Cincy-Cinco
Festival (May 3-6)
CINCINNATI, Ohio (April 10, 2007)
– The fourth annual Cincy-Cinco is set for May 3 and 6 at the Plaza at Riverbend
Music Center, in Anderson Township, Ohio.
Cincy-Cinco, the
tri-state region’s premier Latino cultural fest, is a family-friendly weekend
event that showcases Latino culture, values and traditions while promoting the
interaction of the Latino community with the tri-state community at large. The
2006 Cincy Cinco festival made history with the unveiling of the world’s largest
piñata as certified by Guinness World Records. The piñata weighed two tons, stood
four-stories tall and was designed in a traditional sun shape. Football Hall of
Famer and Cincinnati favorite Anthony Muñoz broke the piñata. “Cincy
Cinco is a celebration across cultures and an opportunity for the Hispanic community
to showcase its rich heritage. People of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity
to enjoy and learn about Latino music, dance and food,” said chairman Neil Comber
Valdespino, who founded Cincy-Cinco in 2004 with co-chair Alfonso Cornejo. “The
Hispanic community is growing and we feel it is important to hold an event where
Latino cultures and traditions can be shared.” Experts say
that it’s likely that roughly 60,000 Hispanics live in the tri-state region, even
though the “official” number is 30,200. Since 2000, there has been a 30% increase
in the area Hispanic population – a trend unlikely to slow or fade. Nationally,
Hispanics are the largest minority group, at more than 44 million, according to
census data. The weekend-long event is the largest Latino
cultural celebration in the region and it’s expected to be bigger and better this
year. In 2004, attendance was 5,000 people, and last year there were 13,000 in
attendance. This year, festival organizers estimate there will be between 20,000
to 25,000 people with attendees traveling from Indianapolis, Columbus, Dayton
and Kentucky. This year’s 2007 Cincy Cinco will feature the
re-creation of a typical “fiesta de pueblo’ or town fiesta on the Plaza at Riverbend.
During the day there will be many activities for the whole
family. In the children’s area there will be Latino and American games and arts
and crafts for kids of all ages. Children can create their own souvenir from Cincy-Cinco,
like an “ojo de Dios” or a personally decorated piñata. Music
and Dance will delight guests on three stages with the best in regional and local
Latino music. The RSVIP Club will mainly feature traditional dances in colorful
costumes from countries like Peru, Colombia and Argentina. On the Zocalo (main
square) there will be balladeers from Mexico and the Caribbean, dance demonstrations
and lessons, and the famous Mexican Mariachi style of music. And on the Main Stage,
there is more of the modern Latin music, featuring up and coming local latin talent
Legend Vega, and salsa bands. All day and night, attendees
will be able to feast on authentic Latino cuisine from at least 5 countries provided
by local restaurants. Also members of the community will be offering tasty “botanas”
or appetizers to allow people to sample a wide variety of favorite Latin American
treats. As the day winds down, there will be a parade round
the site where all in attendance are asked to wear traditional costumes and hats,
and kids parade their newly made authentic crafts. On Saturday
night there will be the biggest “Cinco de Mayo” celebration in the Midwest. The
RSVIP Club is transformed into the Cincy-Cinco Cantina with games like “futbolito”
(foosball) and corn hole, as well as a latino DJ and karaoke. On the Main Stage
there is dancing with two new regional salsa bands from Indiananoplis and Michigan.
The evening ends with a special Rozzi fireworks display. There’s
so much more at Cincy-Cinco. Many of the corporate sponsors, like P&G, PNC Bank
and Kroger, will be there to showcase their products and services in fun interactive
ways. Many will distribute coupons and samples (estimated value: at least $70)
from visiting vendors. Attendees will also be able to explore tri-state opportunities
in health and education or experience a traditional Mariachi mass on Sunday at
11 a.m. Tickets, $10 each, are available at Riverbend Music
Center on the day of the event or at any area Kroger store save $2 when tickets
are pre-purchased. Saturday after 6pm tickets are $6 only at Riverbend ticket
office. Children under 16 are free. The first 500 children on Saturday and Sunday
will get free tickets to a Cincinnati Reds’ game or the Cincinnati Zoo. All proceeds
benefit over tri-state charities that support the Latino community. For
more information, please visit www.cincy-cinco.com.  |