This event is made possible by the donations of the incredible Martinez community. Since its inception on a rainy school night in 2017 in the old cafeteria of John Swett Elementary (JSE), it has grown significantly. Those initial celebrations were enthusiastically received by the JSE community as a first of its kind. The community’s gratitude was solidified after the inaugural celebration and adopted into its annual JSE Parent Teacher Association (PTA) budget as of 2017.

Responding to community feedback, the celebration was later moved to Main Street and into the daylight. The costs of the celebration skyrocketed and the community stepped up with support, including parents at John Muir Elementary, Martinez Junior High School and Alhambra High School, the Contra Costa Water District, and local businesses and vendors. The celebration is now a resounding success and draws thousands of community members from all over Contra Costa County every year with its spectacular lion dances, martial arts demonstration, drumming, crafts, giveaways and of course the incredible firecracker finale.

Consistent funding support from the John Swett Elementary PTA has continued annually since 2017, now into its ninth year. Individual community members, public agencies and local businesses also continue to make contributions of time and funding. Support from the City of Martinez’s Cultural Events Grant since 2023 allows for CA-licensed pyrotechnic operators to safely arrange the lighting of the firecrackers, a community favorite. City leadership continues to advocate for continued cultural celebrations for the community with the 2025 founding of its Diversity & Cultural Commission.

Immense gratitude to the members of this great community.