Hundreds were drawn to City Park this past Sunday to enjoy the sights, sounds, and oh-so-delicious tastes of the city’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, hosted by the Crete Chamber of Commerce. Although Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s independence day (that’s September 16), nor is it widely-celebrated in Mexico itself, in the United States it has become a day of appreciation for Mexican traditions and culture. In Crete, it is a day to celebrate one of our community’s greatest assets: its diversity.
Attendees were serenaded by the talented Alfred Herrera performing traditional rancheras as they browsed the many food vendors set up along 12th street, selling everything from quesabirria tacos, elote, and mangonadas to cheeseburgers and hot dogs. In the early afternoon, everyone gathered around City Hall to watch Raíces de Mexico, a dance company from Omaha specializing in folkloric and indigenous dances.
Inflatable slides, a bounce house, a balloon artist, and a small petting zoo with young goats were all set up near the west end of the park, while a vendor fair was located near the city park fountain. It was a beautiful day for the celebration, and the perfect way to kick off a great summer of events in downtown Crete.
Downtown Crete, Nebraska 