Two Tucson city council offices are teaming up to host a free block party for families this Saturday, and they're expecting a bigger crowd than last year's 500 attendees.

Ward 1 Councilmember Lane Santa Cruz and Ward 5 Councilmember Selina Barajas are hosting the free Día de la Niñez celebration April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mission Manor Park, 6100 S. 12th Ave.

Families from across Tucson are invited to join.

For years, Ward 1 has hosted an annual Día de la Niñez event to celebrate the Mexican holiday El Día del Niño, or Children's Day, a tradition honoring children's importance in society.

El Día del Niño has been celebrated in Mexico for more than a century. The holiday was established by President Álvaro Obregón and Education Minister José Vasconcelos following the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child, with the goal of prioritizing children's well-being in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution. It is traditionally observed in small ways, with schools marking the day with treats and modest community gatherings.

Ward 1's adaptation of the holiday aims to expand that tradition into a larger community celebration.

"Día de la Niñez is especially meaningful to our team because it centers families and recognizes children as the future of our community," said Ward 1 Community Engagement and Small Business Coordinator Giselle Taylor. "The celebration is designed to create a welcoming, free space where families can gather, connect, and simply enjoy time together."

Guests can expect free food and the option to purchase items from food trucks including Guero Canelo, Frozen Delights and Viri Viri Bomb Bomb, live performances, toy giveaways and a fire department wet down at noon to provide a break from the springtime heat.

This event also represents a larger collaboration happening behind the scenes.

"This year is particularly special, as we are partnering with Ward 5 Councilmember Selina Barajas' office for the first time," Taylor said. "This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting families across Tucson and highlights the importance of cross-ward partnership in investing in youth and community well-being."

The event will also bring attention to Mission Manor Park and the surrounding neighborhood.

"More than 500 community members attended, and we anticipate even greater participation this year," Taylor said. "Everything offered at the event is completely free and made possible through community support and sponsorships."

Growing attendance reflects the elected officials' broader goal: making the celebration of children's contributions to the Tucson community a year-round value, not just a once-a-year event.

The event has also attracted support from local businesses eager to be part of the celebration, including Cox Communications, the Sunnyside Foundation, SuVida Healthcare, the Tucson City Manager's Office and RECYCO, as well as in-kind donations from Carnitas La Yoca, Rollies Mexican Patio, Dolce Pastelo, American Eat Co. and La Estrella Bakery.

Toy donations are also being accepted before the event at the Ward 5 office at 4300 S. Park Ave. Community members can email elma.alvarez@tucsonaz.gov for more information. The Tucson Police Department has also donated to the event.

"Día de la Niñez is about honoring childhood, celebrating innocence and joy, and creating a meaningful day for families all powered by the community coming together," Taylor said.

For more information about the event or to get involved, contact giselle.taylor@tucsonaz.gov.

Macy Hernandez is a journalism and business administration major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at macyhernandez@arizona.edu.

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