![At the May Day Parade in Minneapolis held on Bloomington Ave South, artist Matt Carlyle danced to the drums and spouting flames aboard the Art Shanty.] rtsong-taatarii@startribune.com, Matt Carlyle(vq) ORG XMIT: MIN2014042917082369](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5JQOILGW63KEUS4A6LOXXEUBEY.jpg?&w=1080)
Festival season roars in this weekend with three biggies. Here's how to decide which one is right for you.
If you want to watch Ukrainians dance
The Festival of Nations gathers cultural demonstrations, performances, exhibits and foods from more than 80 ethnic groups under one massive roof. A project called Green Card Voices will record oral histories of immigrants. Pre-register or get more info at FestivalofNations.com. Friday-Sunday at St. Paul RiverCentre; $8-$11, under 5 free.
If you like low riders, hot peppers and competitive yelling
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Mexico's holiday, but Saturday's Cinco de Mayo bash on St. Paul's West Side is El Jefe. The eye-popping parade is at 10 a.m., followed by the ever-popular low-rider car and bike show, a jalapeño-eating contest and the "El Grito" competition — entrants shout as loud and long as they can in honor of a priest whose rousing cries are said to have launched the Mexican Revolution. cincodemayosaintpaul.com
If you're all about peace, love and giant papier-mâché heads
The May Day Parade and festival Sunday in south Minneapolis is one of the most beloved spring rituals in town, featuring 20-foot-tall puppets, clever homemade costumes and wildly creative floats. The parade begins at noon and travels to Powderhorn Park for a "Tree of Life" ceremony and a variety of booths and activities. hobt.org/mayday
