Cinco de Mayo Festivities Kick Off Early in Ohio with Vibrant Cultural Celebration
CLEVELAND — As Cinco de Mayo approaches, a northeast Ohio nonprofit is already in full swing, hosting a lively celebration that honors Mexican heritage and traditions. Thousands gathered this weekend in Painesville Square for the fourth annual Cinco de Mayo festival organized by HOLA Ohio, a community-focused nonprofit.
Cinco de Mayo, observed on May 5, commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. While it’s often misunderstood as Mexico’s Independence Day, the holiday has become a cherished occasion for Mexican Americans to celebrate their culture and history. In the U.S., the festivities have grown significantly in popularity, blending tradition with modern celebrations.
This year’s event, hosted by HOLA Ohio, showcased a vibrant mix of music, dance, and cultural performances. Attendees were treated to colorful displays, traditional folklórico dances, and even Mexican lucha libre wrestling. Veronica Dahlberg, executive director of HOLA Ohio and daughter of Mexican and Hungarian immigrants, spearheaded the event.
“This festival began in 2022 when we opened our community center on Cinco de Mayo,” Dahlberg shared. “It’s a way to honor our roots and bring the community together.”
Painesville, home to one of Ohio’s largest Hispanic and Latino populations, provided the perfect backdrop for the celebration. Mexican Americans make up the majority of this community, which has deep historical ties to the state. “Latinos have been in Ohio for a very long time,” Dahlberg emphasized. “We’re not newcomers—our roots here stretch back to the 1800s.”
The festival featured a variety of activities, including piñata-making workshops and performances by HOLA’s folklórico dance group. Jazel Llamas, a dancer with the group, explained the significance of folklórico: “It’s a traditional Mexican dance that showcases our culture through dresses, boots, spins, and turns.” For Llamas, the event is a chance to share her pride in her heritage. “I hope people leave with a deeper appreciation for Mexican culture and what we have to offer,” she said.
Dahlberg reflected on her family’s legacy, noting how her mother once taught the community about Mexican traditions by making piñatas. “Sixty years ago, my family was already here, sharing our culture,” she said. “I wish my mom could see how we’re continuing that tradition today.”
While Cinco de Mayo has become a popular celebration in the U.S., Dahlberg hopes the festival will continue to grow, fostering unity and pride in Mexican American culture. As thousands joined in this weekend’s festivities, the event served as a reminder of the enduring contributions of Latino communities to Ohio and beyond.
— Reported by Nexio News
