Lucerne Valley Middle/High School Prepares for Cinco De Mayo Celebration

By Yesenia Cazales & Nathan Bhojwani

THE LUCERNE VALLEY MIDDLE/ HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH CLUB

MEMBERS have been very busy planning a Cinco de Mayo celebration to celebrate the true meaning of Cinco de Mayo. Spanish Club advisor Rene Jaime stated, “One of our major motivations to put on a Cinco de Mayo celebration is to inform people unfamiliar with Latino culture about what it really means to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and to promote Hispanic and Latino culture in the community.” In a recent survey conducted by the heads of the Spanish department at Lucerne Valley Middle/High

School, several people were asked what they thought Cinco de Mayo was and the overwhelming majority of those polled indicated that they thought Cinco de Mayo was Mexico’s “Independence Day.” It is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day but in reality, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates a battle fought in Mexico on the fifth of May in 1862 called the Battle of Puebla. It was a battle that resulted in an unexpected victory for the Mexican army over French forces. This victory is now celebrated on the fifth of May each year.

At this year’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, students and staff will have the chance to enjoy some Mexican music and have fun with the games and activities the Spanish Club has been working hard to make possible. In addition, everybody participating will have the opportunity to learn something new. Spanish club member Alexsia Sanchez is in charge of informing people about what Cinco