Huge Crowd Jams Broadway Fiesta

Thousands of people filled the streets of downtown Los Angeles with a cacophony of music and movement Sunday for the 10th annual Fiesta Broadway, one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the country. Part carnival, part music festival and part marketing blitz, the free fiesta commemorates the 1862 victory of Mexican forces over French troops in Puebla, Mexico.

Organizers said this year’s 36-square-block event drew more than 500,000 people, one of the highest turnouts in recent years, and was dedicated to working Latino families. Police and fire officials did not have a crowd estimate by Sunday evening.

“This is an open house in the Mexican American community,” said Larry Gonzalez, president of All Access Entertainment, which produced the event. “This is about pride in being Latinos and sharing with the entire city the rich culture, music and food we have to offer.”

As fiesta-goers munched on pupusas and danced to banda and ranchera music at six stages, others waited in long lines for free samples of cereal, soap and hats.

“We’re out here to have a good time and eat some Mexican food,” said Javier Del Rio of Van Nuys, laughing as his son Francisco, 3, played with a purple balloon animal.

At an art workshop sponsored by the Getty Center, dozens of children sat at long tables and created picture frames with colorful paper and markers.

“It’s happy here and that’s why we come,” said Clara Ramirez, a hairdresser from Whittier, as her 8-year-old daughter carefully colored a picture for her frame. “It’s a tradition for us, and it’s nice because you can be with people speaking your language.”

Waving a large Mexican flag, Hugo Chavez and his friends made their way along Broadway as passersby yelled “Viva Mexico!”

“It’s good to be here and see the community together,” said the 20-year-old from South-Central Los Angeles. “We’re going to stay until they kick us out.”

At a stage on the corner of 4th and Spring streets, young women squealed as singer Marcos Llunas crooned and waved at the crowd.

“He’s cute and he sings good,” said Alma Ramirez, 11, giggling, as her mother snapped pictures.

Hundreds of people swayed and shook to the merengue music blasting from a stage at 9th Street and Olympic Boulevard.

“This is a big party!” yelled Claudia Malsovan, 27, as she and her friends danced to the beat. “It’s a real celebration.”