The Monrovia Cinco de Mayo Association will host its signature event, Monrovia Cinco de Mayo Cultural Art and Music Festival Sunday, April 29 from 12 pm until 9 pm on Myrtle Avenue in Old Town Monrovia. This free, all-ages Old Town street festival features musical performances from popular local and international artists, a children’s area, over 100 booths featuring local artists, a canned food drive benefiting the Foothill Unity Center, and more.
Over 15,000 people are expected to attend the second year celebration. Monrovia will join over 100 US cities celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla.
The all-day festival kicks-off with ballet Folklorico and traditional Oaxacan calenda dance performances. Followed by musical renderings by La Santa Cecilia, whose unique sound blends Pan-American rhythms like cumbia, bossa nova, rumba, and tango with modern rock and jazz. The fiesta continues at the children’s stage where circus clowns, a bubble and exotic animal show and more await kids partaking in the festivities. Attendees will also be treated to Monrovia’s own Delgado Brothers performing their Latin infused blues and have the opportunity to savor many flavors of Mexican cuisine from local area favorite, Rudy’s Mexican Food as well as other delicious cuisine from participating restaurants.
The cultural and arts festival will also include performances from Juan Carlos Quintero, Los Dominantes and Potro Norteno. The celebration will culminate with a very special performance from ranchera Mexican crooner Hector Dominguez and Los Caporales de Santos Beccerra belting out heartfelt ballads and classics.
“The Monrovia Cinco De Mayo Cultural Art and Music Festival in 2011 began as a way to showcase local talent, build community, and celebrate the many historic contributions Mexican Americans and all Hispanics have made to this great country. I am thrilled at the amazing response the event garnered last year and am excited to continue and expand this wonderful cultural celebration," said Rutilio Castrellon, President of the Monrovia Cinco de Mayo Association.
In addition, the Monrovia Cinco de Mayo Cultural Art and Music Festival will involve a philanthropic aspect to the celebration. With the events strong ties to the community a can food drive will take place at the event to benefit the Foothill Unity Center. The Foothill Unity Center provides food, crisis assistance and access to health care resources to San Gabriel Valley families. All services are free. Last year, the Foothill Unity Center helped over 12,000 families.
The public is encouraged to bring canned foods to the event. The goal is to collect over 5,000 canned goods and non-perishable food items at the event.
The second year, Monrovia Cinco de Mayo Cultural Art and Music Festival is a high-spirited affair that celebrates community, music, and philanthropy. The focus of Monrovia’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration is to bring the community together for a fun-filled, family event while celebrating the beauty and rich-history of the city.
For more information on the Monrovia Cinco de Mayo Cultural Arts and Music Festival, please visit www.monrovia5demayo.org.
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
