Traditions on display at Elgin Cinco de Mayo fest

A Cinco de Mayo festival Sunday afternoon in downtown Elgin celebrated Mexican history and culture with live entertainment, food and family-friendly activities.

Hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, the event featured local musical acts, dance groups, vendors, artists and food trucks along Spring Street and DuPage Court. An opening ceremony included the Mexican national anthem and a brief historical presentation by retired federal Judge Manuel Barbosa of Elgin.

"I think it's great that our traditions and culture are being kept alive," he said. "It's a source of pride."

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican victory against the French in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. The Elgin festival offered pinata making, traditional "grito" (or "yell" in Spanish) contests, a jalapeno-eating contest and Cinco de Mayo trivia.

The event was co-hosted by Centro de Informacion, the Gail Borden Public Library and AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Elgin. Various other community organizations participated, including the Elgin Hispanic Network and Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Elgin.