EL CENTRAL sat down with new Mexican Patriotic Committee President Alma Cruz who shared the details about this year’s festivities
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 5th. It will be open every day that weekend until 8pm, except on Sunday when it closes at 7pm.
The Parade will be part of the finale down the W. Vernor Hwy. corridor on Sunday, May 7th starting at 12noon. Streets leading to W. Vernor will start closing at 11:30am. and open back up around 2:30pm.
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. The celebration commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a historical battle defeating the French army. This year the theme will be “Musical Roots” which are rich in this community.
Who participates in this event?
Schools, local agencies, local businesses, charros, entertainers, families and dignitaries.
Who is most likely to come out for 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.
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. We can’t do anything until we go through the City of Detroit’s Special Events process and finalize the day and the procession route. We are still in that process now. Everybody is ready to get started as soon as we get the approval to open registrations.
What does fiesta offer for the community?
Well does anybody remember the Mexican Festival in Hart Plaza? This 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?
We will publish a parade application. In addition, we will be taking registration applications in person at Plaza del Sol, 1401 W. Vernor, Detroit, AFTER we are approved by the City to commence. Look for our Facebook updates in April. Feel free to message your email address to our Facebook page 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?
Same as above for Parade participants. We will be taking vendor applications in person at Plaza del Sol, 1401 W. Vernor, Detroit, AFTER we are approved by the City to commence. Watch for Facebook updates and message your email address to our Facebook to get on our email list for updates and we can send you the vendor application as well.
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 carrionjl432@yahoo.com.
How will people know when the Parade and Fiesta are open for participation?
Follow our Facebook page www.facebook.com/mexicanpatrioticcommitteeofdetroit. All our updates will be posted. Webpage www.MPCdetroit.org. We will also publish updates in the local newspaper, EL CENTRAL Hispanic News.
