The public is invited to a 2-day event to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Columbia, CA--birthplace of the first celebration in 1862
What is more befitting for the “Gem of the Southern Mines” (Columbia, CA) than to be the rightful birthplace of the celebration of Cinco de Mayo? This claim is the jewel in our state’s Gold Rush history, and it can be traced to Columbia, according to the research of UCLA scholars who culled the evidence from historic newspaper articles. While many assume May 5th is Mexico’s Independence Day, it is actually a celebration of Mexico’s defeat of the potent French Army in the Battle of Puebla, Mexico, which prompted a spontaneous celebration of pride, passion and patriotism by the prominent Latino society in Columbia in 1862. At that time, the California towns of Columbia and Sonora (aka El Campo de Los Sonoraenses) had well established Latino populations. These paisanos (Spanish term for civilians) had come from Mexico, Chile, Peru and other Latin American countries in search of gold. By 1860, there were 16,229 Latino inhabitants in Tuolumne County. Local Latinos held prominent positions and formed their own social organizations called Juntas to provide support and assistance for widows and orphans of fallen soldiers of the war in Mexico with France. In honor of this heritage, organizers of the Cinco de Mayo Celebration invite the public to participate in a street dance on Friday, May 5, with live music by local favorite, the Mario Flores Latin Jazz Band and Rod Harris on saxophones. On Saturday, May 6, the celebration continues with live mariachi music and a Latin music DJ, folkloric dance performances, a delicious food court and vendors featuring arts and crafts. Throughout the event, festivalgoers will have an opportunity to learn about the interesting, interwoven history of Mexico, California, and Cinco de Mayo. WHEN: Friday, May 5th, 5-10pm and Saturday, May 6th, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Columbia State Historic Park, 11259 Jackson St., Columbia, CA 95310
Inquiries? Email [email protected]
