Comision Honorifica Mexicana Americana, CHMA, has proudly named Rey Ponce as its 2026 Cinco de Mayo Grand Marshal.
Ponce has generously donated his talent as our Fiesta Dominguera del Cinco de Mayo event consultant and Master of Ceremonies since 1996. “Comisioin Honorifica Mexicana Americana honors Cinco de Mayo 2026 Grand Marshal Rey Ponce for his commitment and dedication to improve the lives of others in our community and for promoting our Mexican history and culture,” CHMA stated.
Ponce is the son of Sra. Salud Aguilar Gonzalez and Ariesteo Ponce Botello. His father passed away when Ponce was a child and due to his family’s critical situation (“we did not have food for ourselves,” he said) he dropped out of second grade in grammar school in Michoacan. Ponce learned his work ethic from his hard-working father. His own sense of patriotism led him to join the Mexican Military Forces. He served five yars in the 6/0 Batillion of the infantry 21 military zone. He became one of the Mexican Army’s top 10 sharpshooters.
Upon arriving in the United States Ponce began working as a farmworker. He then worked for Radio Campesina, KUFW. His 37 years of broadcast experience, talent and dedication to the Latino community promoted his career path on numerous radio stations, networks as as a host on Spanish Language Television. He worked in California, Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Washington and other markets.
The child who dropped out of second grade received his Communications degree from the University of Michoacan. He also attended Modesto College and Porterville College.
CHMA stated Comision Honorifica Mexicana Americana Cinco De Mayo 2026 Grand Marshal Rey Ponce’s vision is that of contributing to the community to help those reach their goals to have a better life in America. He plans on reaching as many youth and adults as he can by focusing on the use of Spanish Language broadcasting and television. “His contribution to CHMA’s primary goals of preserving and promoting our history, culture and traditions of our Mexican Heritage is constantly evident,” CHMA stated.
“Comision Honorifica Mexicana Americana congratulates our 2026 Cinco de Mayo Grand Marshal Rey Ponce for his achievements, his dedication and his passion for our history, art, culture and heritage.”
