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.

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