Cinco de Mayo Parade makes triumphant return to Downtown Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Hundreds of people turned out Saturday for the return of Houston's biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Dozens of colorful vehicles and floats hit the streets for the LULAC District 8 Cinco de Mayo Parade in Downtown Houston.
Crowds gathered around Minute Maid Park to enjoy the parade's festival-like atmosphere, with the sights and sounds of culture from Mexico and other Latin communities.
Eyewitness News anchor Mayra Moreno emceed this year's parade, which also featured appearances by ABC13 anchors Erik Barajas and Rita Garcia.
PHOTOS: LULAC Houston Cinco de Mayo Parade 2023
Houston Astros legend and Texas Sports Hall of Fame inductee Jose Cruz joined Mayor Sylvester Turner as this year's parade co-grand marshals.
The Puerto Rican-born outfielder gained a following when he donned the Astros' jersey from 1970 to 1988. He also spent several years as a first base coach.
Houston's diversity reflects spirit of Cinco de Mayo
Organizers said Houston and its Hispanic and Latin communities have changed a lot since the last Cinco de Mayo parade in 2019.
The parade was on hiatus the last three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Hispanic community is vibrant, and is growing by leaps and bounds each and every year," Al Maldonado said. "We're now like 45% of the population, and we want to be able to express our heritage and culture to the rest of the city at large."
Cinco de Mayo marks the date of the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.
ABC13 is proud to be the official media partner of LULAC District 8's Cinco de Mayo Parade.
