TOPEKA (KSNT) — Downtown Topeka came alive with music, dancing and vibrant culture as crowds packed the city Saturday, May 2, for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
The festival at Evergy Plaza brought together music, dancing and local vendors, highlighting Mexican culture while fostering connection across the community.
For the performers, the event offered an opportunity to share traditions with a wider audience.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity to be able to share our culture, to have other people know what that’s about,” said Daniela Vazquez, a dancer with Grupo Folklorico Izcalli. “It’s also an honor.”
Local businesses also used the festival to showcase their roots while connecting with customers.
“Our whole thing for our business is mixing together our Mexican roots with the American culture,” said Jazmin Urena-Lopez, co-owner of Dolce Vita. “So coming to an event like this highlights that culture. It’s very, very exciting for us.”
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For many families, the celebration also served as a way to pass traditions down to the next generation.
Angelina Adame attended the festival with her sons, Dexter and Gage David; Dexter was born on Cinco de Mayo. She said events like this help teach him to embrace his heritage.
“I just want them to kind of embrace and love what I grew up with and not feel like it’s something to be shameful or embarrassed of,” Adame said. “I want them to be proud of our culture.”
Performers also emphasized the importance of representation and breaking stereotypes.
“I personally feel like it’s really important for different people to see how we actually are and everything,” said Amaya Guzman-Escarneo, a dancer with Grupo Folklorico Izcalli, “and that there’s more to our culture besides stereotypes.”
With food, music and cultural performances on display, organizers and participants say the festival continues to grow each year while celebrating Mexican heritage in the capital city.
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