Jago Times "English Edition" Best Online Newspaper
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston Astros legend will take to the streets next week for the return of the city’s biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Tuesday, LULAC District 8 announced its picks for co-marshals of the 2023 Houston Cinco de Mayo Parade.
Texas Sports Hall of Fame inductee Jose Cruz will join Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for the city’s first Cinco de Mayo parade in three years.
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.
Where to Watch Houston’s Cinco de Mayo Parad
The parade will step off Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m., starting at Texas at Hamilton, near Minute Maid Park.
On parade day, drivers can find $5 cash-only parking at Minute Maid Parking Lot C, located at 2208 Preston St. Parking is free for parade volunteers and school buses.
Eyewitness News anchor Mayra Moreno will emcee this year’s parade, which will also feature appearances by anchors Erik Barajas and Rita Garcia.
The Return of a Big Houston Traditin
Organizers said Houston hasn’t seen a Cinco de Mayo parade since 2019. In that time, the city – and our Hispanic and Latin communities – have grown.
“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.”
This year’s celebration will feature more than 100 parade entries, highlighting the culture and music of Mexico and other Latin communities.
There’s still time to sign up to walk or ride in the parade, and LULAC said it is in need of dozens of volunteers to put on the celebration. You can learn more at LULACD8.com.
“You do not have to be a Latino to come out to a parade and enjoy it,” parade chair Mary Ramos added.
“They don’t have to be Mexican. They don’t have to be Honduran. They don’t have… we are everything. We’re Puerto Rican, we’re Mexican, we’re Hondurans. We’re Guatemalans. We’re all Latinos, and we need to make sure everybody knows we’re Latinos and we’re together.”
Cinco de Mayo marks the date of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.