Rain doesn't dampen fest celebrating Cinco de Mayo

It had been almost two decades since it rained on the historic date, but it didn't daunt anyone enough to stop all from having a good time.

By MICHELLE JONES
Published May 6, 2005

DADE CITY - It rained on their parade, literally, for the first time in 17 years.

However, everything went on as planned.

"It just shows you that no matter what, we keep going," said Margarita Romo, executive director of the Farmworkers Self Help Inc., the sponsor of the parade and Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Held at Resurrection House Park, festivities followed the parade and continued into Thursday evening with dancing, games and food.

"The rain didn't daunt us," Romo said as children ran around dodging raindrops.

The parade started at U.S. 301 and Calle de Milagros (Lock Street) and ended at the park on the corner of Calle de Milagros and Meredith Avenue.

Red, green and white ribbons tied to trees and fences showed the community's ties to Mexico. Decorated cars followed the police cruiser and fire trucks that announced the parade's arrival with sirens.

Andres Limas, 11, Daniel Hernandez, 13, and Jose Flores, 14, rode their bikes as they carried Mexico's flag.

Ashley Sanchez, 9, rode a float as the 2004 Queen of Cinco de Mayo. She would crown this year's queen.

Dressed in a white dress adorned with tiny beads, she proudly wore her crown.

"Cinco de Mayo means fun to me," she said. "My mom (Nellie Sanchez) fixed my hair."

Jose Alvear, 3, sat on his mom's lap eating an ear of corn. The corn was so good he asked for another one.

Prizes and gift baskets covered a long table and were awarded to the children who in turn would give them as Mother's Day gifts.

Hot dogs, chips or popcorn and soda or juice were distributed free to the children.

Meanwhile, adults shared the covered dishes they brought.

Jose Marales carried a huge pot of soup his wife had cooked. The aroma wafted through the air with the other Mexican cuisine.

The soup's ingredients included pork and chicken, radishes, onion, hominy, lettuce and garlic.

"It is good," said Maria Navaro as she sampled a bowl.

As Mexican music played, 18-month-old Jonathan Molina moved to the rhythm.

Although some of the people were unaware of the meaning behind the celebration - the day commemorates May 5, 1862, when Mexican farmers defeated the French army - they were happy to get together and have a good time.

"It is a day to let our kids know it is okay to celebrate their heritage," Romo said.

[Last modified May 6, 2005, 00:38:16]