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.
READ MORE: Small Businesses In Michigan Saw Record Job Growth In 2021, Data Says“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.
READ MORE: Peace Officer Awards Ceremony Honors Life-Saving Heroes, First Responders In Oxford High School TragedyRoco 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.
MORE NEWS: Comcast Rise Awarding Grants To 100 Minority-Owned Small BusinessesThe Mexican Patriotic Committee of metro Detroit decided to continue the tradition without change after a fatal shooting happened during last year’s parade.