South Bend celebrates Cinco de Mayo

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Dozens came out to LaSalle Park Saturday to celebrate Cinco De Mayo.

The park was full of people, music and pleasant aromas for Saturday's fiesta. The joy-filled celebration featured face painting, carnival games, clothes, crafts, live bands, folkloric dancers and -- Mexican bingo!

Cinco de Mayo is held annually on May 5 to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla and celebrates the resilience of the Mexican people as well as the power and beauty of Mexican culture.

Event organizers say this event brings people from all walks of life together.

 "We bring in people from all different cultures," said Lorena Escobedo, Cinco de Mayo Event Coordinator. She adds, "We attract the Black community here, the Mexican community and the Native American community, so it's just about uniting people." 

The annual event was presented by St. Adalbert Catholic Church.

The festival also featured authentic Mexican food including quesadillas made from scratch, corn and tacos. Food preparation was made by the ministries of the parish.