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Two of the wonderful worlds of Detroit

The City of Detroit is home to a wonderful diversity of ethnic communities, each with their own cultural flavor and vibe. This post is dedicated to just two of them that were explored over the Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Hamtramck

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To walk the sidewalks of the enclave of Hamtramck while the Muslim call to prayer is airing from rooftops is quite captivating. Coalesced with the strong Polish heritage makes the city truly a unique experience.

Saturday evening included tasting sweet Dubai cakes being sold at a small street bazaar taking place beneath the statue of Pope John Paul II. The Pope had visited the city back in 1969. This event was followed by a delightful dinner of traditional Yemini food at Rema’s Yemeni Restaurant.

Statue of Pope John Paul II overlooking Pope Park in Hamtramck.

Mexicantown

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Meanwhile, Sunday brought us to Mexicantown, which over Cinco de Mayo weekend bursts with energy and a festive atmosphere that is palpable even to those whose lineage does not come from South of the Border. The 60th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade was filled with participants ranging from bands, to dancers, to kids, to politicians, to revved up cars and off-road vehicles. Everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the parade, despite the wet weather.

The parade was followed by a “muy delicioso” lunch at the jam-packed Taqueria Mi Pueblo Ristorante.

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One our way back from lunch to the car, we also enjoyed a sweet, creamy treat at Las Allegrias Helados.

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It’s this diverse melting pot that not only makes Detroit a great city, but our whole country that much stronger and better than it would otherwise be as monocultural nation. Peace!

#bazaars #CincoDeMayo #cities #Detroit #festivals #Hamtramck #immigrants #Islam #Mexicantown #Mexico #Michigan #parades #travel