Hundreds of people celebrated Cinco de Mayo at Downtown Park in Redmond on May 5.

The city’s first Cinco de Mayo festival included live music, dancing, food, art, vendor booths and more.

For some, celebrating Cinco de Mayo was all about the street tacos, grilled Mexican corn, horchata and all manner of flavors worth waiting for in the long lines. For others, it was the traditional music — including mariachi, norteñas and kumbia — that got them up on their feet.

Jose Basurto, a longtime Redmond resident said this first festival was a great idea.

“It’s especially great for all the Latinx people that live here in Redmond,” he said.

The term “Latinx” is the gender-neutral term encompassing Latin males, females and non-binary people.

Hosted by the Centro Cultural Mexicano (Mexican Cultural Center), director Carlos Jimenez previously told the Reporter he firmly believes this festival is a second accomplishment of theirs. The festival shares the Mexican culture with the community and that aligns with the organization’s vision, which is to build community through culture and the arts in King County.

For Redmond resident Elizabeth Lee, coming to the celebration at the Downtown Park felt good.

“This is actually good,” Lee said as she waited in line for Mexican grilled corn. “We are paying tax money for this facility and these types of events show residents that [the city] is using our money.”

Also seen at the first Cinco de Mayo festival was Mayor John Marchione, councilmembers Angela Birney, Steve Fields, Hank Myers and more.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican battle of 1862, when Mexican troops defeated French forces in Puebla, Mexico.

Stephanie Quiroz/staff photos Attendees heard live music including mariachi, kumbia, norteñas, salsa, and more at the first Cinco de Mayo festival on May 5.

From left: Redmond residents Susana Ramirez, Sergio Ramirez, and Isabel and Jose Basurto eating the traditional Mexican foods at the Cinco de Mayo festival at the Downtown Park on May 5.

Elizabeth Lee from Redmond eating Mexican grilled corn at the Cinco de May festival at the Downtown Park on May 5. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Attendees enjoyed a day of food and dancing at the first Cinco de Mayo festival at the Downtown Park on May 5. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo An attendee visits a booth at the Cinco de Mayo festival at the Downtown Park on May 5.

Various booths included traditional Mexican clothes, jewelry, art, and more. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Attendees dance to salsa music at the Cinco de Mayo festival at the Downtown Park on May 5. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Tamales, tacos, street corn, Mexican drinks, and more were offered at the Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 5. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo