Celebrating Nevada's Birthday with the Helldorado Days Parade

May 15, 2025, was the 120th anniversary of the land auction in 1905, which marks the beginning of Las Vegas. Since 1935, The Helldorado Days Parade, formerly known as the Las Vegas Days Parade, or simply Helldorado, has been held in mid-May each year celebrating the city’s western roots. The 2025 Helldorado Days Parade was held Saturday, May 10, 2025 in downtown Las Vegas with 135 entries of marching bands, equestrian groups, car and motorcycle clubs, dancers, floats and more led by Mayor Shelley Berkley.  This was my fourth or fifth year assisting with the event, and what I have learned is that parades are not just a lot of pomp and circumstance; they are about showcasing cultural diversity, historical significance and community spirit.

My supervisor, Marja, has been producing the event for nearly a decade. Along with a couple dozen volunteers, most of which are city employees in different departments (outside of our Special Events team), the event would not run as smoothy as it does without the collaboration of volunteers, police, and the community. Further still, the parade would not be as rich and diverse without the variety of local schools, businesses, dance groups, car clubs and more participating.

Our Helldorado Days Parade welcomes around 4,000 visitors to the parade route. It really is a site to see - and something that celebrates Fabulous Las Vegas, its colorful residents and our unique history.

Parades are vibrant, moving celebrations that offer a powerful lens into the heart of a community. They serve as public expressions of identity, unity, and pride. Parades may not seem like a traditional tool for improving public health, but they play a surprisingly powerful role in supporting population health—both directly and indirectly. Here's how:

1. Promoting Physical Activity

Parades encourage people to get outside, walk, dance, and move—whether as participants or spectators. Marching bands, dance teams, cultural performers, and community groups often train and rehearse for weeks, boosting physical fitness. Even for attendees, simply walking to and from the event or standing and moving along the route promotes light physical activity.

2. Boosting Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Parades are joyful, celebratory events. They create opportunities for social connection, laughter, and shared community pride—all of which are linked to lower stress levels, reduced anxiety, and improved mental health. Being part of a positive, festive environment helps combat isolation and lifts spirits.

3. Strengthening Social Cohesion

Community belonging is a powerful social determinant of health. Parades bring together people from all walks of life—across ages, cultures, and neighborhoods—to participate in something unifying. Stronger community ties are associated with better health outcomes, safer neighborhoods, and more support networks in times of crisis.

4. Providing Health Education and Resources

Parades often feature booths, floats, or partnerships with public health organizations. These platforms can be used to distribute health information, promote vaccination clinics, highlight local wellness programs, and increase awareness of services like mental health counseling or nutrition assistance.

5. Encouraging Cultural Expression and Identity

When people are able to celebrate and express their culture publicly—especially in diverse and inclusive settings—it contributes to a sense of dignity, confidence, and mental wellbeing. For historically marginalized communities, parades can be acts of healing and empowerment, which are key elements of holistic health.

6. Supporting Economic Vitality

Health is also influenced by the economic environment. Parades boost local economies by drawing crowds to small businesses, vendors, and tourism-related services. A strong local economy supports jobs, reduces stress, and enables more equitable access to resources that improve health.

Parades improve population health by encouraging movement, building connections, supporting mental health, and serving as platforms for health equity. They’re a joyful intersection of public celebration and public good—proof that health can thrive in the heart of community life.