Chihuahua Race, Parade, Shopping, Live Performances — Cinco de Mayo Festival Back for 2022

DENVER, CO — Denver is preparing to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a big way Saturday and Sunday. The Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival, which includes a famous parade, is back and may be better than ever — and admission is free!

The festival offers more than a parade, though. Other festivities include a children's carnival with rides, live music and dance entertainment on three stages, more than 300 arts and crafts exhibitors, a taco-eating contest and vendors with delicious food and drinks.

The weekend also includes a car show with the best lowriders, classic cars and lowrider bikes. Perhaps the best event? The Chihuahua race at 2 p.m. Sunday!

The entertainment schedule is packed all day Saturday and Sunday. Fantastic performers of all types will appear on three stages. No matter what type of music, dancing, singing, or other kind of performance someone is looking for, the entertainment schedule is bound to have it.

Organizers said the event is intended to support the nonprofit organization NEWSED Community Development Corp. NEWSED was founded in 1973 to promote and develop economic and community programs that raise the income, education and political levels of Denver residents, organizers said.

All funds raised at the festival will support the corporation's programs and services. NEWSED will have an information booth at the festival, and more information is available here.

Tickets are required for the carnival rides, but none are needed for vendors, who will accept cash. ATMs will be available.

The festival is dog friendly but won't allow pit bulls, and organizers suggested not bringing dogs because of the crowds.

Details

• Where: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave., Denver.
• When: Saturday and Sunday.
• Price: Free admission.

Quick Check: What Exactly Are We Celebrating?

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo does not celebrate Mexican independence. Rather, it commemorates the battle of Puebla in 1862, in which an outnumbered Mexican army defeated the powerful French army, which occupied the area seeking unpaid debts.

A common misconception confused the holiday with Mexican Independence Day, which is Sept. 16. The country had already gained its independence from Spain years before the battle of Puebla, which was part of a war the Mexican army ultimately lost to the French.

READ MORE: Cinco de Mayo: 5 Things To Know Before America Celebrates