On May 5, Cinco de Mayo, the Fermilab Hispanic/Latino Forum hosted a celebratory event at Kuhn Barn to help build community, enrich life at the laboratory, raise awareness of Mexican heritage and bring attention to the lab’s diverse employee population and surrounding community. Nearly 200 people turned out for the festivities.
Students from West Chicago Middle School performed for Fermilab employees and users. Prior to the performance, Hispanic/Latino Forum members gave the students, parents and teachers a tour of Wilson Hall. For most, the visit to the lab was their first, and by acquainting our neighbors with the lab’s mission, the forum focused the event not only on diversity, but also science outreach.
The Fermilab African-American/Black Association, Diversity and Inclusion Office, Fermilab Playgroup and Women’s Initiative made the celebration possible.

Cinco de Mayo 2017 at Fermilab
Aria Soha talks about the laboratory's experiments and particle beamlines using the site model. Photo: Cara Brown

Cinco de Mayo 2017 at Fermilab
Ryan Rivera discusses the Dark Energy Camera using the 15th-floor model. Photo: Cara Brown

Cinco de Mayo 2017 at Fermilab
West Chicago Middle School students tour the 15th floor of Wilson Hall. Photo: Cara Brown

Cinco de Mayo 2017 at Fermilab
Young celebrants smile near an intact piñata. Photo: Jessica Jensen

Cinco de Mayo 2017 at Fermilab
El Mariachi, West Chicago Middle school students, perform for the guests. Photo: Jose de la O

Cinco de Mayo 2017 at Fermilab
The West Chicago Middle School students of Ballet Folklorico kick up the festive atmosphere with color and movement. Photo: Jose de la O

Cinco de Mayo 2017 at Fermilab
Wow! That's one stubborn piñata. Photo: Jessica Jensen

Cinco de Mayo 2017 at Fermilab
Out with the candy, already! Photo: Jose de la O

Cinco de Mayo 2017 at Fermilab
The candy is so close, I can taste it. Photo: Jose de la O