Wet Weather Didn’t Rain on Denver’s “Cinco De Mayo” Parade…

Photos by Miguel Baca Barragan, Alex Johns & Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver media. See 2 photo galleries below

Despite the rain, thunder, lightning and even hail the show went on for the 29th annual Cinco de Mayo Festival at Civic Center Park in Downtown Denver. Latinos showed they are a hardy bunch when it comes to celebration and they were not going to let the cold damp weather rain on their parade.
Hundreds showed up early for what like the largest parade ever as various community groups, car clubs, dance groups and many others strolled and rolled down Broadway ending in front of the Colorado State Capitol.

Metro States University of Denver Marachis and the Chinelos de Adrian Marban entertained the early crowds at the Greek Ampitheater while Zumba dancers and Chicano Heat warmed up festival goers on the Local Stage in front of the City and County Building.

Then the rain came. But that did not stop various Mexican dance performers from doing thier thing. Dancers who looked as young as three and four years old braved the cold wet weather to thrill their parents and the crowd with their cute appearance and colorful attire.
While the show was stopped for a while due to thunder, lightning and hail it started back up again and those who stuck around were treated to some great entertainent. Hot Lunch, Wash Park and Chase N The Dreams had the crowds dancing the evening away while Saturday’s headliners El Pollo Y El Chilo, Alta Frecuencia and Juan Rivera did not disappoint the Mexican audience over at the Main Stage. Local Stage promoter LuisRomero told Latin Life Denver, “Had the weather been a bit nicer this place would have been packed!, But I tell you what those bands that were up on those stages today kicked some serious butt. The passion they all performed with was incredible” he said.