El Paso Aug. 3 shooting survivor celebrates 92nd birthday with drive-by parade

EL PASO, Texas -- A very special El Paso resident rang in her 92nd birthday this week while managing to work around the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to enjoy a celebration that was filled with color, family and love.

It was a drive-by party on Travis Street in central El Paso, with Sylvestra Saucedo surprised, speechless and loving every minute of it.

“I loved it," said the 92-year-old Sylvestra. "It was a total surprise."

The parade included a mariachi band and a group of baile folklórico dancers.

However, they weren't just any group of dancers. As a matter of fact, they were Sylvestra’s own grandchildren.

It was a sight that sent her back to her own childhood growing up in Mexico.

It has been a tough year for Sylvestra as well as her daughter, Sylvia.

Both of them witnessed the Aug. 3 mass shooting up close and consider themselves lucky to have survived.

For Sylvia, her mother's birthday celebration was a powerful moment she will never forget.

“I knew they were going to dance but I did not know it was going to be that big," said Sylvia. "It was so beautiful.”

When asked about how she stayed in such great shape, even at 92-years old, Sylvestra credited her garden work.

“I love my garden," said Sylvestra. "I can stay outside with my plants for 12 hours straight.”

Sylvestra added that she has been a proud El Paso resident for nearly 50 years and raised 8 kids along the way.