A quarter-century tradition returns Sunday, May 3, as the Estes Park community gathers for its annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta, a free event that blends food, culture, and connection.
The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Estes Park Events Complex, where organizers expect to serve more than 500 people during a complimentary Mexican dinner offered through 7 p.m. The evening includes folk dancing, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Now in its 25th year, the event has grown from a small community effort begun by Olga Ortega de Rojas and her husband Enrique, owners of Mountain Home Café, into a staple of the local calendar, supported by a network of volunteers, performers, and longtime organizers.
According to Ortega de Rojas, planning for the celebration is a year-round undertaking, involving coordination, outreach, and logistics that begin almost as soon as each year’s event concludes.
Central to that effort is the challenge of feeding hundreds of attendees within a limited time window. Menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and service logistics are carefully orchestrated to ensure the meal is prepared and distributed efficiently, reflecting decades of experience behind the scenes.
The event also relies heavily on volunteer support, from greeting guests and serving food to organizing activities for children. Community partners and supporters contribute time and resources, helping sustain the celebration’s longevity.
Entertainment will include performances by local student musicians and regional mariachi groups, along with returning folk dancers. Hands-on activities, including children’s crafts, add to the festival atmosphere in the decorated event space.
The celebration has always been about more than marking a date on the calendar. While Cinco de Mayo commemorates a historical moment, the Estes Park gathering focuses on bringing people together across cultures through shared experiences — a meal, conversation, and a sense of belonging.
That emphasis on community has remained constant even as the event has expanded. Decorations, music, and food highlight Mexican heritage, while the open invitation underscores a broader goal of inclusion and connection.
As the milestone anniversary approaches, Ortega de Rojas and her team are putting the final touches on preparations and encouraging the community to attend. The event remains free and open to all, continuing a tradition that has become as much about Estes Park itself as it is about the holiday it celebrates.
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