Cinco De Mayo is here once again and this year LA Girls has decided to share some known and not so known facts we’ve come to learn about this special holiday.
Although Los Angelinos and most Americans are known for celebrating Cinco De Mayo, in Mexico the holiday is celebrated regionally. Primarily celebrated in Puebla, Cinco De Mayo isn’t recognized throughout all of Mexico and is not a federal holiday. Some children get to take the day off from schools but banks still remain open.
In the US, Cinco De Mayo was a way to celebrate Mexican American Heritage during the Civil War. This excerpt from An article published by insider.com goes in depth. “On May 5, 1862, French troops — about 6,000 in number — led by General Charles de Lorencez attacked a small town in east-central Mexico called Puebla de los Ángeles. In response, Mexican President Benito Juárez sent around 2,000 of his men to fight. n the short battle, the French were losing far more soldiers than the Mexican army, and they withdrew. The win didn't end Mexico's war with France, but the victory did become a symbol of resistance against French imperialism.
The actual Mexican Independence Day is September 16.”
Chicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified with the victory of Indigenous Mexicans (such as Benito Juárez) over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla. Overtime the holiday has become more commercialized by Americans. However we here at ilovelagirls.com are firm believers in diversity. What the original Chicano movement did during the rise of the civil rights movement in the 1960s has forever shaped history, but more specifically it ushered several generations of brown pride here in LOS ANGELES. Paying homage to the rich history authentically was important for us. This birthed our newest edition to our Spread Love offering “Reparte Amor”. Released earlier this year we continue our pledge of diversity and philanthropy. We remain committed to donating a shirt to a family in need for every three purchased. It’s the best way we know how to “Spread Love” with purpose and passion.
Although it hasn’t returned to its full form, one of the biggest celebrations of Cinco De Mayo happened right in the heart of Downtown, Los Angeles. Since 1990 the festival drew crowds of thousands. Although crowd size has dwindled over the years due to gentrification and other factors this remains a go to attraction for many in the city looking to celebrate this huge event. It usually takes place at the end of April in between 1st Street and Broadway.
Speaking of downtown Los Angeles, the Museum of Latin American Art is a must see. MOLAA is the leading museum of modern and contemporary Latin American Art and culture. Founded in 1996 this Long Beach based landmark is the only museum dedicated to modern Latin American and Latino art. MOLAA features a 15,000 sq. ft. sculpture garden. Its permanent collection now numbers over 1,300 works of art. The Museum is located in the city’s rapidly developing East Village Arts District. The building that was renovated and became MOLAA’s Balboa Events Center may have been part of the old Balboa film studios. MOLAA’s exhibition galleries, administrative offices and store are housed in what was once a roller skating rink known as the Hippodrome. Built in the late 1920s, after the film studios were gone, the Hippodrome was a haven for skaters for four decades. The building then served as a senior health center for fifteen years. The high vaulted ceilings and beautiful wooden floors were perfectly suited for the Hippodrome's final metamorphosis into the Museum of Latin American Art.
With such a rich history it's no wonder why everybody loves Cinco De Mayo, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. How are you spending the day? Share your thoughts in our comment section and don’t forget to follow us on instagram.