Portland’s biggest celebration of Mexican culture is going bigger this year with four full days of entertainment, performances and cultural foods. The 38th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, hosted by the Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association, returns to Tom McCall Waterfront Park from Friday through Monday, May 2-5, promising an immersive experience for all ages.
Despite some Latino heritage events being canceled this year, Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is returning in full force, with extended hours and a robust entertainment lineup. Here’s what to know before you go:
1. A U.S. celebration of Mexican heritage
Though Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, it’s not widely celebrated across Mexico outside Puebla itself. In the U.S., however, the holiday has evolved into a vibrant, cross-cultural celebration of Mexican heritage, especially in cities like Portland.
2. It’s a day longer than usual
This year, the festival will be open through Monday giving locals and visitors an extra afternoon to enjoy the fiesta. The hours for this year’s event are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. May 2-4 and 4-10 p.m. May 5.
“What really motivated the Portland Sister City Association was to just provide another day for the local small businesses who invest their time and resources to be there,” said Anthony Veliz, a spokesperson for Portland Cinco de Mayo.
3. Lucha Libre and boxing are back
For the first time in years, Lucha Libre wrestling returns to the waterfront. From noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, catch a full lineup of matches featuring male and female luchadores from California and Mexico…