Cinco de Mayo Omaha 2025: New Location, Enhanced Security, and a Unique Musical Experience
By Karlha Velásquez, Hola America
The Cinco de Mayo Festival in Omaha celebrates its 105th anniversary with a new approach aimed at offering a safe, family-friendly, culinary, and musical experience. As one of the biggest events in Nebraska, it will take place from May 9 to 12.
1920 to 2025: 105 Years of Celebrating Culture
Cinco de Mayo celebrates when the smaller and less armed Mexican army drove out French troops in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although it is not Mexico’s Independence Day, it has come to symbolize victory over incredible hardship for Mexican-Americans across the United States. Omaha’s first festival took place in 1920, called “Fiestas Patrias Mexicanas” on 24th and M streets and drew 500 people who enjoyed poetry, food and music. Throughout the years, the festival moved locations within South Omaha, and eventually included a parade in the 1980’s that is still a popular attraction with over 100 floats, musicians, businesses, schools, dancers, drill teams, horses, nonprofits, and local residents participating.
With the help of John Barrientos, President of the South Omaha Business Association, with a long history of promoting the festival who tapped into sponsors, the celebration grew to a three-day event in the 1990’s as the Latino community boomed with residents coming from Texas and California. In the 2000’s, as Latinos contributed to the economic growth of South Omaha, the event added scholarships and a greater space to accommodate larger crowds. Over time, the event grew into one of the city’s most important cultural festivals—first sponsored by the Cinco de Mayo Organization, and later organized by Casa de la Cultura.
In the early 2010’s Marcos Mora, CEO and Executive Director of Casa de la Cultura, incorporated more music, like mariachi mass on Sunday mornings, and big-name concerts on Friday nights that attract Latinos from across the region. Today, it’s one of the top three events in Nebraska and one of the largest Cinco de Mayo events in the country. In 2023, Casa de la Cultura received the Henry Fonda Tourism Award for promoting Hispanic heritage through cultural, educational, and community programs such as Cinco de Mayo.
This year’s celebration will be held in a new location to enhance security and provide a more family-oriented environment. The festival will now take place along 24th Street, between Q and U Streets in Omaha on May 9, 10, and 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Children under 12 years old get free admission, while general admission is $10 per day or $20 for the full weekend. A VIP experience is available, including access to a bar, for $100 for those who want to enjoy the live music in a more exclusive setting.
New Features and Attractions for Cinco De Mayo Omaha
The traditional parade will be held on Saturday, May 10, starting at 9:30 a.m. along 24th Street from D Street to L Street. Local organizations, business owners, and community members from Omaha will take part in the event.
Cinco de Mayo Omaha not only celebrates Mexican heritage but has also become a cultural meeting point for the broader community. “Latinos and this festival have made significant economic contributions over the years, bringing millions of dollars to the local economy. More importantly, it highlights our culture and how it has supported—not drained—our region’s growth,” Mora emphasized.
He also announced that this year’s festival will feature new attractions, including a STEM area for children, a health fair, and live music performances by local and national artists to create a vibrant, educational, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Mora shared that $500,000 has been invested to ensure a high-quality experience with enhanced security and top-tier concerts over the three-day celebration.”This year, we’re focusing more on music and food. The event will be slightly smaller due to budget constraints,” Mora added. He emphasized that security will be a top priority, with strict measures in place such as: no entry for anyone under 17 without adult supervision, increased police presence, surveillance cameras, and controlled access for vendors and attendees. “We want families to feel safe and at ease,” he said.
La Fiera de Ojinaga and Banda Los Sebastianes will headline the Cinco De Mayo Omaha festival
Among the headlining acts are La Fiera de Ojinaga and Banda Los Sebastianes. On Sunday, May 11 the Mariachi Mass at the plaza begins at 10:30 a.m. The weekend will also feature mariachi bands, zumba performances, and favorite local musical groups.
Cinco de Mayo Omaha 2025 promises to once again bring over 250,000 visitors to Omaha for this memorable event, offering safe and exciting new experiences for the entire community.
Tickets are available online at: https://www.cdmomaha.com/event-details/cinco-de-mayo-omaha
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