Cinco de Mayo is officially upon us! The fifth of May is commonly mistaken as Mexican Independence Day, but it actually commemorates Mexico’s underdog victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Fast forward to the new millennium and the mostly American-celebrated holiday is unrecognizable from its original roots. However, Los Angeles is home to some incredible events that honor and celebrate Mexican history, and we’ve gathered all of our favorite ones below.
1. Cinco de Mayo Rose Bowl Festival
Pasadena’s annual Cinco de Mayo at the Rose Bowl is set to take place this Saturday. This incredible (and free) family-friendly festival is inviting the community to come together to celebrate our city’s rich Latino culture and traditions through music, sports, art, and film. Guests can expect live music, a youth soccer tournament, movie showings of Disney’s® Coco and Disney’s® Encanto on the video board, and more!*
*Please bring blankets and folding chairs to enjoy the movies on the videoboard.
🗓️ When: Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
📍Location: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
2. Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade
Venice’s Cinco de Mayo Parade returns with their historic event to celebrate Mexican American Heritage. The community can expect powerful performances by Aztec Dancers, Grupo La Rosa Folklorico, Princesa donaji De Oaxaca, and more. There will also be vendors, authentic Mexican food, and live music by DJ Joey Bustamante.
📝 Details: Parade starts at 10:0 a.m. Parade route starts at Lincoln Blvd and California Ave. Street Festival begins at 11:00 a.m. on 7th Ave between California Ave and Broadway Ave.
🗓️ When: Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 Location: Oakwood Park Recreation Center, 767 California Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90291
3. Pershing Square Cinco de Mayo Fest
What better way than to appreciate culture than through music? The beloved DTLA park, Pershing Square, is throwing the ultimate Cinco de Mayo Fest featuring live musical performances by LA Orquesta Nueva Revolucion, El Mariachi Cielito Lindo, La Revancha, and DJ Hem.
4. La Placita Olvera
This historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles, which is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, is lined with vendors selling everything from colorful piñatas to Mexican pottery. This restored district honors the city’s Mexican heritage and is one of the best places to get delicious Mexican food and browse traditional crafts. This weekend, they will have live music, exhibitor booths, activities, and more!
📍Location: Olvera St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
5. Museum of Latin American Art
Located in the LBC, the Museum Of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to featuring and highlighting both modern and contemporary Latin American art. While general admission is typically $15, the museum is totally free to the public on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Location: 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
6. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a cultural space that aims to uplift, share, and preserve the stories and art of Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and all Latinx people in our community. It’s currently home to the artwork of Margaret Garcia, a local artist, and beloved legend who paints Angelenos she’s encountered throughout her life. You can learn more about her exhibit here.
📍Location: 501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
7. Museum of Cinco by Modelo
As mentioned previously, Cinco de Mayo is a bit of a misunderstood holiday, and Modelo’s Museum of Cinco wants to return to its roots. They have joined forces with Mexican Actor Jaime Camil to present an exhibit highlighting the symbolic victory behind the day and the origins of Cinco de Mayo gatherings in the U.S. In this 21+ experience, guests will browse through handcrafted decor, traditional pottery, and other artisan goods from their mercado. Attendees can also take part in the holiday’s festivities like listening to traditional music and trying delicious food all while enjoying a Modelo. (Modelo drinks will be available to purchase at the event.)
📝 Details: Free, 21+ only.
🗓️ When: Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
📍 Location: La Placita Olvera Cinco de Mayo Festival (125 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
Also published on Medium.