Casa de la Cultura Honored with Prestigious 2023 Henry Fonda Award

We are beyond thrilled to share some incredible news—we’ve been honored with the prestigious 2023 Henry Fonda Award, Nebraska’s highest tourism recognition, presented by Director John Ricks and Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly for our ongoing efforts to drive tourism to Omaha through our Cinco de Mayo Festival.

This award recognizes the hard work we’ve put into creating an unforgettable experience for our community and the impact of bringing people together to celebrate culture, tradition and diversity.

Our annual Cinco de Mayo Omaha is a unique cultural celebration that takes over the historic 24th Street in South Omaha. As the city's largest event, this three-day festival attracts over 250,000 visitors from far and wide, showcasing the vibrancy of Latino culture and driving tourism to the region. Cinco de Mayo Omaha features a parade filled with community organizations, music entertainment, food vendors and small businesses.

One of the things we’re most proud of is the festival’s significant economic impact. By drawing attendees from six surrounding states, Cinco de Mayo pours $7.5 million back into the local economy. Latinos make up 65% of festival attendees, and the event highlights the unity and pride of our diverse community.

At Casa de la Cultura, we’re dedicated to building a vibrant and inclusive community. Our mission goes beyond hosting festivals; we empower future leaders and families to thrive. Each event we organize, including Cinco de Mayo and Fiestas Patrias, fosters a sense of belonging for all and celebrates the rich cultural diversity that makes our community so special.

“Receiving the Henry Fonda Award is a proud moment for us, but it also reminds us of the importance of our work—creating spaces where everyone can come together, share, and grow,” said Marcos Mora, CEO and executive director of Casa de la Cultura. “Our festivals are more than just celebrations of the past; they are a bridge to a future where diversity, unity and cultural pride are at the forefront.”

We invite you to join us for our next festival—whether it’s Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias, or one of our many cultural events throughout the year. Let’s keep building this incredible community together.

For more details on the impact of our festivals and upcoming events, visit our website: Casa de la Cultura