At a certain time of year, there are any number of events that celebrate that fastest of canines……

………the Chihuahua.

Okay, maybe not the world’s fastest breed, but Chihuahuas do have their own races, and they occur from Chattanooga and District of Columbia to Florida and New Mexico around the month of May.

Running of the Chihuahuas hosted by The Wharf in Washington DC

One such event is the Si Se Puede Foundation’s Cinco de Mayo Festiva “Running of the Chihuahuas,” during the Cinco de Mayo festival in Arizona. Chihuahuas are often dressed up on vibrant ponchos or tiny sombreros, while the smell of roasted chilis wafts through the air of the festive atmosphere. Some attend the festival for the concerts, but others love having an excuse to drink margaritas for breakfast.

Below is a clip from the event in DC back in 2013:

As for the race itself, the courses are short, and the format typically has one owner (or their friend) help the dog at the starting line, while another is at the finish line to make sure all four paws cross it. The dogs seem to enjoy the attention, and ultimately, there is either a crowning of the king and queen of Chihuahuas, or one speedy dog earns the title, ” El Perro Mas Rapido.” Proceeds usually go to breed rescue or some other charity.

The year 2020 is one that most of us would like to (but probably won’t) forget, and most events have been canceled, including Cinco de Mayo festivals.  Out there, however, is a Chihuahua in training, ready for when the pandemic is behind us.