Tradition continues
Parade draws large crowd to downtown Porterville
Families and friends staked out spots on sidewalks and the street to enjoy the festive and entertaining Cinco de Mayo parade in Porterville that has been a community tradition for 91 years.
There were thousands lining Main Street Saturday, May 5, watching city dignitaries and elected officials in the parade, as well as service groups and clubs marching.
The Comision Honorifica Mexicana-americana Board members marched in the beginning of the parade and were followed by Porterville dignitaries — Vice Mayor Brian Ward and Councilmembers Martha Flores, Cam Hamilton, and Monte Reyes who rode before the Porterville Panther Band.
According to many people it was the largest turnout ever for the Cinco de Mayo parade.
Sandra Garcia, president of Campesinas Unidas de Valle de San Joaquin spoke in Spanish before the parade and said she and other women were representing future voters and fighting against the current immigration reform. Ruth Martinez translated and said that Ciera Valencia, 8, was proud to be participating so their traditions and culture don’t disappear.
“We’ve been fighting for immigration reform for the last century,” said Martinez.
Candidates for 5th District Supervisor Dennis Townsend and Virginia Gurrola drove in cars, as well as 23rd District Congressional candidate for Congress Wendy Reed, while 23rd District Congressional candidate Tatiana Matta marched in the parade.
Next came the astounding and beautiful colors of costumes worn by all ages of dancers from Ballet Folklorico Orgullo de Mexico and Ballet Folklorico
Oro de Mexico representing various regions of Mexico. A treat for the eyes and ears of parade enthusiasts.
Danza Azteca performed a dance routine in their gorgeous costumes.
Grand Marshal’s Maria and Rudy Roman rode in the parade and enjoyed themselves tremendously.
“It is wonderful to represent the town we’ve grown up in they,” said. “We loved seeing all the children and families having such a good time. It was great to see all the schools involved, and the community in such a special celebration.
“It’s a great honor to be Grand Marshals in the community we’ve lived in all our lives,” said Rudy.
“It’s important for all adults to continue with our traditions of Cinco de Mayo and serve as role models for children and young adults,” said Maria.
The parade and community festivities have been organized by CHMA for years.
The Mariachi Academy Foundation with an orchestra, a bandleader and students singing traditional Mexican ballads was enjoyed by the crowd.
There was a float featuring “Las Mojigangas” or the Giants, that are traditional humorous giant papier-mâché puppets of a man and woman and two men representing workers that had written at the bottom of the float, “Yes to the Dream, No to Wall!”
CHMA had a float with 2018 Cinco de Mayo Royal Court followed by 2017 Cinco de Mayo Queen Alyssa Marie Anguiano, 17, the daughter of Hilda and Cruz Anguiano.
Everyone asked said they really enjoyed the parade and thought it especially festive with a lot of different attractions.
The Porterville Democratic Club marched in the parade, and John Coffee said he was thankful the weather was so good.
“Have a safe and happy Cinco de Mayo,” he said. “I’m very excited to be here, and support the Porterville community for ‘United Together.’ We’re here to cultivate community spirit, and I’m thankful for the Porterville Latino community.”
The Royalistics Car Club with classic cars and low-riders drove down the street.
Marching bands from Granite Hills, Monache, and Strathmore high schools and bands from the various local middle performed with their elegant and pristine musical instruments and uniforms, usually preceded by baton twirling or a majorette, followed by color guards.
Various cheerleading groups from middle schools performed in the parade and Miss Porterville Brianna Torres and her court greeted wellwishers.
Mothers Against Gang Violence had an eyecatching float as well as Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, followed by OLA Raza Immigrants Rights Center with a band and presentation commemorating Cesar Chavez and workers’ rights.
Charros Cerro de Guadalupe a riding team in traditional Mexican costumes brought the parade to an elegant end and many people wanted it to continue.
Julissa Martinez from one of the folkloric dance groups wore a blue dress representing Sinaloa Mexico and said she really enjoyed representing her culture in the parade.
Valerie Navarrate sat on the curb with her family and enjoyed seeing her culture in the parade. “It was wonderful,” she said.
“It was very beautiful and better than other years,” said Maria Calderon and Perla Rivera. “Very traditional.”
The Cinco de Mayo celebration continued Sunday afternoon in Veterans Park with performances from several singers and bands. Food vendors and informational booths, plus lots of activities for children also was available.