The Houston-area Cinco de Mayo Parade has been canceled for 2026, with organizers citing concerns about community safety and the potential impact of increased ICE enforcement activity.
LULAC District VIII announced the decision, saying the parade committee voted to cancel this year’s event after discussions with district leadership. The cancellation applies only to 2026, and organizers say they plan to bring the parade back next year.
In a statement, LULAC leaders said protecting families — especially children — outweighed the importance of holding the annual celebration.
“The safety of our children and their parents remains our highest priority,” the organization said. “We are not willing to put any child, family member, volunteer, or participant at risk for a parade — no matter how meaningful or celebrated the tradition may be.”
Cinco de Mayo events traditionally draw large crowds and feature school groups, families, and community organizations. LULAC said concerns over how immigration enforcement activity could affect attendees led to the decision to cancel out of an “abundance of caution.”
Organizers acknowledged the disappointment the cancellation may cause for participants, sponsors, and schools that have supported the parade for years.
“We share that disappointment,” the statement said. “However, leadership requires making difficult decisions when circumstances demand it.”
LULAC District VIII said it remains committed to bringing the parade back in 2027, when conditions allow the community to gather “freely, safely, and without fear.”