The first annual Cinco de Mayo event at La Placita in Oakland’s Fruitvale district welcomed local residents on Sunday, May 3rd. Event organizers Emilia Otero and Aracely Garza decided to have the event after they learned that Oakland’s big Cinco de Mayo festival on International Blvd. was cancelled. In

the short time that had to prepare, they secured city permits for the live entertainment and organized numerous food vendors and small businesses that filled La Placita’s yard and building. Event attendees enjoyed the live music and homemade food and purchased crafts and other products from the micro-businesses that are based at La Placita (which is a unique shopping center, café, and community center on Fruitvale Ave).

“We wanted people to enjoy themselves and for the business entrepreneurs to make some money,” said Emilia.

The event went beyond Cinco de Mayo and Mexican culture with food and entertainment from several Central and South American cultures. The rainy weather and swine flu fear kept the crowd to a moderate size, but the people who did attend enjoyed it very much, which is the real measure of a successful event. Emilia and Aracely are planning another event for next year.