May is here.

With the signs of summer popping up all around us we look forward to the festivals, events, and summer BBQ’s that bring us joy, and give us a lovely tan. What May also brings is the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that many people enjoy, especially in the United States and Mexico. However, contrary to what some people have experienced, it’s not just about partying and having fun; there's a lot of meaning behind it. Let's take a closer look at what Cinco de Mayo is all about and why it's important.

First off, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, as some people think. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated September 16^th. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This battle was a big deal because the Mexican army was much smaller and less equipped than the French army, yet they still managed to win. It was a moment of pride and resilience for the Mexican people!

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated to honor the bravery and courage of the Mexican soldiers who fought in the battle. It's a time to remember their sacrifice and to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture. For many Mexican Americans, and Mexicans alike Cinco de Mayo is a way to connect with their roots and celebrate their identity. It’s a time to enjoy traditional Mexican food, music, and dance. Many people also celebrate with parades, festivals, and parties. It's a joyful occasion that brings people together to celebrate and have a good time.

So how are you getting involved this year to show support for Cinco de Mayo? There are many opportunities for your organization to sponsor, volunteer, or attend these festivals. Showing support for important cultural celebrations is your first step to creating inclusive relationships. So, let’s look at some celebrations around the country and see how they are being supported by organizations, businesses, and individuals!

But before we jump in, I want to share an unfortunate story to showcase what not supporting these cultural celebrations looks like, and the negative impact it makes. In 2023 I had been living and working in Colorado. There was a local nonprofit who organized an annual 42-yearlong Cinco de Mayo celebration on Main Street downtown. Unfortunately, in 2023, the organization who organizes the festival received an email simply informing them that they could no longer use the downtown Main Street because there was a bike festival scheduled over their Cinco de Mayo weekend! The Latino community was devastated and called me in desperation to find a new location last minute for the long running festival. Luckily, I worked for the city, and we stepped in and were able to find them an alternate location for that year, but the everlasting effects of exclusion and discrimination against this community will always remain. The Latino community will forever share their story and their distrust with the organization that cancelled their celebration. The good news is in 2024 the Local Nonprofit has re-established their space on the main strip. But when communities are treated as such, it is almost impossible to come back from that, and it speaks volumes to disgrace and remove an established cultural celebration to make room for a bike race! Ensure that your business, organization, and employees recognize the significance and value of cultural festivals. Ignorance of diversity can have detrimental effects on communities.

Now let’s talk about some positive support around the county.

I just spent a weekend in San Antonio Texas during the Fiesta celebration. From the moment I got off the plane it was evident that the Latino culture and celebrations were vibrant in this community. So, I am not surprised to learn that the City of San Antonio organizes one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States. Their 2-day celebration features live music, food, cultural performances, kids’ activities, and more. This is truly a testament to showing support and celebrating cultural communities!

Much like Texas, the Latino culture and presence in California is evident and vibrant so it makes sense that the City of Los Angeles is on the 84th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival at Olvera Street. This vibrant celebration is dedicated to promoting Latino culture, arts, education, economic partnerships, and intercultural connections. This festival includes music, dancing, carnival games, education and more.

Finally in Denver, Colorado, the NEWSED Community Development Corporation along with numerous local sponsors organizes Colorado’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration!  The “Celebrate Culture" festival in Denver's Civic Center Park features live entertainment, food, Kids activities, and a parade.

So where do you live, and what’s happening in your community? Start researching now and see what your organization can do to show support and get involved with this important holiday. Some quick options to get involved can include, volunteering, marketing their events on your social media channels to boost awareness, post a celebratory post making sure to include the historical components, and if anything, just attend the event and show support!

Remember, creating relationships starts with showing support, making an impact, and building trust. So, show up and show out in support of Cinco de Mayo!

We Are Stronger Together!