Great Bend Post
May 10, 2024

Cinco de Mayo celebration returns to Jack Kilby Square Saturday

Posted May 10, 2024 11:35 AM

By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post

As the name implies, Cinco de Mayo is typically celebrated on May 5. With that date falling on a Sunday this year, many celebrations around the country were held on Saturday, May 4. In Great Bend, Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated on Saturday, May 11 at Jack Kilby Square.

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated France in the Battle of the Puebla. The holiday is only a minor holiday in Mexico, but the day has become one of celebrating Mexican heritage in the United States.

The Great Bend event begins at 11 a.m. Saturday with a parade down Main Street, ending at Jack Kilby Square. There will be 42 stalls serving up traditional Mexican cuisine and information about the culture. Three bands will provide live music for the festivities: Los Traficantes del Norte, La Seguridad Nortena, and Tipo Unico. The celebration ends at 6 p.m.

The 2024 Cinco de Mayo Queen is Elyanna Marques, and Olivia Loera is the festival princess.