Student has carpentry
in his roots
La Raza starts Cinco De Mayo festivities early
Merritt retires,
keeps researching
Some marry young
despite trends
On the Calendar
Many Southern California radio stations kicked off their Cinco de Mayo celebrations early this year, including La Raza 97.9 in Los Angeles, which celebrated the holiday by throwing a free bash on April 24.
About 6,000 people came out to El Festival Otra Beer at Whittier Narrows Regional Park in South El Monte to enjoy music from some of the biggest names on the Mexican music scene.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. Mexico declared independence from Spain on midnight Sept. 15, 1810.
What Cinco de Mayo is really celebrating is the victory of the Mexican army over the French during the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
It’s a regional holiday celebrated throughout many parts of Mexico, especially in Puebla.
Parts of the United States that have a significant Mexican population also find themselves a home to widespread festivities.
Banda Limon, Julio Preciado, Los Huracanes Del Norte, Gloria Trevi and Montez De Durango were just some of the names that performed at the Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Junior Torrez of Escondido went to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with his girlfriend.
“I came to see Banda Limon,” Torrez said. “But they were on stage as I was trying to find parking. Even though I didn’t get to see who I wanted to see, I really enjoyed the music.”
Radio personality El Cucuy de la Manana emceed the event, drawing fans like Erica Mora of Los Angeles, who came out to see him and enjoy the company of her friends.
“Even though I am not a huge fan of Mexican music, I love El Cucuy and his radio show,” Mora said. “Instead of listening to the music I went around to the sponsors booths (and) got free samples.”
“I think it’s great that thousands of Mexicans can get together and enjoy music and eat food in a peaceful environment.” Torrez said. “I can’t wait to come back next year.”
The University of La Verne culture clubs set up booths in the University Mall to celebrate Cinco de Mayo yesterday.
Celebrations will continue through this weekend for Cinco de Mayo.
La Nueva 101.9 will be throwing a similar musical celebration this Sunday at Whitter Narrows.
Danyel Fogarty can be reached at sadeyez619@hotmail.com.
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