Modesto area turns out for Cinco de Mayo parade celebration despite light rain
Modesto’s biggest annual celebration of Cinco de Mayo took place Saturday amid light rain and cool temperatures.
Thousands of people lined Crows Landing Road for a parade sponsored by South Modesto Businesses United. Dancers, equestrians, musicians and more made their way between Olivero Road and Glenn Avenue. Plenty of Mexican flags flew from vehicles headed for the parade, which caused the usual detours.
The event happened one day after the actual Cinco de Mayo. It celebrates the day in 1862 when Mexico defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla.
France ruled for five years. Mexican Independence Day, on Sept. 16, marks the day in 1810 when residents declared themselves free of Spain.
This story was originally published May 6, 2023 at 12:44 PM.
