Cincy-Cinco 2007.

The fourth annual Cincy-Cinco is set for May 5 and 6 at the Plaza at Riverbend Music Center, in Anderson Township, Ohio.

Cincy-Cinco, the tri-state region’s premier Latino cultural fest, is a family-friendly weekend event that showcases Latino culture, values and traditions while promoting the interaction of the Latino community with the tri-state community at large.

The 2006 Cincy Cinco festival made history with the unveiling of the world’s largest piñata as certified by Guinness World Records. The piñata weighed two tons, stood four-stories tall and was designed in a traditional sun shape. Football Hall of Famer and Cincinnati favorite Anthony Muñoz broke the piñata.

“Cincy Cinco is a celebration across cultures and an opportunity for the Hispanic community to showcase its rich heritage. People of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to enjoy and learn about Latino music, dance and food,” said chairman Neil Comber Valdespino, who founded Cincy-Cinco in 2004 with co-chair Alfonso Cornejo. “The Hispanic community is growing and we feel it is important to hold an event where Latino cultures and traditions can be shared.”

Experts say that it’s likely that roughly 60,000 Hispanics live in the tri-state region, even though the “official” number is 30,200. Since 2000, there has been a 30% increase in the area Hispanic population – a trend unlikely to slow or fade. Nationally, Hispanics are the largest minority group, at more than 44 million, according to census data.

The weekend-long event is the largest Latino cultural celebration in the region and it’s expected to be bigger and better this year. In 2004, attendance was 5,000 people, and last year there were 13,000 in attendance. This year, festival organizers estimate there will be between 20,000 to 25,000 people with attendees traveling from Indianapolis, Columbus, Dayton and Kentucky.

This year’s 2007 Cincy Cinco will feature the re-creation of a typical “fiesta de pueblo’ or town fiesta on the Plaza at Riverbend.

During the day there will be many activities for the whole family. In the children’s area there will be Latino and American games and arts and crafts for kids of all ages. Children can create their own souvenir from Cincy-Cinco, like an “ojo de Dios” or a personally decorated piñata.

Music and Dance will delight guests on three stages with the best in regional and local Latino music. The RSVIP Club will mainly feature traditional dances in colorful costumes from countries like Peru, Colombia and Argentina. On the Zocalo (main square) there will be balladeers from Mexico and the Caribbean, dance demonstrations and lessons, and the famous Mexican Mariachi style of music. And on the Main Stage, there is more of the modern Latin music, featuring up and coming local latin talent Legend Vega, and salsa bands.

All day and night, attendees will be able to feast on authentic Latino cuisine from at least 5 countries provided by local restaurants. Also members of the community will be offering tasty “botanas” or appetizers to allow people to sample a wide variety of favorite Latin American treats.

As the day winds down, there will be a parade round the site where all in attendance are asked to wear traditional costumes and hats, and kids parade their newly made authentic crafts.

On Saturday night there will be the biggest “Cinco de Mayo” celebration in the Midwest. The RSVIP Club is transformed into the Cincy-Cinco Cantina with games like “futbolito” (foozball) and corn hole, as well as a latino DJ and karaoke. On the Main Stage there is dancing with two new regional salsa bands from Indiananoplis and Michigan. The evening ends with a special Rozzi fireworks display.

For more information at http://www.cincy-cinco.com