To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Mighty Gondolier Marching Band, Cheer Team, and Color Guard performed in an annual parade Saturday, April 30. 

The parade started at 10:00 A.M. near Lincoln Blvd and Rose Ave in Venice, and concluded at Oakwood Park at 11:00 A.M.

The festival included vintage cars, food trucks, horses, folklorico dancers, and an Aztec dance team. Free snacks and drinks were also provided by booths advertising their local businesses. 

Among those performing was senior Sabrina Fribourg, co-captain of the Color Guard team. This was her second time performing at the festival.

“A lot of people came to the parade and a lot of parents for the band and color guard,” she said. “It went all good because everyone was really proud of us. Strangers, family members, and Mr. Lee.”

The color guard team has been practicing with a personal coach, Kehlani Nakamura. On Mondays and Thursdays, the team would come for the JV and Varsity color guard to prepare for the parade. On Wednesdays, captains would take over the practices. 

Fribourg thinks being a co-captain can be stressful, but it’s still an enjoyable experience.

“Most people need a little more time learning, but it’s still fun because as a team, we’re all like a huge family and it’s very sweet,” she said. 

Music teacher David Lee has been directing the marching band for the parade since 2016. 

“It’s appreciated by the community to see their local community school participate,” he said.

Lee said he thinks the festival was a great way for students to get involved and celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

 “It’s one of the great things I love about being a band director and giving back to the community,” he said.