Log in Subscribe

This fiesta on Main never stops

by Derek Kirk
Posted 5/12/23

It was a fiesta on Main Street in the Town of Liberty on Saturday, May 6, in jubilation of Cinco de Mayo, which was just the day before.

The celebrations were jointly put on by the Fun Group @ …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

This fiesta on Main never stops

Posted

It was a fiesta on Main Street in the Town of Liberty on Saturday, May 6, in jubilation of Cinco de Mayo, which was just the day before.

The celebrations were jointly put on by the Fun Group @ Sullivan 180 and the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department, and its Director, James Guara. The festivities lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo, a date marking the 1862 victory of Mexican troops over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla, is annually celebrated in the United States and Liberty held true to that festive tradition.

With demonstrative dancing put on by a number of street performers, cultural and ethnic foods being served fresh, and a large crowd highlighted the admiration for the holiday and its history.

Those who helped put on the show and its many facets were all volunteers, according to the event’s co-organizer, Denise Patti.

Other organizers that assisted in putting on the event included Mariso Serapio and her brother, Joel, and James Guara. Members of the Fun Group at Sullivan 180 were also active participants throughout the day. The event was also supported by Liberty Police Chief Steven D’Agata and his staff of officers who maintained the smooth flow of traffic for the large crowd.

Patti recalled the “emotional high” of seeing the community in such a happy space, with an estimated 600 plus people weaving in and out throughout the day. 

“Knowing the community that adopted me, it doesn’t surprise me that they were able to pull together such a magnificent fiesta in such a short time,” Patti said.

The results of the celebration was “beyond our wildest expectations,” Patti said.

Director of Liberty’s Parks and Rec. Department, James Guara, noted that there are already plans in the works for future events that focus on Hispanic heritage, such as Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) and a currently nameless “Puerto Rican parade.”

Guara said that as Director, his ultimate goal is to enhance the participation of the Hispanic communities in the town, with increasing involvement in day-camps, summer and educational programs, and local sports.

“This is just the starting point,” Guara said.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here