Saturday, May 4th, 11AM to sunset 7-8PM
Kicks Off at Cypress Avenue and Pepper and Ends at Rios de Los Angeles State Park Cypress Park, CA
Los Angeles, CA — The CBS/KCAL9 HOLA! LA hosts Bel Hernandez Castillo, CEO & President/Publisher of Latin Heat, a print and online magazine; actress/comedienne Dyana Ortelli (Curb Your Enthusiasm); actress/green gal Kikey Castillo, and Emmy winning journalist Naibe Reynoso-Hodsden have been selected as Grand Marshals of the Cinco de Mayo Cypress Park Parade in Cypress Park, CA, a popular community located northeast of Los Angeles.
HOLA! LA is the new local talk show co-hosted by four dynamic Latina professionals (and, yes, they all speak English!) who have a fresh new twist on universal topics. HOLA! LA is a show with one soul, one heart with four distinct voices. The co-hosts sharing in Grand Marshal duties are:
Those who know Ortelli know she is a fasionista with her own sense of style and we are all anxious to see what she’ll be wearing to celebrate this Mexican-American holiday!
Although Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico, in the U.S., it is a predominantly Mexican-American popular holiday event. With Latinos making up 40% of Los Angeles population, Cindo de Mayo is celebrated with a happy fervor. There are big parades and festivities like Fiesta Broadway and Olvera Street. And, then there are the various communities who celebrate and honor its residents with their own parades and weekend celebrations like the one the HOLA! LA will participate in.
Cypress Park Parade has a 22-year old tradition where each year Latino celebrities serve as Grand Marshals? Cypress Park is mostly 82.1% Latino, working class demographic. It is not a high-income community. To sponsor youth programs, community events like the parade and even providing uniforms for their kids sports program is a challenge during these economic strapped times.
“We’re honored to be invited to be part of this parade,” said Bel Hernandez, Executive Producer and Host of HOLA! LA. “Our show is about community and Cypress Park has worked very hard to provide the youth here with every opportunity available in the arts and sports areas.”
Rafael Lopez, the parade’s celebrity liaison said that this year’s parade will feature dancers from Danza Azteca and Ballet de Folklorico of the Cypress Park Recreation Center. In addition, the Solo Riders will show off their customized classic low-rider cars along with a amazing Harley Davidson motorcyles. There will be the traditional high school bands, drill teams, Mexican music, food vendors all with a carnival-esque feel.
Elaine Belen, the parade chairperson, said that they take great pride in being an alcohol-free, family-friendly event. The parade ends at Rios de Los Angeles State Park, where the fiesta continues with many performers, singing, dancing, local bands playing. Comedians Mario Ramirez (a celebrity/Cantinflas impersonator) and Jackie Torres will provide the humor relief. MC is Jerry Velasco.
Other Latino talent in attendance include Mike Gomez, Marabina Jaimes, Alberto Manquero, David Fernandez Jr. among many local politicians and others who show up to surprise the crowds. There will be food booths selling agua frescas, tacos, tostadas… if it’s Mexican, it’s probably here.
For six years, Ed Reyes, L.A. City Councilman has partnered with Cypress Park Neighborhood Council in helping with some of the city logistics and permits to host the parade. With a new council person being elected soon, the community is hoping the new rep will be as helpful as Reyes has been throughout his term.
Angelenos, if you feel like taking the family out for a fun day and get a chance to meet the hosts from HOLA! LA, consider the Cinco de Mayo Cypress Park Parade… this is one great way to give back to the community!
Comments