by Margery Wilson

CINCO DE MAYO  is seen by many as a day to celebrate the culture, achievements and experiences of people with a Mexican background who live in the United States. To others it is considered another name for “killer hangover.”  There is a large commercial element to the day, and, as a result, some Mexicans, both in Mexico and in the United States, reject all celebration of Cinco de Mayo, regarding it as a U.S. commercial event rather than an authentically Mexican one. To balance this, however, many communities hold special events and celebrations that highlight Mexican culture especially as it is manifested in regional music and dancing.

Cinco de Mayo officially commemorates the anniversary of an early victory by Mexican forces over French forces in the Battle of Pubela on May 5, 1862. It is not the anniversary of the defeat and expulsion of the French forces by the Mexicans, which occurred in 1867. It is also not, as is often assumed, the day of Mexico’s celebrations of independence, which are actually held on September 16. It is believed that the origins of Cinco de Mayo celebrations lie in the responses of Mexicans living in California in the 1860s to French rule in Mexico at that time.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations can be found in almost every large city across the USA. East of the Great Divide these celebrations tend to be in the form of special restaurant menus and bar celebrations.  In the Southwest US, however, there are many celebrations that include exhibits, cultural events and family activities.

A few of the best:

LOS ANGELES, El Pueblo Historical Monument, Placita Olvera, 125 Paseo de la Plaza

For over 100 years, thousands of Los Angelenos and visitors have converged at “El Pueblo Historical Monument” (aka “Olvera Street”)  the first weekend in May prior to May 5th in order to celebrate the Mexican’s army unlikely victory over French Forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This Battle is important since the smaller and lesser equipped Mexican Army defeated a larger and better armed French Army led by Napolean who had not been defeated in over fifty years!

This Battle truly exemplifies “Victory in the Face of Great Odds”.

The first weekend of May , the Plaza is filled all around with celebration and a blend of tradition, art, music, culture, community, and the enticing smell of authentic Mexican and other international food. Exhibitors, Artisans, Musicians, Businesses and Local organizations all take part in this grand celebration.  More info HERE

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico

National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth St. S.W, Albuquerque, NM         Phone (505) 246-2261

The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of Hispanic culture, arts, and humanities. Their beautiful campus is located along the banks of the Rio Grande in the historic Albuquerque neighborhood of Barelas. The National Hispanic Cultural Center’s annual celebration of Cinco de Mayo is centered on showcasing  Mexican regional music and dance. For more information on commemorations planned for this year click HERE

SAN FRANCISCO. The San Francisco Cinco Festival will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at Dolores Park, located on Dolores St. between 18th & 20th St.

San Francisco’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration is one of  the City’s most spectacular traditions. SF Cinco de Mayo showcases  the very best of Mexican and Latin American cultures with a diverse array of music, dance and artistry for the entire family to enjoy.

This cultural festival is alcohol-free, family friendly, and a free event that supports Mission Neighborhood Center’s programs. Since 1959, the MNC, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization,with thirteen community centers, have provided quality programs that promote self-sufficiency and community growth for the San Francisco’s children, youth, families and seniors through their Headstart Programs, Youth and Senior Services Programs.

For more information click HERE

DENVER: May 8-9 “Celebrate Culture Festival”  Free Admission.  Saturday-Sunday 10:00am-8:00pm at Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Avenue

The Cinco de Mayo Festival in Denver started out as a local street fair in 1987, but has grown over the years to become the largest Cinco de Mayo Celebration in the US.  Each year the event attracts an estimated 300,000 visitors who attend the weekend’s event that include live entertainment, art exhibitions, children’s entertainment and hand’s-on activities, and food and drink stalls.  This year’s fest will feature three large stages of live entertainment, 350 exhibitors and food vendors serving up the best in Colorado Mexican cuisine, a children’s carnival, Green Chili Bowl Cook Off and tons of free samples and give aways.

For more information click HERE

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