Cinco De Mayo Lowrider Show: A Lifestyle
As early as 6 a.m., lowriders attempted to drive into Elysian Park in Los Angeles for the annual Cinco de Mayo Lowrider Festival. This event showcases lowriders and bicycles while people hear cultural live music and food. The celebration has taken place since the 1970s, down the street from the Dodger Stadium, to emphasize the proud expression of Chicano heritage. However, when they arrived at the park, they were stopped by police officials and told they were not permitted inside.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers said that the public was not allowed because they could not control traffic from both the Dodger game and the lowrider show. The day before, LA Times Car Club, the main organizer of this tradition, posted on their instagram, a screenshot of an email from the LAPD Northeast Division Community Police Advisory Board. The email stated, “As a reminder and as agreed upon, from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. tomorrow “Low-Rider and Car Show” Event may occur with relaxed parking enforcement.”
Even though the event was a set agreement from both the organizer and LAPD, the city did not hold to their end of the agreement. According to the LA Times Car Club, they claimed it was due to the lack of permits and would cause more traffic for the Dodger game that afternoon.
This led the lowriders and spectators to the I Lot at the Brookside Park across the street from the Rosebowl in Pasadena. Although there was a disruption to the festival, the group was determined to continue their tradition and succeeded. Viva la cultura!
