The 60th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade marks a historic milestone for The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit, a dedicated volunteer organization from Southwest Detroit. Every year, the committee works tirelessly to organize, manage, and coordinate this beloved event, celebrating their community and pride in their Mexican heritage.
On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Southwest Detroit will host a 2.4-mile parade honoring the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862, under Mexican President Benito Juárez. His legacy of resilience, freedom, and national pride continues to inspire generations. The parade will begin at Patton Park (Woodmere St. & Vernor Hwy.) and conclude at Clark Park (Scotten St. & Vernor Hwy.). As in years past, the event will take place rain or shine, kicking off at noon.
This year’s parade theme, “Past, Present & Future” (Pasado, Presente y Futuro), pays tribute to: the past – the founders of the Cinco de Mayo Parade, who created this legacy as a gift to their community; the present – the current Mexican Patriotic Committee, which continues to uphold and strengthen this cherished event; and the future – the future Southwest Detroit leaders who will preserve and carry forward this cultural identity for generations to come.
In honor of Mexico’s first democratically elected female president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the 2025 Cinco de Mayo Parade will feature three distinguished female Grand Marshals who represent this year’s theme:
- María Guadiana – A legacy honoree and daughter of José Guadiana de Campos, founder of the Mexican Patriotic Committee and its first president.
- Alma Cruz – The current president of the committee, elected two parades ago.
- Alexandra Cruz-Velasco – Miss Mexico-Detroit 2023 and former vice president of the committee, currently leading the Parade Registration Sub-Committee.
This year, the Mexican Patriotic Committee is introducing several exciting updates to enhance the Cinco de Mayo Parade experience. The celebration will showcase Latino heritage by highlighting the diverse Latino ethnicities that contribute to the rich cultural fabric of Southwest Detroit. In addition, a Parade Decoration Contest will be held, where all participants — including cars, walkers, and floats — will be judged on their decorations, with a Grand Prize awarded to the best representation of this year’s theme.
To further enrich the festivities, the committee is waiving all participation fees for school marching bands, encouraging more student musicians to take part in the parade and contribute to the lively atmosphere enjoyed by the community and visitors alike.
For the latest updates and additional details, visit www.detroitcencodemayoparade.com and follow The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit on Facebook at @mexicanpatrioticcommitteeofdetroit.
The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Mexican heritage in the region. Since its founding in 1923, the committee has organized cultural events that honor Mexican traditions and strengthen community unity. Signature initiatives include the Cinco de Mayo Parade,commemorating the Battle of Puebla, and the Miss Mexico-Detroit Pageant, which has empowered young Latinas since 1980. Committed to fostering cultural pride and engagement, the committee also provides community outreach and collaborates with local organizations to support Southwest Detroit’s vibrant Latino community. For more information, visit www.mpcdetroit.org.
