Cinco de Mayo celebration this weekend in Central Washington

Cinco de Mayo events begin Friday in Central Washington, and different activities are scheduled this weekend to entertain and educate people about the Hispanic culture.  

Parades, car shows, live music, and charro competitions will happen throughout the weekend in Pasco, Sunnyside and Yakima.

Brent Kubalek, City of Pasco recreation manager, said Cinco de Mayo is part of the city’s commitment to celebrate all cultures in the world. 

“We do have a high Hispanic population. It’s a great thing to be able to learn about cultures and histories of different peoples from around the world,” Kubalek said.

It is the first time Pasco’s Recreation Services organized the event, he said. It was formerly held by the Downtown Pasco Development Authority, which the Pasco City Council recently eliminated. 

Perla Zepeda, Noon Rotary Sunnyside Committee chair, organized the event in Sunnyside. 

“It’s just to get familiar with how alive we are and how united we are. We’re very festive. We’re very excited for things, and we just want to celebrate that,” Zepeda said.

In Sunnyside, Cinco de Mayo begins Friday with the Carnival Opens Buddy Night. There will be a car show Saturday, and a charro competition on Sunday, both are the more popular activities.

Zepeda said Noon Rotary will use all proceeds made during this event to give back to the community through free events, scholarships, and other programs.

In Pasco, the parade will kick off Cinco de Mayo celebrations Saturday morning. There will be musical and entertainment events throughout the day, including a boxing exhibition and a charro competition. On Sunday, there will be a children’s entertainment area, a car show and breakdancing.

Kubalek said people should be prepared for road closures in downtown Pasco this weekend.

Fourth Avenue will be closed between Clark Street and Columbia Street.

Columbia Street also will be closed between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue.

Lewis Street will be closed between Third Avenue and Fifth Avenue Saturday and between Second Avenue and Fifth Avenue Sunday.

Adam Stewart, communications and travel trade manager with Yakima Valley Tourism, said in addition to Sunnyside’s Cinco de Mayo celebration, other activities will be held in the area.

“There is also Yakima Taco Fest happening this weekend, which will be a huge festival, as well celebrating agricultural workers, Hispanic heritage, and the Yakima Valley. There also will be live music and dance performances there, as well,” Stewart said.

Stewart also said there will be Cinco Rosé, a wine and brunch at Nomad, which is in Tieton.

Most events are free.