IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION for the 100TH celebration of Guadalupe Centers' Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22258, April 27, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, during the early 1900's, amid the hardships of the Mexican Revolution, many Mexican nationals began leaving their homeland in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families; and,
WHEREAS, founded in 1919, Guadalupe Centers' mission is to improve the lives of Latinos in the Kansas City region, and it remains the longest continuously operating organization serving Latinos in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, Guadalupe Centers created this neighborhood tradition in 1922, making it the original Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Kansas City; and,
WHEREAS, in 2026, the Guadalupe Centers will celebrate their 100th year of the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in the historic Westside Community of Kansas City, where it all began in 1926; and,
WHEREAS, the event celebrates not only Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla but also the strength and resilience of generations that have contributed to Kansas City's growth and diversity; and,
WHEREAS, the Fiesta offers a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage, enjoying flavorful, authentic food, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and the incredible talents of local vendors and artists; and,
WHEREAS, over the years, more than 10,000 people have attended the local fiesta, boosting tourism and energizing Kansas City's Westside Community; and,
WHEREAS, this Fiesta in Kansas City also serves as a fundraiser supporting education, health, and the development programs offered by Guadalupe Centers for the Latino community; and,
WHEREAS, the celebration honors the lives of the immigrants who came to Kansas City in the early 1900's and celebrates traditional Mexican history; and,
WHEREAS, many local Mexican-American families still attend the Fiesta, some will ...
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