Cinco de Mayo

Special - Cinco de Mayo 2022

Cinco de Mayo Celebration Is Back with Parade And Annual Concert

by CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

Cinco de Mayo in Lubbock includes a combination of vibrant concerts balanced with many school and community groups’ observances that showcase Mexican culture through education, and recognition events. And while some have commercialized the celebration Cinco de Mayo is still a date of great importance for the Mexican and Chicano communities. The date often confused as Mexican Independence Day, is actually a historical day that celebrates a victory of a major battle when Mexico conquered French forces in Puebla, Mexico, in 1862. At the time, Mexico was occupied by the French under the rule of Emperor Maximillian. Benito Juarez, the president of Mexico, had been forced by the financial toll of the Reform War to suspend debt payments to Mexico’s chief European creditors: France, Britain and Spain. The French, English and Spanish invaded Mexico to get payments by whatever means necessary. The Spanish and English eventually withdrew, but the French refused to leave. The French army, numbering 6,000, moved to occupy the city of Puebla. It was met by a largely peasant force of 2,000 ill-equipped Mestizo and Zapotec Indians led by Juarez. The troops under Juarez emerged victorious May 5, 1862. Because of this victory, against tremendous odds, The Batalla de Puebla (Battle of Puebla), now referred to as Cinco de Mayo, continues to be a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and the southwestern United States. To further increase cultural awareness, this year there are various events that will be held city-wide. Plans for the 10th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade of Lubbock a program of Los Hermanos Familia are underway and the date will be Saturday, May 7, 2022! Lubbock will hold its official Cinco de Mayo parade down historic Broadway. Special thanks to Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, Reliant NRG,

Latino Lubbock Magazine, Lamar

Advertising, Liggett Law Group, P.C., and media sponsors. The theme for the 10th Annual Cinco de Mayo will be, “Que Dulce es La Vida, How Sweet is Life” all participants are urged to be a part of this year's parade and celebrate life after covid. Schools, marching bands, churches, car clubs, bikers, organizations, Veterans, dance groups, sports teams, businesses and anyone wanting to join Los Hermanos Familia's effort to bring the community together are encouraged to participate. Applications for parade entries and floats, can be found online at www. loshermanosfamilia.org on the “Get Involved” page. Be a participant, or a spectator on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Set up time is as early as 8 a.m., and will commence at 10 a.m. For the 30th year, Magic 106.5, who has held the title of the official Cinco de Mayo event, will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the South Plains Fair Grounds, 105 East Broadway. Performing are: Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers, Stefanie Montiel, David Marez, Tristan Ramos, The Homeboyz, y David Farias . Tickets, including lake gate fee, are $10 in advance. They are available at any O'Reilly Auto Parts or online at www. magic1065.com . At the gate tickets are $20. Kids 12 and under are free, and gates open at noon. No - outside food or drinks, however, lawn chairs, blankets, strollers and still cameras are encouraged. Have a safe Cinco de Mayo!