This past Cinco de Mayo, Wheeler Events brought life, culture, and community together in Pilot Point. The event was full of energy, families gathered, music filled the air, and the spirit of Hispanic heritage shone bright. It was a celebration not only of Mexican tradition but also of the American ideals of freedom, community, and unity that we all hold dear.

Yet behind the joy of this event lies a reality we can’t ignore. The Pilot Point City Council has made it increasingly difficult, nearly impossible, for us to host Hispanic heritage events in the town square. Since the very founding of our Cinco de Mayo Committee, created by Hispanic-owned and veteran-owned businesses, the city has put more and more burdens on our backs.

We have tried to make every concession possible. At the city’s request, we even moved Cinco de Mayo to the week after May 5, doing everything we could to “make it work.” But the truth became clear, everyone who attended asked the same question, why isn’t this happening on Cinco de Mayo itself? They were right. We don’t celebrate the Fourth of July on July 10, and we don’t celebrate Christmas in January. So why should Cinco de Mayo be treated any differently?

The Council recently voted 6,1 against supporting future Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the square. The reasoning? One councilman argued that celebrating Cinco de Mayo would keep people from voting on Election Day. Another objected to the idea of drinking on the same day as an election. While we respect differing opinions, these excuses miss the bigger picture. This event has never been about politics, it’s about people, culture, and pride.

For the Hispanic majority in Pilot Point, Cinco de Mayo is more than a festival. It’s a chance to celebrate cultural roots while embracing what makes America exceptional, a place where traditions from around the world can coexist in freedom. Denying space for such celebrations is not just a denial of an event, but a dismissal of the very people who call Pilot Point home.

But let us be clear, this will not stop us. Wheeler Events has always been about bringing communities together, and we refuse to let one setback silence the voices, music, and traditions of our people. While Cinco de Mayo may no longer be a priority for Pilot Point leadership, it remains a priority for us.

We are already working on future events, new opportunities to celebrate culture, unity, and community spirit. And we hope that in the future, the City Council will recognize the importance of inclusivity, rather than creating barriers.

Cinco de Mayo was a success because of the people, not because of permission. And as long as our community continues to stand proud, our traditions will not be silenced.