​The South Omaha Cinco de Mayo parade and celebration is one of the largest in the Midwest. The parade features floats, marching bands and other entertainers marching along the historic 24^th Street in South Omaha. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the France-Mexican War. The celebration honoring the history of South Omaha, Mexican heritage and culture began in the 1930s and has continued to be held annually since its start.

This year's celebration extended over five days. It began on Wednesday with a historic exhibit and moved into Thursday and Friday with a Miss Cinco de Mayo pageant as well as musical performances, then extended into Saturday with the annual parade, carnival and fiesta and finally concluded on Sunday with Mariachi Mass, performances and the carnival.

The Boys Town South Omaha office participates in the parade and sets up a booth every year to show their support within the community. About 80 adults and youth volunteered their time to help with various aspects of the Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 5, 2017. Volunteers helped set up floats, pass out promotional items and run the booth at the event.

Many youth from the Boys Town Family Home Program volunteered their Saturday to pass out informational pamphlets, balloons and candy during the parade down 24^th Street. Youth also assisted with the booth by giving away donated toys, stuffed animals and books, passed out additional informational pamphlets and encouraged children of all ages to participate in the bean bag toss game while cheering on all those who participated.

"Boys Town's participation in Cinco de Mayo reflects not only our partnerships within the South Omaha community, but also an opportunity to share Father Flanagan's mission with our families, friends and the community." Chris Miller Director of South Omaha Operations said. "I'm thankful for all of the organizational support from Boys Town's families and volunteers to help make this event so successful."