Find out where you can find the Cinco de Mayo Folk Art Fest

Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration that commemorates Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire in 1862. In Albuquerque, the holiday is a time to gather and appreciate friends, family and community.

Farm and Table and La Parada are hosting a free, family-friendly Cinco de Mayo Folk Art Fest, on Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

La Parada and Farm and Table are owned by the Montoya family, who knew they wanted to use the 12 acres of space they had to bring the community together and celebrate the best of New Mexico.

“Since the inception of the store, we wanted to have community events to bring the neighborhood together and to have free family events,” said Antonia Montoya, co-owner of La Parada. “This is a great opportunity to enjoy local artists and artisans.”

The day will kick off with an artisan market, where more than 45 local vendors will sell handmade items, including earrings from vendors like Two Stoned Betties; ceramic mugs and plates from Rosalie Huang; handmade jewelry and turquoise work and more. With Mother’s Day around the corner, Montoya said the festival is a great time to pick up a handmade item to gift.

Though vendors are on-site, Montoya wants people to know that they don’t need a dollar to enjoy a good time.

“I think it’s important to be inclusive and at La Parada, you don’t need to have any money,” she said. “Whenever we talk about having a community event, we really want the neighbors and people from all over the city to come and just enjoy an event that’s accessible.”

From 10 a.m. to noon, guests can enjoy a free piñata decorating workshop, which is open to all ages. The workshop will be taught in both English and Spanish. Children can visit the kids’ craft table, which will be filled with art supplies.

There will be a pet parade at 3 p.m. and guests are welcome to bring their furry friends on a leash to walk the parade route. All pets are welcome, and Montoya has seen pets dressed to the nines and cats in carriers in previous years. The pet parade will be led by Albuquerque High School’s mariachi band, San José.

Montoya said that she hopes the event continues to give people a safe place to enjoy the company of neighbors and friends alike.

“When we opened the store, a funny thing happened where neighbors were just coming up and hanging outside on the benches and that, in my opinion, is what kind of started it all,” Montoya said. “We realized we should start doing that intentionally and made an event to bring people together.”

Farm and Table, La Parada to host Cinco de Mayo Folk Art Fest