By Becky Mayad
Celebrating Hispanic heritage and tradition, the Dallas Cinco de Mayo Parade — presented by the Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts (OCCA) — is set for Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to noon in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood. Billed as the biggest and longest-running parade in North Texas, the mile-long procession will take place on historic Jefferson Boulevard, a vibrant hub for Hispanic communities and businesses. Free and open to the public, the annual celebration is funded in part by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District alongside other generous sponsors. NBC5 / Telemundo39 is the official media sponsor, providing in-kind promotional sponsorship.
Photo courtesy of the Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts
The festivities will commence with the official welcome at 8 a.m. at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, located at 223 W. Jefferson Blvd. Expect a warm Texas welcome with coffee, pan dulce (pastries) and deejay music.
“Our slogan is ‘It’s history, it’s tradition, let’s celebrate!’” said Sylvana Alonzo, OCCA founding member. “The Dallas Cinco de Mayo Parade & Fiesta is a must-see event, offering endless fun for all ages. It’s the perfect opportunity for parade-goers to immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant Hispanic culture that contributes so greatly to the Dallas community.”
At 9 a.m. the celebration kicks off with the Parade Step Off Confetti Shoot at the corner of 300 W. Jefferson Blvd. and S. Madison Ave. Local officials and guests of honor will lead the long-anticipated Cinco de Mayo Parade with dozens of colorful floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands, inflatables, dance groups and more, showcasing the spirit and joy of the community along historic Jefferson Boulevard.
The Parade Review Stand, located at the 500 block of W. Jefferson Blvd. & S. Llewellyn Ave., will feature bilingual emcees to announce the parade entries as judges tally their votes for Best of Parade awards.
A longtime favorite is back! Making a special return appearance is the Selena Movie Car — the iconic “Selena movie car” is a candy-apple red 1969 Chevrolet Impala lowrider featured in the 1997 film about the Tejano singer, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. The owner of the car, Lewis Sevilla, has been into lowrider cars since he was about 14 and was honored to be chosen for the movie. Photo ops and selfies will be available immediately after the parade from 11 a.m. to noon at the Selena mural located at 306 S. Bishop Ave. All-day photo ops are encouraged at both the Selena Mural and at the OCCA Cinco de Mayo Mural at 532 W. Jefferson Blvd.
New this year are the popular and trending parade characters — created in the Mojiganga style — who are sure to instill excitement! The giant puppets are designed to resemble iconic Mexican personalities.
Spectators will have a chance to vote for their favorite Mojiganga puppet, with the winning entry receiving a monetary prize.
Parade goers will enjoy deejay music by Tejano to the Bone Radio Network and vendor booths at the 500 block of W. Jefferson Blvd.
For sponsorship details and parade information, visit oakcliffart.org.
History, tradition to be celebrated added by whiterocklakeweeklyadmin on
View all posts by whiterocklakeweeklyadmin →