OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) — Thousands filled Historic Capitol Hill on Saturday, coming together once again to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with music, culture, and community pride.
Color, music, and tradition filled the streets as Oklahoma City celebrated the 20th anniversary of its largest Hispanic cultural festival, complete with a lively parade, local musicians, cultural dances, an artist alley, family activities, a marketplace, and more.
For the first time, the festival spilled over into the newly opened Plaza Calle Dos Cinco, where visitors gathered to watch performances, connect with vendors, and enjoy the space together.
The event has seen significant attendance this year, with food trucks selling out and multiple stages packed with people.
Leading the day-long celebration was a vibrant parade of 179 participants, ranging from local school districts, local businesses, and non-profit organizations, all marching under this year’s theme, “our communities, together we rise,” a tribute to Oklahoma City’s rich diversity.
Several floats carried messages of unity, decorated with words of solidarity and the flags of Latin America.
Attending for the first time, Nicole Ayala Moore said the parade left her with a deep feeling of community in Oklahoma City.
“I think it’s super important that everyone experience this side of the culture, because this is part of Oklahoma City – this is part of the culture,” Moore said. “I think this is a huge showcase of the diversity of cultures within the Hispanic community.”
Gloria Torres, Executive Director of Historic Capitol Hill, Calle Dos Cinco business association, discussed the extensive volunteer efforts and various communities involved in organizing a festival of this size and scope each year.
“Just about every area that you see, all of those are volunteer communities,” Torres said. “So it’s just about trying to be a really good reflection of what the community’s pulse is, as far as what we want to see and how we want to celebrate at fiesta.”
Torres emphasized the importance of the parade showcasing the positive contributions of Latinos and building the self-esteem of youth by celebrating their heritage and giving them a chance to connect with the broader community.
“The parade is probably one of the pieces that hits my heart the biggest because that is when our kids, our youth, get to showcase who they are and by showcasing it by being celebrated…” Torres said. “I think the parade really gives our kids a platform to show how proud they are of who they are, and the opportunity for the community to celebrate them.”
Businesses and corporations also benefit from the parade, with sponsors actively participating and supporting the event.
Crystal Garcia, Community Affairs Manager for OG&E, discussed OG&E’s partnership with Fiesta de las Americas since its inception. OG&E led a dual float with the Latino Community Development Agency. The theme of the float, “Building Brighter Futures Together,” showcased the partnership between OG&E and LCDA, highlighting community support and diversity.
“It allows us [OG&E] to be connected with the community we serve,” Garcia said. “For the community to be able to see OG&E in an event that is personal to them, because it highlights the culture and tradition of the Latino community – that’s what we want, we want people to think of us as a community partner, not just a utility company.”
As the day progressed into the evening, local dance groups and musicians took the main stage, culminating in an evening of folkloric dances and energetic performances.
Brianna Garcia is a freelance journalist covering local politics and culture for Free Press. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma.
