DETROIT (WWJ) – Viva Mexico! The message shared by thousands in Detroit on Sunday.
Despite some calling for changes, the 51st annual Cinco de Mayo parade went off without a hitch in southwest Detroit. Today, balloons and rosaries wrapped around a pole at the corner of Vernor Highway and Ferdinand Street is the only hint of the 2014 shooting.
“We are all Mexican here, we are all coming together to celebrate what Cinco de Mayo is — and it’s just good to see all the people here … it’s like all family,” said Elizabeth, who lives in the area.
The parade celebrates Mexico’s 1862 victory over France.
Roco is Puerto Rican but still comes to celebrate the day.
“I celebrate … because we are all Spanish people and this day, we are … all together. We are all Latin people together – all kinds of race here in the parade for Mexican Day; their day.”
Live music, dancers, and artists filled the streets along Vernor as an estimated 40,000 watched.
The Mexican Patriotic Committee of metro Detroit decided to continue the tradition without change after a fatal shooting happened during last year’s parade.