Celebrating 105 Years: South Omaha’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

This May, South Omaha hosted its 105th Cinco de Mayo Omaha parade, one of the longest-running Latino heritage festivals in the United States. From colorful parades to live music, street food, dancing horses, and family-friendly activities, the three-day event honored a century-old tradition that continues to be a source of pride, connection, and economic vitality for our community.

Hosted by Casa de La Cultura Omaha, this year’s festivities drew over 100,000 attendees to historic South 24th St. The weekend celebration included performances from local and regional artists, cultural exhibitions, a health fair, carnival rides, and the beloved parade that featured schools, businesses, nonprofits, and others proudly marching together.

The Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) is proud to support and uplift cultural events like Cinco de Mayo Omaha that serve not only as a celebration of identity but also as a powerful driver of economic opportunity. Latino-owned small businesses are the backbone of the South Omaha corridor, and festivals like this generate significant foot traffic and sales, create jobs, and invite community members to come experience what South 24th St. has to offer–including artisans, retailers, and restaurants.

CINCO DE MAYO OMAHA is more than a celebration of Mexico’s historic victory at Puebla, it is a celebration of resilience, unity, and innovation taking place in our community. As the LEDC continues our work through the Adelante Initiative and other programs, we remain committed to honoring our cultural roots while building an inclusive and thriving economy for all.

Whether you are a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the energy of Cinco de Mayo Omaha remains us of the strength found in tradition, and the bright future we are building juntos!