The Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival was founded in 2006 and takes place annually on or near May 5th, a Mexican holiday which is widely celebrated throughout the United States in order to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture. The event provides an opportunity for Charleston residents to experience Hispanic food, dance, and music. The mission of the Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival is to encourage togetherness between diverse communities in the Charleston area and to promote awareness of the Ryan White HIV Care Program at Roper St. Francis Healthcare.

The 2009 Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival will take place on Friday, May 1st in downtown Charleston at the Visitor Center Bus Terminal from 7:00pm -11:00pm.