Celebrating Cinco De Mayo in Corona CA, by Kamesha Keesee.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Corona, CA.

By Kamesha Keesee

Last year was difficult! Imagine celebrating one of the big moments in the Hispanic community in Corona locked inside houses?

People were just tired of the masks and the restrictions and wanted to just go out and celebrate and in case you are starting to wonder, I am talking about Cinco De Mayo.

This year however, many people I have met of the Hispanic descent say they cant wait. And therefore, let’s join in the celebration. This month, I want to show you where you can get the ultimate fun and spirit of the Cinco De Mayo Celebrations in Corona, CA.

But first, it is essential to understand that the first celebration of Cinco De Mayo in Corona, CA dates back to early as 1924, when Ms. Teresa Lemus was the community’s first Cinco De Mayo Queen. Teresa moved to Corona from Phoenix and with the money raised with the help of the community, she was able to hold a parade, fiesta and a street dance.

During this time, the parade circled the Grand Boulevard Circle after which a fiesta followed on a small park now known as Sheridan Park/ Montoya Walk. The celebration concluded with a street dance on Fourth Street between Sheridan and Merrill Street.

Cinco de Mayo in Corona, Ca, was not an annual event, but that would change in 1972 when the community leader met and agreed to hold an annual celebration galvanizing the idea of raising money to award scholarships to students graduating from the Corona Senior High. Thi at the time was the only high school. The result was a Queen Contest where young women from the barrio were invited to participate. The contestants were asked to sell raffle tickets, and the one who raised the most money would be crowned the

queen of the parade and fiesta. That year, the committee awarded a $50.00 scholarship.

40 years later, the celebration in Corona, CA lives on, and depending on the money raised by the queen contestants and the success of the event, the committee awards the scholarship

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF THE PARADE

The 44th annual celebration will begin with a parade at 10:00 a.m. Sixth Street becomes an entertainment venue that stretches from Merrill Street to Rimpau Avenue. Five announcers are located along the parade route introducing each parade entry. You are entertained by dancers, marching units, low-riders, antique cars, and school children of all ages participating with their dance groups or school clubs.

After the parade, the fiesta begins at the Corona City Park located at 930 East Sixth Street, with opening ceremonies scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at the Fiesta Band Shell. Trophies will be awarded to parade participants and the announcement of the new queen. At the City Park, you will be greeted with the aroma of an assortment of Mexican food and other ethnic foods served by local non-profit groups and businesses. You will hear the sounds of Bands or Mariachi groups, Folklorico Dancers, Latin Salsa, Hard Rock, and Oldies. The children will be well-entertained at the Children’s Fun Zone as they play and jump around in fun bouncers, ride the ponies, and play at the game booths. This all-day event is filled with families enjoying a day at the park.

This celebration is more than just a parade; it is about the community coming together to support the efforts of this committee to raise money for scholarships. The parade and fiesta are the finishing touches that makes this all possible. “Muchas gracias” to all the volunteers who dedicate their time to this annual celebration and to the sponsors and the community for their support.

SIGNIFICANCE OF CINCO DE MAYO

Mexico regained its independence from Spain on September 16, 1821. Mexico was in debt with several foreign countries, including Spain, England, and France, that demanded repayment. Mexico refused and wanted to postpone their repayment for a few years. Spain and England withdrew their financial support but France had other plans. France invaded Mexico along the coast of Veracruz and marched toward Mexico City.