Cinco De Mayo – Day of the Battle of Puebla
By Middagh Goodwin
The first documented Cinco de Mayo celebration in the United States took place in Columbia, California, in 1862. The celebration was a spontaneous event that occurred after news of the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla reached the gold mining town, giving rise to “Cinco de Mayo, an American Tradition.” You can celebrate in Columbia State Park on May 3rd and 4th between 10:30 am and 5 pm.
If you’d like to celebrate closer to home, several events are taking place in and around Modesto throughout the weekend.
On Friday, May 2nd, enjoy a traditional Mexican Breakfast at the Ceres Community Center from 9-10 am.
The West Modesto Community Collaborative Cinco de Mayo event takes place on May 2nd, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. With taquiza, live entertainment, and inspirational speakers such as Johnny Garcia, CEO of the Stanislaus Latino Chamber of Commerce.
The West Modesto Cinco de Mayo parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The parade will take place on Crows Landing Road, starting from Olivero Road and ending at Glenn Avenue. It is organized by the South Modesto Business United (S.M.B.U.). The parade will include live music, cultural performances, and floats. Celebration at El Rematito, 3113 Crows Landing Road, from 2-6 p.m.
If you want to celebrate with a drink and some live music, visit The Doghouse Taproom in Ceres, CA, on May 3rd to catch the Wet Bandidos. On the 4th, R.Jae Haas and Voodoo Cats are performing.
On Saturday, May 3rd, in Downtown Modesto, Grupo HM will be performing at 18Seventy, and around the corner at CasaMaestros, a Mariachi band will be performing, both starting at 7 pm. Also in Downtown at the Gallo Center on May 4th, the “King of Corrido” Gerardo Ortiz will be performing at 5 pm.
La Parrilla will have La Mariachi Union performing at the McHenry Village location from 6-8 pm with festivities kicking off at 5 pm.
These are just a few of the activities and live performances scheduled to take place throughout the weekend.
