By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD — Once again, the Gila Valley showed what it does best: come together to celebrate heritage, good food, and neighborly spirit at its annual Cinco de Mayo parade and fiesta at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on Saturday.
The morning kicked off under clear blue skies with the familiar sights and sounds of the parade rolling down historic Main Street. Starting near the Graham County Courthouse, floats, low-rider bikes and cars, horses, and others made their way through Downtown before turning north toward the church. Families lined the sidewalks, waving flags and cheering as participants tossed candy to the children. You could feel the pride in the air — Mexican tricolor flags fluttering alongside American ones, a perfect snapshot of our Valley’s blended culture.
This isn’t some big-city production with corporate sponsors and barriers everywhere. It’s our version: homemade floats, local businesses showing off, church groups, scouts, and plenty of smiling faces from folks who’ve lived here all their lives or just arrived last year. That’s what makes Safford special.
After the last float cleared Main Street, the real party shifted just a short distance to the grounds of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 311 S. Central Ave. The surrounding area turned into a lively fiesta complete with live music, vendors, delicious food, and that unbeatable community atmosphere.
Attendees enjoyed everything from traditional Mexican dishes — think homemade tamales, tacos, and those green chile plates the church is famous for — to cold drinks and sweet treats for the kids.
The dedicated volunteers at St. Rose have turned this into one of the valley’s favorite spring traditions. It’s more than just a celebration of the 1862 Battle of Puebla — though you’d hear plenty of folks proudly sharing that history. It’s really about honoring Mexican-American roots that run deep in Graham County while inviting everyone, no matter their background, to join in the fun.
If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next May. You won’t find a better way to spend a spring Saturday in the Gila Valley. Big thanks to St. Rose of Lima, all the parade participants, vendors, and volunteers who make this event possible year after year.
Check out the Gila Herald’s Photo Album of the parade here.
Jon Johnson is the News Director for the Gila Herald. Reach him at jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com.
