Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Corona, CA. By Kamesha Keesee Last year was difficult! Imagine celebrating one of the big moments in the Hispanic community in Corona locked inside houses? People were just tired of the masks and the restrictions and wanted to just go out and celebrate and in case you are starting to wonder, I am talking about Cinco De Mayo.
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his year however, many people I have met of the Hispanic descent say they cant wait. And therefore, let’s join in the celebration. This month, I want to show you where you can get the ultimate fun and spirit of the Cinco De Mayo Celebrations in Corona, CA. But first, it is essential to understand that the first celebration of Cinco De Mayo in Corona, CA dates back to early as 1924, when Ms. Teresa Lemus was the community’s first Cinco De Mayo Queen. Teresa moved to Corona from Phoenix and with the money raised with the help of the community, she was able to hold a parade, fiesta and a street dance. During this time, the parade circled the Grand
Boulevard Circle after which a fiesta followed on a small park now known as Sheridan Park/ Montoya Walk. The celebration concluded with a street dance on Fourth Street between Sheridan and Merrill Street. Cinco de Mayo in Corona, Ca, was not an annual event, but that would change in 1972 when the community leader met and agreed to hold an annual celebration galvanizing the idea of raising money to award scholarships to students graduating from the Corona Senior High. Thi at the time was the only high school. The result was a Queen Contest where young women from the barrio were invited to participate. The contestants were asked to sell raffle tickets, and the one who raised the most money would be crowned the MAY 2022 | 71
