Cinco De Mayo dazzled downtown Emporia in an array of color, food, and culture throughout Saturday.
The celebration, held annually in downtown Emporia by Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow (HOTT), honors the contributions of the local Hispanic community.
Spectators lined up for authentic hispanic cuisine and browsed vendors sprinkled throughout the block. The Raíces Hispanas Grupo Folklórico danced during the day, and DJ Roman Ruiz, Madeline Rodriguez and Matthew Ramos, Alexis Martinez, and the Kappa Delta Chi Sorority entertained audiences.
“We are bringing the community together, bringing together our culture, showcasing what we are all about, and there is great food and great music,” Patricia Saenz-Reyes, HOTT Board Member, said. “You can’t go wrong with all that.”
This year, Cinco De Mayo featured a notable first, as Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow (HOTT) gave out a record-breaking number of scholarships to Hispanic Emporia High School seniors – 27 scholarships in total, worth $500 each.
Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College matched scholarships for incoming ESU and FHTC students. 20 students planned to attend ESU, 2 students set their sights for FHTC, and five students were committed to other universities across Kansas.
Saenz-Reyes said that the fundraising for scholarships was the culmination of a year-long effort.
“That’s always a moment of pride for us as Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow members, because that’s what we strive and work for so hard throughout the entire year, and today is that culmination where we present those scholarships to the recipients,” Saenz-Reyes said.
Each year, EHS students raise funds for the Cinco De Mayo scholarships, and the individuals who raised the most are crowned as Reina and Princesa of the day. Xochilthl Bastida was recognized as Reina, and Gracie Urrutia earned the title of Princesa. The funds raised from the two students will go towards next year’s scholarships.
“In addition to scholarships, HOTT really focuses on sharing heritage and culture,” Mike Torress, HOTT President, “It’s about Mexico, Salvador, Paraguay, Colombia, all of these Hispanic countries. We want to be able to share those experiences and stories, the music, the food, all of it.”
Sally Sanchez, former President of Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow (HOTT), reflected on Cinco De Mayo’s explosive growth since it was first hosted ten years ago.. She credited HOTT leadership and the festivities and culture for its success.
“It’s just the culture, people want to be part of the festivities and the celebration,” Sanchez said. “That’s really what’s made it grow.”
