For the past 100 years, Guadalupe Centers’ Cinco de Mayo Fiesta has packed Westside streets with music, dancing and some of KC’s best food.
This year, on May 1 and 2, the organization is hosting its centennial Cinco de Mayo. Founded in 1919, Guadalupe Centers is one of the longest continuously operating agencies serving Latinos in the United States. It also runs one of the largest charter schools in Kansas City, with more than 1,700 students.
“It’s always nice to have a celebration here on the Westside where we can share our culture,” says Leo Prieto, Guadalupe Centers’ chief community impact officer. The fiesta will have traditional mariachis and folkloric dances but will also include non-Hispanic traditions, such as performances by The Elders, a traditional Irish music group. “We also want to make it very local and have top bands from around the area that are Latino and non-Latino to bring people into the Westside that maybe haven’t been yet,” Prieto says. Bands will play almost every hour on Saturday.
The two-day fiesta will begin May 1 as a souped-up First Friday from 5 to 9 pm, with DJs, vendors, activities and music. On Saturday, the fiesta will run from noon to 10 pm, with local vendors offering a wide array of food and merchandise. The family-friendly event will have bounce houses, youth-focused activities and a mobile gaming truck with a popular FIFA soccer simulation game.
“All this while you have the best food in Kansas City,” Prieto says. The Guadalupe Centers will be showing off their own kitchen’s culinary skills and selling a range of delicacies. Along with Mexican food, there will be dozens of other cuisines, such as Salvadorian and Caribbean—and even some KC barbecue. “Last year we partnered with Q39 on some barbecue as well,” Prieto says. “We’re just mixing it up and having a good time.
“We’re excited because it’s a combination of not just entertainment, culture and festivities, but really welcoming folks from all over the KC metro area, from Liberty to Olathe to Lee Summit,” Prieto continues. “We are trying to let people know that this is the place to be for their Cinco de Mayo celebrations.”
Along with street parking, there will be some parking available at the Guadalupe Centers’ 1300 Summit St. location. For more information about parking, shuttles services, vendors and event schedules, visit the Guadalupe Centers website at guadalupecenters.org.
GO: Malek Azrael and The Vibez with Esso. May 1. 7 pm. Farewell (6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO)
