Downtown Houston Prepares for Celebratory Cinco de Mayo Parade

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The vibrant spirit of the Hispanic community will light up downtown Houston this weekend as the 2025 Cinco de Mayo Parade takes center stage. The event is set to start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, and will last until noon, featuring colorful floats, live performances, and a display of cultural pride.

Mary Ramos, the long-time organizer of the parade, emphasized its significance. “For us, Cinco de Mayo is very precious, and it should definitely be appreciated not just by Latinos, but by everyone,” she told ABC13. “Everyone in the community is welcome.” The celebration annually commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, rather than Mexico‘s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16.

This year’s festivities are expected to attract a large crowd as the parade has seen substantial growth, parallel to the increasing Hispanic population in the area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Houston metropolitan area is home to one of the nation’s largest Hispanic communities, with Hispanic individuals making up 40.2% of Texas’ overall population.

Ramos added, “For a few years, there were just 12 of us that did the entire parade. Now we get dozens and dozens of volunteers from all over.” This reflects a broader trend of increasing engagement within the community, particularly in entrepreneurship—42% of businesses in Houston are Hispanic-owned.

ABC13 will stream the parade live, showcasing the festivities to those unable to attend in person. The event is not only a celebration of heritage but also a testament to the unity and vibrancy of Houston’s diverse community.