Sunset celebrates annual Cinco de Mayo Mother’s Day Festival

A little rain couldn’t put a damper on one of Sunset Park’s biggest parades.

On Sunday, May 13, the neighborhood played host to its annual Cinco de Mayo Mother’s Day Festival.

“The parade went well. It wasn’t as well attended because it was raining throughout the day, but a lot of people still came out to support,” said Edgar Alvarez, the event’s organizer. “I would say hundreds of spectators were still there.”

This iteration marked the third year of the parade and the ninth year of the festival.

The parade began at 12:30 p.m. and started at 60th Street and Fifth Avenue. The festival started at 2:30 p.m. at 43rd to 41st Street and Fifth Avenue. The entire day included live performances, folklore ballet dancers, arts and crafts, food vendors and more.

“This year’s theme for the parade was uniting other communities,” he said. “So we had people from other countries take part in the parade. The goal of the committee is not only to bring out the culture and highlight Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day, but to use this event as a uniting bridge to be able to bring the community together. In the end, we are all immigrants. We try to make sure our community is represented and supported. We want to support each other.”

The International Godfather was 72nd Precinct commander, Deputy Inspector Emmanuel Gonzalez. The International Godmother was Jessica Pereira, from La Mega the Morning Show.

The Godmother was Mexican actress and singer Patricia Alvarez. The Grand Marshal was Councilmember Carlos Menchaca.

“The march included a very diverse group,” Alvarez said. “We had a soccer teams, and different dance groups that represented different parts of Mexico that came from different parts of the city. We also had bands that came from Mexico and we had a kids’ mariachi band. It was great.”

The tradition is meaningful for all its attendees.

“The parade is very significant because of what Cinco de Mayo represents,” Alvarez said, “a tough battle fought by a small army, and that’s the way a lot of time the community feels. We are a small group of people that have been discriminated against by the powers that be, and we are fighting a battle and coming together as a community to make the best for everyone.”

And every year, the event grows.

“We have grown to be the one of the biggest Cinco de Mayo events in the city,” Alvarez told this paper.

Looking ahead, the parade and festival committee plans to provide a scholarship to a youth this fall. Currently, said Alvarez, the committee setting up the rules. in conjunction with the Sunset Park BID. “We should announce the winner at the Fifth Avenue Festival.”

 

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