Thousands of people made their way to the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds on Saturday to get their fix of towering carnival rides, fried favorites and lines of craft and merchandise vendors for the Stockton Cinco de Mayo Festival.
But for many, it was also for taking in the sounds of Mexican bandas, weaving through exhibits of detailed low-riders and getting their fix of never-ending fruta picada and aguas frescas. It’s a distinctly American celebration that roots itself in multiculturalism.
“This is where we all gather,” said Ines Ruiz-Houston, a senior staff member with El Concilio, the city’s Latino and immigrant rooted nonprofit that put on the festival. “…No matter what’s happening today at home or in the nation.”…