Parade poet to debut new poem during fiesta

By Taylor Mayad

Celebrating Hispanic heritage and tradition, the Dallas Cinco de Mayo Parade & Fiesta — presented by the Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts (OCCA) — will get underway Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 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. 

The event will culminate with a merienda (afternoon party) featuring a Cultural Expressions performance by Ida y Vuelta Flamenco from 1-3 p.m. at the Texas Theatre, sponsored by David Reyna Law Firm and The Office of Arts and Culture Community Arts Pop Up Cultural Center. Free and open to the public, the annual celebration is sponsored by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.

The SuVida Healthcare welcome ceremony will commence at 9 a.m., hosted by the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, located at 223 W. Jefferson Blvd. Parade goers can enjoy deejay music as honorary marshals are pinned. OCCA will also present the 2024 Cinco de Mayo Poet who will debut a new poem.

At 10 a.m. the WellMed Parade Step Off Confetti Shoot will kick off at the corner of 300 W. Jefferson Blvd. and 300 S. Madison Ave. as OCCA, community partners and sponsors initiate the long-anticipated Cinco de Mayo Parade. Dozens of colorful floats, decorated vehicles and marching bands will showcase their pride and joy down Jefferson Boulevard while revealing the rich cultural tapestry of Hispanic culture in Dallas.

The Carter Bloodcare Parade Review Stand will feature bilingual emcees announcing the parade entries as judges tally their votes for the “Best of Parade” awards. In addition, artist Jesus Alba will be on hand for remarks celebrating his newest “Dando Esperanza” mural at 12:30 p.m.

The Fiesta will feature deejay music, exhibitors, food trucks, and local shopping and dining at more than 200 storefronts. Vendors/exhibitors will be set up in the 400 and 500 blocks of W. Jefferson Blvd. For more information, go to oakcliffart.org.