|
Join us on Saturday, May 5, 2012
“Officially, Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday, but we have turned it into a day of celebration for all Latinos living here and for all Americans who enjoy the culture,” Montero said. “Our Festival is like the Latino St. Patrick’s Day. That’s why we say, ‘On Cinco de Mayo, everybody’s Latino.”
WHAT:
The Maru Montero Dance Company will host its annual FREE National Cinco de Mayo Festival on Saturday, May 5, 2012 to celebrate Latin American dance, music and crafts.
Live performances will include salsa, Mexican folk dancing, mariachis, and other dance and music. The children’s pavilion will host arts and crafts activities where young people can make piñatas, braid hair, build dancing puppets, and play lotería
(Mexican bingo) to win prizes. Highlights of the daylong free festival include:
1. Dance performances including pre-Hispanic, folk, and salsa
2. Live musical performances
3. Children’s traditional arts and crafts
4. Mexican market
5. Food from Latin America
Fun for the entire family!
WHEN:
Saturday, May 5, 2012 from noon to 6 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE.
WHERE:
Sylvan Theater at the base of the Washington Monument,National Mall.
WHO: The free, family festival is organized by the Maru Montero Dance Company with generous support from our sponsors. Performers include the top names in local Latino talent, including
musicians, dancers and artists. Not just a Mexican celebration, the Cinco de Mayo Festival celebrates the culture of all Latinos living in the United States.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take Metrobus or Metrorail to the Cinco de Mayo Festival.
The nearest Metro Station is Smithsonian and Festival Metrobus routes include: 30, 32, 34, 35 and 36.
The free festival offers Latin dance, music, food, workshops for children and a full day of activities for the entire family.
JOIN US:
Are you on Facebook? Visit the Maru Montero Dance Company Page and learn about events, contests, and other volunteer opportunities!
Last Year's Festival...
The 19th Annual National Cinco de Mayo Festival opened to a cheering crowd with the first "Marcha de la Musica" - a procession of colorful dancers and musicians swirling around the base of the Washington Monument.
The jubilant opening ceremony began with elaborately costumed
performers descending from the main stage and onto the long path that traverses the deep green grass of the National Mall, past the ring of snapping American flags and the gleaming white monument to George Washington, in a raucous procession of Latin music and dance.
There were mariachis in charro suits and broad white sombreros, strumming guitars and playing horns. There were dancing beauties from Las Brisas de Chile in snowy-white costumes of the Rapa Nui from Easter Island, tango dancers from Pontitango, children in traditional Mexican costumes, stately women dressed as Tehuanas from the State of Oaxaca, and Los Tequanis dancers from the State of Puebla, including characters dressed comically as "Death" and the "Devil."
When the performers had completed their boisterous circle around the monument, they returned to the main stage of the Sylvan Theater for a performance of classic Mexican folk dances by Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana with DC Mariachi.
Read more...
Join our mailing list to receive event updates, learn about volunteer opportunities and raffles!
Check back for schedule and updates on the 2011 Festival
|
