There are plenty of things to do on Cinco de Mayo in San Antonio, so here is a list and a little bit on the history of the day, which is mistaken for a very different holiday by many.
There is a lot of confusion about what exactly Cinco de Mayo is. For years it seemed, many people thought that this was Mexican Independence Day. That assumption is actually quite wrong, as Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16th (also known as Diez y Seis de Septiembre). Cinco de Mayo is actually the day that the Mexicans ran the invading French out of the country, thus reclaiming the country for themselves. It is basically a celebration of the Battle of Puebla that expelled France out and is a matter of pride. But believe it or not, it is not a national holiday in Mexico--observation of the day is purely optional. In fact, some would say that it is celebrated more here in the United States than in Mexico.
Avenida will be honoring Cinco de Mayo with its annual commemoration on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 9:00 am in the Plaza Guadalupe at 1327 Guadalupe Street.
Speakers include Consulado General de Mexico en San Antonio Armando Ortiz-Rocha and Mrs. Ana Celia Partida, Dean of Admissions/Associate Dean, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in San Antonio.
There will also be performances by Mariachi Sangre Mexicana and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Guadalupe Dance Company. Please call 223-3151 to RSVP or for more information.
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1. What is Cinco de Mayo?
There is a lot of confusion about what exactly Cinco de Mayo is. For years it seemed, many people thought that this was Mexican Independence Day. That assumption is actually quite wrong, as Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16th (also known as Diez y Seis de Septiembre). Cinco de Mayo is actually the day that the Mexicans ran the invading French out of the country, thus reclaiming the country for themselves. It is basically a celebration of the Battle of Puebla that expelled France out and is a matter of pride. But believe it or not, it is not a national holiday in Mexico--observation of the day is purely optional. In fact, some would say that it is celebrated more here in the United States than in Mexico.
2. Cinco de Mayo Commemoration
Avenida will be honoring Cinco de Mayo with its annual commemoration on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 9:00 am in the Plaza Guadalupe at 1327 Guadalupe Street.
Speakers include Consulado General de Mexico en San Antonio Armando Ortiz-Rocha and Mrs. Ana Celia Partida, Dean of Admissions/Associate Dean, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in San Antonio.
There will also be performances by Mariachi Sangre Mexicana and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Guadalupe Dance Company. Please call 223-3151 to RSVP or for more information.
More »
3. Bravo! San Antonio!
The Arneson River Walk Theater is the setting for this celebration of the Fifth of May through dance. Guests include SA Met Ballet, Third Coast Rhythm Project, PAC Dance, Sarita’s, Teresa Champion, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Ctr, Fandango and Alamotion. Arneson River Theater, La Villita. 7:30 pm $10 General Admission.More »4. Viva Cinco de Mayo and Menudo Cookoff
OK, so this isn't technically in San Antonio, but it is in San Marcos, which is just a short drive of less than an hour from San Antonio, so I am including it here. Viva is marked by two Cinco de Mayo pageants, one for adults and one for children. People from all over the state come to eat and compete in the Menudo Cookoff.The festivities are not actually on May 5th but instead on the weekend before, from April 30-May 2, 2010. See link for maps and admission info.More »
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