Mexican traditions were celebrated in the heart of the nation’s capital with live music, dance, cultural food tasting, art exhibition and folkloric art marking Cinco de Mayo. “I have been here for 20 years and I feel my country has so much culture and beauty that I want to share with the people” said Rocio Gil, a dancer at the festival. “Every time that I dance, it feels that I am over there [in Mexico] and I feel that all my Mexican people are with me.” Full of vibrant decorations, colour and culture, there was a lively atmosphere and plenty of fun things for the whole family. Long lines were seen with many hoping to try tacos and Mexican food from local vendors. “I actually really like it because we see the different colors also in the dresses, in the dancing and all that and even the food. It’s totally different from what we’re used to in our own culture here in Canada,” said Natasha Girard, who was attending with her family. “We have looked at the dancing and it’s really impressive. The different groups of ages who do the dancing, how they move and how they’re synchronized.” Girard recommends the experience to everyone. The International Youth Folkloric Ballet of the City of Puebla performed for the first time in Canada. There was also a photographic exhibition featuring art from the State of Puebla, the birthplace of Cinco de Mayo. “It’s about, multiculturalism. We are very proud to be sharing our heritage with everyone,” said Fabiola Yzeta-Vincent, executive director of Yezta meeting and event management. “It’s really beautiful that Ottawa is here, gathered together with so many people from different cultures celebrating Mexican heritage and culture,” added Sarah McArdle, Viva Mexico Ottawa dancer. The event ran all afternoon until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
