Weeklong celebration of Cinco De Mayo begins today

By LILIANA GARCIA

Fresno State has dedicated this week to mark the Cinco De Mayo celebration, a celebration that marks the defeat of the French troops in Mexico.

On May 5, 1862, Mexican troops defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla. According to www.mexonline.com, the French invaded Mexico in a bid to expand France’s territory under the pretext of collecting debts.

But on their march toward Mexico City, the heavily equipped, 6,500-man French army was defeated by a poorly armed militia of 4,500 men led by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin.

The celebration is annually observed at Fresno State by holding Semana de la Raza, (week of the race.)
The weeklong event is organized by El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA), a Fresno State student organization. The group has dedicated each day of the celebration to a specific theme, and events are coordinated to match with the themes.

Today’s theme is Dia De La Raza Indigena, (Day of the Indigenous People). Aztec spiritual dancers will begin the celebration by performing in the Peace Garden at 11 a.m.

The University Student Union pit will host “Echoes del Pueblo,” at which local Pre-Colombian, Meso-American and Peruvian musicians will perform, at noon today.

The day’s celebration will end with showing of the film, “Black Robe,” in the Free Speech area, at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, will be Dia De La Mujer, (day of the woman) a workshop consisting of a panel of local women’s organizers. The workshop will be held in the Psychology and Human Services Building, Room 216, at noon.

“History and Presence of Chicana Organizers” will feature Gloria Hernandez, Enind Perez and Monica Blanco-Etheridge. The women will present their stories of the struggles of Hispanic women.

On Wednesday, the celebration is targeted toward young children and is named Dia De Los Chicanitos (day of the little Chicanos). The local daycare and surrounding elementary schools have been invited to participate in the activities.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be cultural arts and crafts and cultural storytelling of the Americas, and the youngsters can end their visit by breaking a piñata.

The pit will host Una Noche en la Plaza (A Night in the Plaza), which will feature many local folkloric dancers, from 7 to 11 p.m.

Thursday, el Cinco de Mayo, brings the Cinco De Mayo Faire. Students can attend the Tianguis, an open-air market, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Memorial Garden.

The day’s celebration will conclude with a film viewing in the Free Speech Area at 8 p.m. The classic Mexican film, “Tambien Los Pobres Lloran” (The Poor Also Cry), features legendary Mexican actor Pedro Infante.

Friday is Dia de Los Jovenes, (day of the youth) and is dedicated to Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzalez, who recently died.

“Chicano Series” and “ PBS Reports a Legacy of Shame” will be shown in McLane Hall Room 221, at 5 p.m. After the films,” I am Joaquín,” a poem by Rodolfo Gonzalez, will be read by Fresno State student Peter Ochoa. “I am Joaquin” captures the essence of Mexican American history, identity and struggles.

The event is expected to close Friday at 6:30 p.m. The closing ceremony will be held at the Cesar Chavez monument in the Peace Garden.