Abilene Celebrates 10 Years of Cinco de Mayo Parade Fun

Abilene is getting ready for an incredible celebration as the 10th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade returns to downtown Abilene. The parade began in 2015, thanks to Mexican national Ada Pantoja, who simply wanted to share her rich cultural heritage with the people of Abilene and surrounding West Texas communities.

Abilene will soon be alive with vibrant colors, music, and the rich traditions of Mexican-American culture as the city gears up for the 10th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade and Celebration in downtown Abilene, Texas. This year’s festivities are set for Monday, May 5, 2025, the parade lineup begins at 5:30 pm. The actual parade starts at 6 pm, and it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting celebrations ever.

Honoring Diversity in the Heart of West Texas

Cinco de Mayo is often misunderstood. While many believe it’s Mexico’s Independence Day, the holiday marks the Battle of Puebla, where the Mexican army achieved an unlikely victory over French forces in 1862. For many Mexican-Americans across Texas and the nation, Cinco de Mayo has become a day of pride, a celebration of resilience, culture, and heritage.

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Here in West Texas, where our communities are beautifully diverse, this annual event has become a cherished tradition.

Hear Directly From the Voices Behind the Parade

As part of this special coverage, I sat down with Brenda and Helen, two board members of the Abilene Hispanic Business Council. In our audio interview, they share their passion for the parade, the importance of Hispanic representation, and a sneak peek into this year’s float and the upcoming Business Mercado.

Listen to the full interview in the audio player below.

Read More: Texas Army Base Fort Hood is Renamed in Honor of Hispanic General

A First for Abilene's Hispanic Business Council

This year marks a significant milestone: for the first time, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Business Council will have its float in the parade. Not only will the float celebrate Mexican heritage and local entrepreneurship, but it will also feature the official unveiling of the date and theme for the upcoming Business Mercado, happening this October.

Food, Family, and Festivities Await

Parade-goers can expect food trucks, vendors, music, dancing, and much more along the parade route downtown. It’s a family-friendly event that invites the entire community to come together, celebrate unity, and support local Hispanic businesses and culture.

Make plans to attend, bring the family, and experience the energy and heart of Cinco de Mayo in Abilene, a proud West Texas tradition.