San Jose Celebrates Cinco De Mayo With 4 Weekend Events

SAN JOSE, CA — San Jose leaders are preparing for big crowds expected this weekend to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, with four major events on the docket Saturday and Sunday.

The fun kicks off Saturday morning with the Cince de Mayo Show on Santa Clara Street, followed by the Salsa Festival that will take over Plaza de Cesar Chavez throughout the afternoon. The festivities continue Sunday with a pair of parades and festivals, and each event promises plenty of music and food.

The United Lowrider Council of San Jose will put on a show in partnership with the city and the San Jose Police Department.

Here's the schedule:

Cinco de Mayo Show

• When: May 4th, 2024: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Santa Clara St. between Stockton Ave. and Barack Obama Blvd.

Salsa Festival

• When: May 4th, 2024: 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez: 1 Paseo de San Antonio

East San José Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival

• When: May 5th, 2024
  • Parade: 10:00 a.m. - Noon.
  • Festival: Noon - 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Emma Prusch Park: 647 South King Road

Downtown Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival

• When: May 5th, 2024
  • Parade: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Festival: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez: 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose

Police encourage the the community to come out and enjoy the fun responsibly, and will staff extra officers at each event.

"To ensure families and visitors can celebrate safely, the department will be deploying additional personnel and resources to adequately address any public safety issues that may arise including the use of temporary road diversions," the department said in a news release. "As in years past, SJPD will continue to employ zero tolerance for criminal behavior."

The police department will also deploy patrols to respond to illegal sideshows, and officials warn spectators can be subject to arrest and costly fines. Drivers who participate can have their vehicle impounded and be subject to financial penalties of $3,000 - $4,000.

A map of road closures and other traffic impacts related to the weekend celebrations is available on the police department's website.