The Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade & Fiesta is organized by the Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit, made up of volunteers from Southwest Detroit. Each year, they work hard to organize, manage, coordinate, and conduct the parade for the enjoyment of their community and the pride in their Mexican culture.
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, the festivities begin at 12noon at the Patton Recreation Center. The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will run on Saturday and Sunday from 12-8pm. The entertainment will be filled with Folkloric dancing, Live Bands, Mariachis, a DJ, and a Selena Tribute. And back by popular demand, the fiesta will host a thrilling exhibition by the Southwest Championship Wrestling Team.
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, Southwest Detroit can watch the parade of floats, dance groups, school marching bands, charros, and performers along 2.4 miles of the W. Vernor corridor from Patton Park to Clark Park. The parade honors the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862, under Mexican President Benito Juárez. He leaves a legacy of unwavering resistance, enduring freedom, and profound pride for the Mexican people. The parade starts at 12 Noon, rain or shine!
This year’s parade theme is “Estamos Unidos” (We Are United), as a commitment to bringing people together to reflect the unity, strength, and pride that defines our community. The Committee encourages all parade participants to decorate in this year’s theme. A Grand Prize Winner for the best theme representation of cars, walkers, and floats will be announced. Winners receive a trophy as well as free admission in next year’s parade.
With great pride and deep respect, the Committee is honored to announce that Jesse Gonzales Sr. will serve as the 2026 Cinco de Mayo Parade Grand Marshal. Through his service and example, Jesse has helped uplift others and strengthen the bonds that make Southwest Detroit such a vibrant and resilient community.
Lastly, the parade will be culturally inclusive of all Latino ethnicities that make up the rich fabric of Southwest Detroit. The Committee will also waive all fees for School Marching Bands to join in the procession for the enjoyment of the community and its visitors.
Register for the Cinco de Mayo Parade and Fiesta at the MPC office located at 7752 W. Vernor near Central Ave. from 12noon-4pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturdays.
Learn more at detroitcincodemayoparade.com and follow MPC on Facebook for the latest updates to the parade and celebrations at @mexicanpatrioticcommitteeofdetroit or www.mpcdetroit.org.
Cinco de Mile 5K Fun Run for Mental Health Awareness Kicks Off the Holiday in Southwest Detroit
Fun Run supports Mental Health Awareness Month on Saturday, May 2, 2026
To kick off Mental Health Awareness month this May, the Latinas that represent Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. (DTL) – Alpha Lambda Professional Chapter is hosting Cinco de Mile – a 5k Fun Run for Mental Health Awareness to highlight the importance of mental health and, fundraise for programs servicing their communities. This is their 5th year hosting the fundraiser that supports the local Mental Health programs. This year they will hosting the event at Patton Park in the heart of Southwest Detroit. They expect at least 100 participants to run or walk 3.1 Miles around the park–collecting colored beads to mark their progress and welcomed by a hype squad at the finish line.
This event raises awareness of mental health and delivers resources to the community by providing information about UNI’s mental health and wellness resources such as Short-term Counseling and Mental Health Advocate (MHA) programs. Furthermore, local partners such as MiSide, CHASS, and Amigos are invited to do outreach at the event.
Participants will receive a T-shirt in Mexican colors in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo holiday to continue the fun and tradition of the local “holiday” as well as collect beads in Mexican colors. There will be a Zumba warm-up by Roberto before the run and there will be snacks and beverages provided at the end of the race. Participants can also enjoy the festivities at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta that starts at noon in the Patton Park parking lot.
Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization. Their mission is to deliver resources to their communities, unify the people of those communities, and raise money for principal charitable causes: Breast Cancer, Diabetes, AIDS Awareness, and Mental Health. The ladies of the Alpha Lambda Professional Chapter want to be changemakers in their communities which is why they are hosting, volunteering, and participating in the Fun Run.
Register for the event at www.runsignup.com/Race/MI/Detroit/DTLpresentsCincodeMile
