OAKHURST — La Sierra Guild of Valley Children’s Hospital will be holding it’s annual Cinco de Mayo Luncheon at the Oakhurst Community Center. El Cid’s Mexican Cuisine will be providing a meal of enchiladas, rice, beans, chips, and salsa. There will be lots of raffle prizes as well as a door prize. La Sierra Guild is a non profit organization, all proceeds go to Valley Children’s Hospital.
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from noon – 2:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $15 and are available from Dori at 559-760-3339.
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A Brief History of Cinco de Mayo
The Battle of Puebla (1862).
Cinco de Mayo has grown in popularity in the United States in recent years, but many people are still unclear about its origins and significance. It all began with the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862, during the French intervention in Mexico. The French had invaded Mexico the year before, seeking to establish a new empire under Napoleon III. This intervention was part of a broader attempt by European powers to expand their influence in the Americas, which was seen as a challenge to the United States’ Monroe Doctrine.
The French forces were well-equipped and highly trained, and they quickly advanced toward Mexico City. However, they encountered strong resistance from Mexican forces at the town of Puebla. The Mexican army was led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, who had just a few thousand poorly equipped soldiers at his disposal. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexican army was able to repel the French advance, inflicting significant losses on their troops. This unexpected victory is the reason why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated.
Maximilian I of Mexico.
It is important to note that the Battle of Puebla was not a decisive military victory. The French were able to regroup and continue their advance, ultimately capturing Mexico City and establishing the Second Mexican Empire under Maximilian I. However, the Battle of Puebla was a significant symbolic victory for Mexico. It demonstrated that the Mexican people were capable of standing up to foreign aggression and defending their sovereignty. It also helped to unite Mexicans across different regions and social classes in support of the struggle against foreign intervention.
Cinco de Mayo was not widely celebrated in Mexico in the decades following the battle. It was only in the 20th century that the holiday began to gain more widespread recognition. This was due in part to efforts by the Mexican government to promote national unity and pride in Mexican heritage. It was also influenced by the growing popularity of Mexican culture in the United States, where Mexican-American communities began to adopt Cinco de Mayo as a way to celebrate their heritage and cultural identity.
Cinco de Mayo Today
Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in many parts of the United States, with parades, festivals, and other cultural events. However, it is important to note that the holiday has taken on a different meaning in the United States than it has in Mexico. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is often seen as a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage, rather than a commemoration of a specific historical event. This has led to criticism from some who argue that the holiday has become overly commercialized and disconnected from its origins.
The history of Cinco de Mayo is rooted in the struggle of the Mexican people against foreign intervention in the 19th century. The Battle of Puebla was a significant moment in this struggle, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the Mexican people in the face of overwhelming odds. Although the holiday was not widely celebrated in Mexico for many years, it has become an important part of Mexican-American culture in the United States. As with any cultural celebration, it is important to understand the historical context and significance of Cinco de Mayo in order to appreciate its meaning and importance.
Oakhurst Community Center
39800 Fresno Flats Road
Oakhurst, CA 93644
559-683-2290
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo? Check out these recipes from Gordon Ramsay!
