LATINO PRIDE TAKES THE STAGE AS CINCO DE MAYO FUN BEGINS.Byline: Phillip W. Browne Daily News Staff Writer Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo (Spanish; “Fifth of May”) Mexican holiday commemorating the Mexican victory over the French at Puebla in 1862. The French army, better-equipped and far larger than the Mexican army, had been sent by Napoleon III to conquer Mexico. celebrations kicked off around Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. on Saturday with the annual fiesta at Olvera Street, and special events are scheduled to continue today across the city. Hundreds of celebrants packed the downtown street listening to music, eating Mexican food and celebrating Latino pride. Rudy Madrid, owner of Rudy's Gift Imports, said his store was packed. ``People are having great fun, like every year,'' Madrid said. ``We look forward to this celebration every year.'' Cinco de Mayo marks the day in 1862 when Mexican forces led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza defeated French troops at the Battle of Puebla Noun 1. Battle of Puebla - a battle in which Mexican forces defeated the French in 1862 Mexico, United Mexican States - a republic in southern North America; became independent from Spain in 1810 . The holiday has become an important cultural celebration in the Southwestern United States, where many Mexican immigrants now live. On Saturday, Metrolink trains featured live mariachi bands as the trains stopped at Union Station, which is right across the street from Olvera Street, spokesman Peter Hidalgo Hidalgo, state, Mexico Hidalgo (ēthäl`gō), state (1990 pop. 1,888,366), 8,058 sq mi (20,870 sq km), central Mexico. Pachuca de Soto is the capital. said. In the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. today, Cinco de Mayo revelers were invited to the Guadalupe Community Center's La Fiesta, which also celebrates the center's 50th anniversary. Located at 21600 Hart St. in Canoga Park, visitors will be able to eat authentic Mexican food and enjoy game booths and entertainment by traditional Mexican dancers. Festivities fes·tiv·i·ty n. pl. fes·tiv·i·ties 1. A joyous feast, holiday, or celebration; a festival. 2. The pleasure, joy, and gaiety of a festival or celebration. 3. will start at 1 p.m. and cost $1 for adults and 50 cents for children. The Santa Monica Pier The Santa Monica Pier is located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California and is a prominent landmark. Attractions The pier contains Pacific Park, a family amusement park with a large ferris wheel. will also host celebrations today with free rides on its restored vintage carousel, and traditional Aztec and Mexican folkloric dance. The musical group Los Faraones will play South American and Mexican songs between 4 and 6 p.m. on the pier's concert stage, spokeswoman Nanci Fingerhood said. CAPTION(S): Photo PHOTO (Color) George Stone, 82, of Panorama City gets into the beat Saturday on Olvera Street in downtown L.A. Michael Owen Baker/Daily News |
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