Thousands gathered on Main Street in Old Town Newhall on Saturday to hear live music, get a taste of Mexican food and celebrate cultural diversity at the city’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Billed by the city as an event with something for everyone, the soiree featured a block party for kids, musical performances, Mexican folk dancers, a deejay and a gamut of booths sponsored by local businesses and individuals selling everything from food to car insurance.

“We’re sharing our culture with a community we love,” said SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce member Patsy Ayala. “This is a special day not only in Mexico, but here, as well.”

Local advertising agent Patricia Gracia said Cinco de Mayo celebrates the relationship between California and Mexico.

“It shows our unity and our cultural integration,” she said. “We should all continue to work together to make all of our lives better.”
Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for “fifth of May,” celebrates Mexican heritage and pride in the U.S. and Mexico.

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, Gracia said. That day is celebrated Sept. 16, she said.

Members of the nine-member Folklorico Dancer, a traditional Mexican dance troupe comprised of local teenagers, performed for the throng at 1-3 p.m.

“It’s an honor to dance here today because is shows our culture and our struggle as a people,” said 15-year-old dancer Carolina Hernandez.

Hernandez and the other girls in the troupe wore long white ruffled skirts while Julio Ledesma, 18, wore a white suit with ornate lace designs on each leg.

“We’re dancing while wearing the clothing of our ancestors,” Ledesma said.

The majority of the celebration occurred on Main Street between Lyons Avenue and 8th Street.

rbowden@the-signal.com
661-287-5518