning goes into this event?
Planning for this event is pretty much year-round. From closing streets, recruiting participants, recruiting volunteers, finding partners and sponsors. It’s definitely a concerted effort of all community stakeholders that we have to orchestrate into these events.
What does fiesta offer for the community?
Does anybody remember the Mexican Festival in Hart Plaza? his is a FREE event akin to that on a smaller neighborhood-oriented scale. There will be artisan vendors, food vendors, information tables for community resources and services, and of course, dancing with local entertainers on our stage. I suggest bringing a lawn chair to hang out for a while with us. This is a family-friendly festival so we will not have alcohol vendors.
How do people participate in the procession of the Parade?
Parade participant applications can be submitted in person at Plaza del Sol, 1401 W. Vernor, Detroit, Xochi’s Gift Shop on Bagley, D-Mex Print Shop on W. Vernor Hwy. and Mexicantown CDC on Bagley Ave. & 21st St. Look out for our Facebook updates. Feel free to message your email address to our Facebook to get on our email list for updates and we can send you the application.
How do people participate in the Fiesta as a Vendor?
Fiesta Vendor applications can be submitted in person at Plaza del Sol, 1401 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit, Xochi’s Gift Shop on Bagley Ave., D-Mex Print Shop on W. Vernor Hwy. and Mexicantown CDC on Bagley & 21st St.
How do people get involved?
We are in need of volunteers. You can volunteer as an organization or individually. You can earn community service hours by volunteering with us. You’ll receive a volunteer shirt and be invited to a special volunteer appreciation lunch. It’s a feel-good activity. Reach out to our Committee Chair for more information, Juan Carrion jlcarrion@gmail.com.
How will people know when the Parade and Fiesta are open for participation?
Registrations/Applications are open! Follow our Facebook page www.facebook.com/mexicanpatrioticcommitteeofdetroit. All our updates will be posted. Webpage www.MPCdetroit.org.