A day late but as festive as ever, Georgia Street was decorated with elaborate, festive colors on Saturday in honor of Cinco de Mayo — much to the delight of Solano AIDS Coalition President Mario Saucedo.
But for all the celebration in the air, education was at the center of Saturday’s event.
The coalition set up an informational table with fact sheets regarding HIV prevention, teen sexual responsibility, needles, hepatitis, and much more. The table even had a bucket of free condoms with the sign “Just Wear It.”
The rest of the festival was energetic and fun. Mexican-style dancers were among the performers on a day also featuring musical guests.
“We want to have a beautiful stage. We want to have everything very colorful because Mexico is well known for all the vibrant colors that we have,” said Saucedo.
Araceli Figueroa from Los Banos sings during the Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Vallejo on Saturday. (Chris Riley/Times-Herald)
Solano AIDs Coalition member Jacqueline Zizi says celebrating Cinco de Mayo brings the community together.
“It is so important for us to have this festival for the heritage of the Hispanic Cinco de Mayo. We like to support people to come in and with all cultures,” said Zizi. “It’s all kinds of cultures to come and support. I believe it’s a good thing to do because a lot of communities come out and support one another.”
The musical entertainment featured Bienvenida Y DJ, Elizabeth Rodríguez La Vaz Versátil, Ballet Folkorico, Nekzayolin, Compositor Luis Alvares y sus amigos, Ballet Folkorico Quetzalli, Grupo Innovación, Son del Sur, and Despedida.
The vendors included Kottage Kore Kitchen (nonprofit), Sacris Lunae, Wisdom by Wisdom Natural Soaps, The Closet Vintage Clothing, Nandani’s Handmade Goods, Feng Shui Pixiu Lucky Wealth and Positivity Energy Bracelets, Crystal Wood Crafts, Vallejo Sister Cities and Friendship Cities, and City of Vallejo-Participatory Budgeting.
Vice President of the Solano AIDs Coalition Calvin Ellington explained the coalition’s mission and why it was important to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
“Our mission is to keep the people safe. Our mission is to educate on everything that we possibly can to keep families, kids, and the youth safe,” said Ellington. “I love working with the people. I love putting on these events and teaching people about health, education and speaking with people about diseases like HIV and different types of STDs. I think having these types of events bring the community together. People can have a great time celebrating Cinco de Mayo and be doing health education at the same time.”
Discovered on: 2023-05-06 22:36:57
Source: Vallejo holds festive Cinco de Mayo celebration – Times-Herald
