Denver’s 29th Cinco de Mayo this weekend

KUVO Arts District correspondent Carrie Saldo’s cultural tip for the weekend is Cinco de Mayo at Denver’s Civic Center Plaza, in it’s 29th year.  

More than an excuse for a party, the day is rooted in an actual historic event (The Battle of Puebla) .  It’s become a cultural marker and rite of spring for the Chicano Western U.S.

“On Sunday afternoon, a lot of people like to hear Mariachi music outside of the typical restaurant setting,” said Carlos Lando, host of KUVO’s “First Take with Lando and Chavis.  ”Mariachi groups are amazing.  You never see them up there with music.  They know every tune and they play it really well.  For me, that’s the ticket.”

And the event is free.  Staples of the two-day happening are the parade (Saturday, 11:00 a.m.) and Ballet Folklorico dancers (Sunday on both Main Stage and Local Stage).

Cinco de Mayo Denver is produced by NEWSED, the community development corporation that resurrected the event 1988 as part of their plan to reinvigorate the Santa Fe neighborhood (now a famous arts and culture district). We provide financial counseling and education first-time homebuyers, and we host Denver’s only retail incubator program on Santa Fe,” said NEWSED’s Development Director Andrea Barela.

Official website with music line-up, Saturday morning parade route, and more: www.CincodeMayoDenver.com.

Music on this audio feature by Mariachi Sol De Mi Tierra, and “Cinco de Mayo” by War.

Carrie Saldo with Carlos Lando, George Peck, Steve Chavis, NEWSED'S Andrea Barela, music by Mariachi Sol De Mi Tierra, War