PHOTOS: Sunset shines for Cinco de Mayo/Mother’s Day parade and festival

Sunset Park celebrated two holidays in one big celebration.

On Sunday, May 8, hundreds gathered in the nabe to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day for a parade and festival along Fifth Avenue and in Sunset Park.

“It was an incredible event. We were really happy that, now that the sound ban has been lifted through the park, the BID and Sunset Parker finally were able to do this event there,” said Renee Giordano, executive director of the Sunset Park Business Improvement District. “BID member Edgar Alvarez is the one who put it together. He said there were at least a thousand in the park.”

The parade started at 60th Street and ended at the park, with participants marching and dancing in festive outfits. “People were on the sidewalk watching the performers,” Giordano said. “It included people from all walks of life and nationalities. It wasn’t a one-sided event. It was a Sunset Park event.”

At the park, attendees danced to live music from acts such as Los Fugitivos and Fulanito. It was the first event of its kind thanks to the lifting of the sound ban.

“We received the permit when the Puerto Rican Day Parade proved to the police that the community wants this and we know what we’re doing,” Giordano said.

According to Giordano, events such as these are important to celebrate the diversity of the neighborhood. “It gives a sense of community that shows that different groups here can work and enjoy together,” she said. “Learning about different cultures in the neighborhood is important so people understand and then feel a kinship to them.”