Lorain’s Cinco de mayo celebration will step off May 2 with a parade that starts lining up at 12:30 p.m. at the south end of Oakwood Park on East 36th Street. From there, the procession will move along city side streets until it reaches the Mexican Mutual Society on East 28th Street, where the day will continue with music, food and family-friendly entertainment.
Martin Leibas is leading the event again this year, and he said the point is to help younger generations understand and carry forward Mexican culture and heritage. He said the parade is being put on so community families remember their culture.
The lineup is larger this year, with a semi tractor, many classic cars and groups including the Lorain School Marching Band set to take part. A queen’s contest will also be held for a select group of young girls, including Hayden Bell, Oaklyn Charlton, Angelina Reyna, Emma Velez, Arrianna Velez, Lilo-jade Davis and Roman and Eliany Ramon.
The event’s return has already drawn support. A fundraiser launched on Patronicity under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Lorain County and Main Street Lorain asked for $2,000 and has brought in $5,500 through 16 donations. Donations are being accepted until April 24, and the deadline to join the parade is still pending.
Leibas successfully brought the Cinco de mayo event back in early 2025 after a five-year hiatus tied to the global pandemic, and this year’s stronger turnout suggests the parade has quickly regained its place on the local calendar. Questions about participation can be sent to leibasmlenterprise@yahoo.com or called in to 440-434-0392.
