Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) occurs next week and has significant meaning for Mexican immigrants in the United States and has become a way to share their pride and heritage of the Mexican culture. Although not a major holiday or celebration throughout Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the state of Puebla, Mexico. Puebla was the site of the 1862 Battle of Puebla, which ended when Mexico defeated French troops in an attempted takeover. The battle of Puebla is regarded as a sign of Mexican strength and perseverance.
Cinco de Mayo will be observed in many communities throughout the United States, including Greeley. Join the organizers of Greeley’s 35th Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday, May 1, on the Plaza in Downtown Greeley. You’ll enjoy live music, cultural performances, children’s activities, and more. Additionally, please join me on May 4th at 1:00 PM for an Eventbrite presentation titled A Discussion and Performance about the Real History of Cinco de Mayo. Ethnomusicologist and mariachi musician Dr. Jessie Vallejo (Assistant Professor, CPP Music Department) invites everyone to recognize and reject racist stereotypes about Cinco de Mayo. She will lead a discussion about some of the lesser-known reasons why the American holiday is important in Southern California and its relation to history as well as the contemporary struggle for racial justice and civil rights in the United States. The discussion will be followed by a musical presentation from CPP Mariachi students.
