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Heritage is Earned, Learned and Celebrated
By Tracy Rolling
The Fifth of May translated in Spanish is none other than "Cinco de Mayo."
It's a day of celebration, thought to have been the Day of Independence for Mexico, but in truth, it is really a day of Latino pride, heritage and religious observation.
On Cinco de Mayo in 1862, General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín marched more than 5,000 Mexican soldiers into battle. One report is that the military forces were made up of Mestizo and Zapotec Indians.
During the notorious fight, also known as the "Battle de Puebla," Mexico would achieve victory and defeat the French forces.
This triumph would demonstrate to the world that Mexico and Latin Americans were willing to defend their property and liberty from foreign interventions.
It is noteworthy that the reason the French had invaded Mexico was in an effort to acquire payment for international debt suspended by President Benito Juarez in July of 1861.
Mexico had seen many wars between 1846 and the mid 1850s. The battles had taken their toll on the country and left Mexico financially ruined.
Juarez, left with no other choice, ceased all foreign debt payments, taking an oath to resume payments at the end of two years.
It wouldn't take long for Mexico to fall under attack as the English, Spanish and French invaded - demanding their money. Because France showed an eagerness to expand its empire under Napoleon III, Spain and England withdrew, leaving French forces to fend for themselves.
The "Battle de Puebla" as it relates to Cinco de Mayo is a day of victory for the Mexican descendents in the United States, and abroad.
For this reason, people observe festivals, march in parades, listen to mariachi music and partake in the cultural experiences that combine food, music, dance and celebration.
To commemorate the holiday locally, librarian Ellie Slade has scheduled two special Cinco de Mayo events at the Ramona Library.
The first is a craft for adults and children ages 7 and up. The hands-on craft is called "Papel Picado," and is constructed from colorful tissue paper. Instruction for the decorative artwork, designed to hang from the ceiling, will be lead by a local group of Mexican-Americans who call themselves "Back from Tomboctou." The craft is scheduled for Monday, May 5, at 3:30 p.m. All supplies will be provided.
Immediately following will be a special Cinco de Mayo performance by musician and local Olive Peirce Middle School teacher Jose Smith.
Spectators of all ages are invited to enjoy Mexican-style music as Smith plays various instruments including a harp and guitar. The performance is at 4 p.m.
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