Houston Airports celebrated Cinco de Mayo with vibrant Mariachi music performances at both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) on May 5th.

Cinco de Mayo, which translates to "the fifth of May" in English, commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While not Mexico's Independence Day (September 16th), Cinco de Mayo has become a widely celebrated holiday in the United States, particularly in areas with large Hispanic populations.

"Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant celebration of Mexican heritage and culture," said Dawn Hoffman, Director of Terminal Management at Hobby Airport. "We’re excited to bring the festive spirit of the holiday to our passengers with lively mariachi performances throughout the day."

Mariachi music, known for its energetic rhythms and traditional costumes, is a central element of Mexican culture. Houston Airports regularly features live musical performances throughout the terminals, creating a welcoming and enriching experience for passengers. The special Cinco de Mayo performances were organized by Mary McKnight, Manager of Airport Initiatives and Special Events for Houston Airports in collaboration with Melanie Brown, who oversees Guest Experience for Houston Airports. 

"Live music adds a special touch to the travel experience," said McKnight. "It allows us to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Houston and create a memorable first impression for visitors arriving in our city."

Passengers traveling on May 5th delighted in beautiful melodies of Mariachi as they navigated the airport. Performances happened inside the Hobby Airport Ticketing Lobby and inside Bush Airport’s Terminals A and D. The festive atmosphere added to the celebratory spirit of Cinco de Mayo and reflects Houston's diverse cultural landscape.