Did you know the modern tradition of celebrating Cinco de Mayo started with Latinos in California? Join us in exploring the history of this celebration in Los Angeles. Enjoy live music and dance and art workshops. Food and drinks will be available for sale.
ENTERTAINMENT
The Real Cinco de Mayo: Made in California
Learn the real story of Cinco de Mayo! In the 1980s, the majority of Latinos in the U.S. believed in the values of freedom and democracy, so they supported the Union side in the Civil War and President Juárez’s government in Mexico. Learning that the Mexican army at the city of Puebla had defeated invading French troops on May 5th, 1862, Latinos in California were overjoyed that freedom and democracy had won a victory over forces of slavery and elite rule in that country. It gave them hope that freedom and democracy would win in the U.S. Civil war as well. Latinos all over the state rejoiced and celebrated with fireworks, parades, speeches, and patriotic songs—and that was the first Cinco de Mayo celebration.
With special guests Ballet Floklórico Flor de Mayo and Santa Monica College Global Motion World Dance Company, a theatrical production, and a historical presentation by Dr. David Hayes-Bautista
Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo presents Californio Dance
The Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo (BFFM) Dance Company will provide Californio dance/exercise examples for all ages to enjoy. BFFM was founded in 1994. Currently it is composed of dancers from seven years old to adults. Its goal is to educate the community at large through dance and music about the richness of Mexican folklore, tradition, and culture.
Conjunto Tenocelomeh
Since 1995 the San Fernando, California- based CONJUNTO TENOCELOMEH has performed at various venues such as The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, the Harriet and the Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex, UCLA's Royce Hall, the Wadsworth Theatre and at the prestigious "Encuentro de Jaraneros" in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, Mexico. Committed to preserving the folk music and dance traditions of southern Veracruz, its members have traveled abroad and studied with masters in Mexican folk music. One of only a handful of such groups found in Southern California, the members of CONJUNTO TENOCELOMEH are professional musicians and educators who have wholeheartedly decided to concentrate, preserve, and perform, the beautiful folk music and dance traditions of the SON JAROCHO and the SON MEXICANO.
WORKSHOPS
¡Viva la Historia! Amate Paper Art Art Workshop
Learn about the history and art of amate paper! Made from tree bark, the tradition of papel amate has been preserved in the remote mountains of Puebla, Mexico. From Aztec and Mayan codices to modern art, this unique paper has been a vital canvas for centuries. Honor Puebla’s history and create your own artwork on amate paper!
¡Viva el arte! Talavera Vase Painting Art Workshop
The Talavera art style is an important icon of Puebla’s history. Talavera Poblana, known for its stunning shades of blue, includes decorative designs such as flowers, vines, birds, and vegetation, amongst many other things! Paint your own vase inspired by Puebla’s traditional designs!
¡Viva Puebla! Pápalo seed planting! Garden Workshop
Pápalo or pápaloquelite is an herb used in Mexican cooking. Known as a main ingredient of Cemitas Poblanas, this native herb of Mesoamerica is famous for its unique flavor. Explore the uses of this herb and plant your own to care for at home!
Hands-on Cooking Demo: Spice Mix with Veggies
Chef Wendy Centeno will lead 30-minute cooking demos at LA Cocina de Gloria Molina, where families can learn to make a spice mix using veggies!
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
WE ARE Los Angeles
Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, Fifty-Fourth District
La Joya Press- Latinx Chidren's Books and Educational Resources
FOOD VENDOR
Taco Montes
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