Denver’s Cinco de Mayo festival kicked off today with a downtown parade.
Lowrider cars and bicycles cruised alongside Mestizo dancers as the savory smells of green chili and sweet corn on the cob wafted through the air.
The two-day fiesta’s parade — which looped through downtown Denver and featured about 30 entries — returned this year after a two-year hiatus from the annual celebration that drew an estimated 400,000 people last year.
“It’s great to come out a celebrate the culture of Cinco de Mayo for our Hispanic community,” said Mike Archuleta , as he leaned against the front bumper of his vintage cobalt blue 1952 Chevy Styleine Deluxe near the corner of 13th Avenue and Broadway.
Archuleta is president of the Denver chapter of the Viejitos Car Club , which participated in the parade.
Gladys Fernandez wore a silver and pearl white Cholita costume as she and members of Sambos Illimani Colorado did the Caporales dance, which is native to Bolivia, down Lincoln Street.
“I came to support Mexico and this great celebration that they have,” said Fernandez, who is from Bolivia. “In the past we’ve always participated in the festivities and it’s fun.”
“Cinco in the Park,” runs today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Kurtis Lee: 303-954-1655 or klee@denverpost.com
