Festivals & Holidays

Some Hispanic festivals celebrated in Portland have roots that go as far back as the Aztecs. Others originated more recently, commemorating significant dates in the history of the Mexican Republic. Fiesta Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) celebrates the victory of a small band of Mexican patriots over the occupational forces of Napoleon III of France on May 5, 1862. It’s a four-day festival that brings together Portland’s entire community. Held since 1985 at Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the fiesta features traditional music, dance, food, crafts and sports. This is the major annual event of the Portland-Guadalajara Sister City Association (503.222.9807; www.cincodemayo.org), with guest performers from Guadalajara.

Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), November 2nd, derives from ancient Aztec festivities honoring children and the dead. It’s a festive, not morbid, occasion, a time to acknowledge the cycle of life by visiting graves of relatives, honoring their memory and exchanging gifts that have skull or skeleton motifs. If you find a plastic toy skeleton when you bite into a piece of pan de muerto (bread of the dead), you’ll have good luck.

Religious celebrations are a big part of Roman Catholic life, including Las Posadas (The Inns). Beginning December 16th, this celebration lasts nine evenings, recreating the journey from inn to inn of Joseph and Mary. Each evening of singing ends with a meal of tamales and atole, a warm drink.

The many peoples from around the world who make up the population of Gresham are honored at the Celebration of Cultures, held on the second Saturday in August at Vance Park, 1400 S.E. 182nd Ave., Gresham (503-618-2521).

Festival Latino is held on the afternoon of the second Saturday in September at Cathedral Park under the St. Johns Bridge. There is music, dancing, arts and crafts, culture and food (503-823-2223).

Check local listings for special events during National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15–Oct. 15. Some Multnomah County libraries also plan April events to celebrate "Dia de los Ninos y Dia de los Libros" (www.multcolib.org/libros/dia).