Nevada Hispanic Services Presents Nevada's Largest & MOST EXCITING Hispanic Celebration--The 2008 Cinco de Mayo - Reno/Sparks
Reno, NV - March 25, 2008. Nevada Hispanic Services (NHS) in association with the Tourism & Marketing Commission of Sparks, NV, and Pochteca Media announce the 7th Annual Cinco de Mayo-Reno/Sparks, held from May 2nd through May 4th, 2008. Over the years, the event has offered one of the most unique and comprehensive showcases of Latino culture in country, featuring world-class music artists, hot new acts, Charro (equestrian) shows, sporting events, a film showcase, beauty pageant, food festival, auto show, and a gala awards.
“The goal of Cinco de Mayo Reno/Sparks is to join the club of premiere outdoor events such as Hot August Nights and the best in the west Rib Cook-Off,” said Jesse Gutierrez, Executive Director of Nevada Hispanic Services. “This year's Cinco de Mayo will truly be the Biggest Little Cinco in West with the vision that it will become the Greatest in the U.S. in the future.”
Festivities commence with the Adelante Gala Awards & Dance on Friday, May 2nd, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Downtown Reno Ballroom (Center & 4th). The gala, which honors and recognizes Latino leaders and corporate supporters, is open to the public and tickets are $70 per person (gala and dance) or dance only $15-presale and $20 at the door.
The free festival is slated for Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday, May 4th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Victorian Square, in the heart of Downtown Sparks, and other headline activities are scheduled throughout Reno/Sparks. The 2008 line-up features entertainment from some of today’s biggest Latin stars, hot new artists and specialty acts.
Back by popular demand is international Cumbia sensation - La Internacional Sonora Show – performing at both the gala awards and festival. La Internacional Sonora Show rose to fame in 1993 as a spin-off group of La Sonora Dinamita – what many consider to be the greatest Cumbia band ever. Their 1993 album “Escandalo” reached the top of the charts throughout Latin America and the U.S., and cemented their position as the new ambassadors of Cumbia.
Headlining this year’s event is another South American superstar – Charlie Zaa. The Latin Grammy-nominated Colombian balladeer blends pop, salsa and other elements to create infectious pop anthems. Charlie Zaa performs one night only at the Oasis Nightclub (2100 Victorian Ave., Sparks, NV) on Saturday, May 3rd, 9 p.m. Tickets are $40 and are available at the nightclub. All ages are welcome.
Adding to the excitement is Lucha Libre – Mexican style wrestling – performing live at the festival on Saturday and Sunday. Colorful masks, rapid sequences of holds and moves, as well as spectacular high-flying moves, characterize Mexican wrestling. Lucha Libre is Mexico’s second most popular sport and the country has the largest number of professional wrestlers in the world.
The entertainment options don’t stop there. More musical sounds gathered on this spectacular festival include unique sounds of Pop/Mexican Regional artist Ulises Sanchez y Su Explosión Duranguense, Komando de la Sierra-whose Duranguense style dance has made them a fan favorite, Pop artist and actor Diegodiego, and so much more.
"The Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Sparks is a wonderful fun-filled occasion for the whole family. Residents throughout the Truckee Meadows look forward to the festivities annually,” said Geno Martini, Mayor of Sparks.
This year’s sponsors include The Tourism & Marketing Commission of Sparks, NV, Northern Nevada Toyota Dealers, John Ascuaga's Nugget, Coors, Charter Communications, Greater Nevada Credit Union, American Family Insurance, Univision 41, La Tricolor 102.1 FM, ESPN Deportes 1450 AM, Radio Lazer 107.7 FM, Ahora News, El Sol De Nevada, Tu Vision TV 46, Jack In The Box, Silver Club, Citibank, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Circus Circus, Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant, Wells Fargo, and Mega 1400 AM, among others.
"We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this great event and demonstrate our commitment to the growing Hispanic Community in Northern Nevada. We hope it will continue to get bigger and better each year,” said Ryan Dolan from the Northern Nevada Toyota Dealers our Main Sponsor Last Year.
For a full schedule of events, venue locations and ticket information, please log onto www.nhsreno.org or call (775) 826-1818. For media and sponsorship inquires contact Pochteca Media at (213) 745-7717.
