MEDIA ADVISORY 

The San José Police Department (SJPD) is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all during the upcoming Cinco de Mayo weekend. Each year, San José attracts large crowds to enjoy the vibrant celebrations, and the city is expecting similar participation in 2025. In collaboration with community organizations, local leaders, and residents, the city will have several sanctioned events throughout San José.

SJPD invites the public to safely and responsibly attend the following events:

1. Cinco de Mayo Car Show
When: May 3rd, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: W. Santa Clara Street between Stockton Avenue and Highway 87.

2. East San José Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival
When: May 4th, 2025 | Parade: 9:00 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Festival: 11 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Emma Prusch Park: 647 South King Road, San José

3. Downtown Cinco de Mayo Festival
When: May 4th, 2024 | Festival: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez: 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San José

“Cinco de Mayo in San José is a celebration of culture, family, and community,” said SJPD Chief of Police Paul Joseph. “The San José Police Department is committed to making sure everyone can enjoy it safely by providing a strong presence throughout the weekend and addressing any disruptive behavior that threatens public safety.”

“As we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, I’m grateful for the strength and cultural vibrancy our Mexican-American community brings to San Jose — and for the peace of mind our police provide so we can all enjoy the weekend safely,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan.

“I am so proud to celebrate the cultural vibrancy that the Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival brings to San José. Thank you to the San José Police Department and its officers who are committed to making this festive event a safe and memorable experience for all,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire.

“We’re grateful for our continued partnership with the San Jose Police Department and their strong support of our annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Emma Prusch Park,” said San Jose Councilmember Peter Ortiz. “Thanks to this collaboration, we’re able to host a safe, family-friendly, and alcohol-and drug-free event that welcomes community members from across the state. This celebration is a meaningful opportunity to honor cultural heritage, bring people together, and strengthen community bonds.”

“This weekend is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity that makes our city great,” said San Jose Councilmember Domingo Candelas. “I encourage everyone to take part in family-friendly and city-sanctioned events happening throughout our community. Let’s honor this tradition with joy, respect, and responsibility—by celebrating safely and looking out for one another. Thank you to SJPD for keeping our community safe and ensuring that this Cinco de Mayo is a memorable and safe occasion for all.”

SJPD is excited to support and be a part of the cultural celebrations in San José. Our department looks forward to working alongside the community to foster a safe, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the festivities.

A Safe and Enjoyable Celebration for All
To ensure a smooth and secure experience for residents and visitors, SJPD will be deploying additional personnel and resources throughout the weekend to address any public safety concerns. This includes managing temporary road diversions to ensure safe passage for pedestrians and traffic flow. As always, the Department will enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy for criminal activity.

For those attending, please be aware of potential traffic disruptions. SJPD will post regular updates on social media, including details on road closures and diversions in real time . We encourage everyone to review the SJPD Cinco de Mayo Traffic Map in advance to plan your routes.

In recent years, there has been an increase in illegal sideshows during the festivities. To combat this, SJPD will be dedicating additional resources to monitoring and responding to such activities. Spectators of sideshows could face citations or arrests, with fines up to $1,000. Drivers participating in sideshows should be aware that fines range from $3,000 to $4,000, along with a 30-day vehicle impoundment. It’s simply not worth it.

We are looking forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo with you, and we thank you in advance for your cooperation in making this a fun and safe event for everyone.