Press Clippings

Jim Knippenberg | The Cincinnati Enquirer

Ozomatli will play Cincy-Cinco on Saturday.

W H E N   Y O U   G O

What: Cincy-Cinco, a celebration of Latino arts, food and culture When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday Where: Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township (exit 72 off I-275) Cost: $10, free under 16. Information: 232-8230 or www.cincy-cinco.com.

Alfonso Cornejo is so determined to share his Latino culture with the rest of Cincinnati that he's devoted two years to planning Cincy-Cinco, a two-day festival full of all things Latino, Saturday and Sunday at Coney Island. Proceeds go to Su Casa, Cincinnati's largest and oldest charity serving the Hispanic community.

Cornejo, a native of Guanajuato, Mexico, moved to Cincinnati 17 years ago for his job at Procter & Gamble. Friday, he's an independent consultant and vice president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Selection of this weekend for Cinco was no accident. Friday is Children's Day in Mexico, a festive occasion where teachers bring the kids presents and turn the school day into a big party. And Wednesdayis Cinco de Mayo, a busy party day in Mexico and the United States. Cinco de Mayo is the anniversary of the 1862 Battle of Puebla, in which the Mexican army defeated the invading French army.

"We chose the weekend that fell between those two dates," Cornejo said, "to emphasize that this is a family oriented festival, but it's also a party - although not the big drinking party some people associate with Cinco de Mayo."

Party indeed - there will be nine pavilions teeming with activities. Music lovers will want to hang out at the Music Pavilion to catch the acclaimed Victor Manuelle from Puerto Rico plus national, regional and local acts (Cincinnati's Tropicoso, Zumba and Trio Son, Los Angeles' Ozomatli, Cleveland's Grupo Fuego).

Got dancing feet? Check out the Dance Pavilion, where 15 groups representing eight countries will perform. Or head for the gazebo for free salsa and merengue lessons. Cornejo suggests you leave the kids in the free Spanish language class while you trot off and learn all the right moves.

Hungry? Hit the Food Pavilion, where restaurants Panaderia La Mexicana, Taqueria Mercado, Rancho Grande and Casa Tequila will dish up authentic Hispanic dishes.

According to the most recent census, Greater Cincinnati's Hispanic population numbers 24,000.

But the number doesn't matter, Cornejo says, because this is an event for the whole city. One that's long overdue, he adds.

On Tap

Music Pavilion
Near Riverbend's West Gate; 45-minute sets from 10 bands. 3-9:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday. Ozomatli at 8:30 p.m. Saturday; Victor Manuelle at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Dance Pavilion
In Moonlite Gardens. Grupo Caribe (Puerto Rico), Que Lindo Es Panama, Sin Fronteras (Colombia), Danza Contigo Peru, Rondalla (Peru).

Arts Pavilion
In Moonlite Gardens. Art show.

Children's Pavilion
In the Land of Oz pavilions. Loteria (Mexican bingo), storytelling, language lessons, arts and crafts.

Food Pavilion
In the Whip Shelter. Huevos Mexicana, huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, all $3.50. Plus burrito pollo, mole poblano, chile verde, chiles rellenos, burrito polo, all $5.

Sports Pavilion
Tilt-o-Whirl area: soccer maze and batting cages.

Health Pavilion
In the Cuddle Up Shelter: Medical information and free health care screenings.

Business Pavilion
Outside Moonlite.

Education Pavilion
Shooting Star pavilion. Financial aid and college funding.