Cinco de Mayo festival in Milwaukee returns after 2-year absence due to COVID

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After a two-year hiatus, a special Cinco de Mayo festival celebration returned to Milwaukee this weekend.

The 5th annual Cinco de Mayo family festival marks the 160th anniversary of Cinco de Mayo.

Families came out to listen to live music and watched several dancers performing. There was also carnival rides, food and a car show to enjoy.

But, this year, organizers dedicated the festival to the people of Ukraine, and collected funds for victims of the war.

People we spoke with say after not being able to have the event for the last two years, it meant a great deal to celebrate their heritage again.

"For one, I think this is a beautiful event, it's great for the Latino community to have our own kind of block party especially at something historic such as UMOS, which means a great deal to the community, said Marcelo Martinez.

Telemundo anchors Miguel Ramirez and Montse Ricossa emceed the opening ceremonies.