High School students come from many different cultures. Although it can be difficult to understand each others’ backgrounds, attending ethnic events help expose someone to a friend’s customs.

Students have the opportunity to learn about and experience Mexican culture by attending St. Paul’s annual Cinco de Mayo festival, according to president and CEO of the festival, Rosanne Bump.

“Cinco de Mayo is an independence day. It is a chance to celebrate Mexican heritage, culture and history,” Bump said.

St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation will host the annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration on the west side in Saint Paul on May 3.

Attractions throughout the day include a family 5K run, a parade, live music, lowrider car show and a jalapeño eating contest.

Bump said the parade is a fun way to demonstrate cultural pride.

“It is fun to watch the colorful and authentic components of Mexican culture be displayed through their costumes, dances and music,” Bump said. “It also builds pride and spirit throughout the community.”

Sophomore Luis Valles’ family is of Hispanic heritage. He said he wants to visit the festival and watch the parade in the future.

“I would want to go to St. Paul’s Cinco de Mayo festival because it is a part of my culture. I think it would also be cool to be in the parade,” Valles said.

In addition to the parade, the family friendly Menudo 5K run or walk supports the National Latino Police Officers Association. All proceeds go toward scholarships helping Latino students study law enforcement at local colleges.

Additional activities include watching Mariachi groups roam throughout the festival and sampling authentic food.

This year, the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation highlights the jalapeño eating contest.

“We have added a significant amount of heat to the jalapenos, and we have bumped up the worth of the prizes. It is always entertaining to watch,” Bump said.

Roasted corn, various salsas, tacos and other options offer people tastes from Mexican cuisine. Sophomore Jack Breyak attended the festival before and said he enjoyed trying ethnic food.

“My favorite part of the festival was enjoying the authentic food. I liked participating in the salsa taste testing contest to see who made the best salsa there,” Breyak said. “I would encourage older kids to go for the great tasting food they offer.”

Not only does going to the festival help people gain understanding of Mexican lifestyle, it also benefits the Saint Paul’s west side community.

“Cinco de Mayo is not only a chance to celebrate Mexican heritage, culture, and history. It also helps us recognize, enhance and promote west side businesses and our community, which has many aspects of Mexican culture,” Bump said.