It is almost May and the annual Cinco de Mayo parade and celebration is almost here.  This year’s event will be on May 4, with the parade starting at 10:00 on the corner California and Lincoln.  The full event details are below.

Here is a message from event organizer Laura Ceballos:

We are proud to announce the celebration of the Annual Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade Festival. Venice, CA.

The Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade Festival is being sponsored by The City of Los Angeles and Organized by Venice Community Organizer, Laura Ceballos. The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 10:00am to 6:00pm. The Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival originated in the 1960’s during the Civil Rights and Chicano Movement. The Oakwood Area in Venice was made up of predominately Mexicans and Blacks during this time and the Venice Community was actively involved in the Chicano Movement. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout California to commemorate the Mexican Army’s defeat against the French Troops during 1862 in Puebla, Mexico. This Historical moment prevented the French Army from joining forces with the Confederacy Army that helped end slavery in the United States.

.The parade will feature Aztec Dancers, Mariachi, Charro (dancing horses), Grupo La Rosa Folklorico Group, the Venice High School band, VHS Drill Team & Cheerleaders, VHS Folklorico Group, Santa Monica College Cheerleaders, Venice’s finest Classic Cars, and much more. The parade will begin at 10:00am on the corner of California Ave & Lincoln Blvd in Venice.

.The parade will go North on Lincoln Blvd to Rose Ave, make a left going West on Rose Ave and another left on 7th Ave going South all the way down 7th Ave to Oakwood Park. Spectators are asked to line up on Lincoln Blvd between California Ave and Rose Ave.

.The parade will end on California Ave and 7th Ave and transition into one of the biggest street festivals in Venice. The street festival will take place on 7th Ave. between California Ave. and Broadway Ave. featuring Live Band and entertainment, DJ Joey Bustamante, Venice Rapper Baby Dog, Folklorico dancers, Aztec Dancers, Mariachi, pinatas, face painting, Children’s arts and crafts, raffles, Informational booths, vending booths and authentic Mexican food.

;Parade Director and Venice Native , Laura Ceballos, is excited that the event is continuing after a 32-year gap. The event was brought back in 2016 and has been growing ever since. The event unifies and brings the community together.

Come out and join us!