The Chula Vista Cinco de Mayo Fest will be held May 5 at Bayside Park in Chula Vista. This free event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival will feature music, food and interactive areas.
“This is our third event on the bayfront. Cinco Fest is expected to welcome thousands of attendees,” said Armando Castro, one of the organizers. “We’re a team of five and were brought on by the Latino Food Industry Association to organize the event.”
The foods offered will be varied. In addition, a beer garden with Azteca beer will be available for people age 21 and older.
“All types of food – tacos to french fries,” he said. “Even the corn-on-the-cob in a cup, with cheese and sour cream like you find at the fair.”
Among the offerings will be interactive areas such as a children’s area, Hispanic art and culture offerings, a performance stage, Danza Folklorico, face painting and more.
“This is our first year,” said Enrique Meza, community relations officer for Mission Federal Credit Union. “We are a presenting sponsor. It’s a unique opportunity for us with the organizers, partnering up with the Latino Food Industry Association.”
Meza emphasized the fact that the Latino Food Industry Association was established to promote, support and educate Latino business owners, employees, and entrepreneurs who are involved in every aspect of the country’s growing food industry.
“It’s a celebration of what it means to be Latino in the U.S.,” said Meza.
Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the battle of Puebla, La Batalla de Puebla, on May 5, 1862, where 4,500 Mexican soldiers defeated the French army of 6,500 at Puebla, Mexico.
The Chula Vista Cinco de Mayo Fest will be hosting a blood drive with the San Diego Blood Bank from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the north side parking lot. Anyone 17 or older who weighs at least 114 pounds and is in good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Additionally a “John Wick 3” entertainment booth will show the movie trailer and provide an opportunity to win tickets to the movie premier.
“Parking opens up at 9 a.m. and is free,” said Castro. “ATMs will be on site.”
Castro recommends wearing causal comfortable clothing, walking shoes and to bring your own lawn chair. Some lawn chairs will be provided but might fill up.
