DETROIT (WWJ) -- When celebrating Mexican culture, there is no better place to go than Southwest Detroit.
As Cinco de Mayo approaches this weekend, many wonder how the Southwest neighborhood became what it is today -- and how they will be ringing in the holiday.
Each year, Southwest Detroit hosts a huge, weekend-long celebration in the city for Cinco de Mayo, which marks Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire during the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
The annual event returns this weekend for its 59th year with the theme "La Historia de Southwest Detroit” — embracing "all the beautiful cultures from the many Latin American countries that create the rich fabric of this community," according to the Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit website.
Beginning on Saturday, the festival will feature local vendors, food trucks, musicians, mariachis, family activities and more at Bagley and 21st Streets.
Then, on Sunday, the Cinco de Mayo parade steps off from Woodmere Street and will travel east along Vernor Hwy, ending at W. Grand Blvd.
Parade participants are encouraged to decorate with the theme of "La Historia de Southwest Detroit” in mind, and "to showcase different ethnicities to enhance the Mexican tradition of pride and resilience."
And be sure to bring your A-game, because there will also be special awards given to the most decorated and best theme representation cars, walkers, and/or floats.
Curious how that neighborhood in Southwest Detroit came to be? In this 2023 episode of The Daily J podcast, host Zach Clark got a Cinco de Mayo history lesson while learning that Southwest Detroit's culture goes far beyond Mexican heritage.
Want more o The Daily J? Listen to hundreds of episodes wherever you get your podcasts, including on the FREE Audacy App.