Cinco de Mayo: More Than Just a Fiesta

Sonya Curial and Juarez (L-R), students at Santa Monica College (SMC), performing a traditional Oaxacan dance as part of Cinco de Mayo celebration on SMC Quad, Santa Monica, Calif., Tuesday, May 7, 2024. It is estimated that there are at least 150,000 Oaxacans in Los Angeles — the largest Oaxacan population outside Mexico. Folklorico is one of traditional Oaxaca’s dance styles that reflects its indigenous heritage. Dancers perform intricate footwork, graceful movements, and wear elaborate costumes. Women don brightly colored skirts with embroidered blouses, while men don white pants and shirts adorned with colorful sashes. (Alexey Nosov | The Corsair)

Luper Martinez (L), Santa Monica College (SMC) student and Sherri Bradford (R) from Black Collegians Program at SMC, work on making Papel Picado as part of Cinco de Mayo celebration at SMC, Santa Monica, Calif., Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Papel picado ("perforated paper") is a traditional Mexican decorative craft made by cutting elaborate designs into sheets of tissue paper. Papel picado is considered a Mexican folk art and is commonly displayed for both secular and religious occasions. Common themes include birds, floral designs, and skeletons. (Alexey Nosov | The Corsair)

Unknown attendee of Cinco de Mayo celebration at Santa Monica College (SMC), expressing their cultural heritage by donning a pair of boots embroidered with Mexican national symbols, Santa Monica, Calif., Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Latine/x and particularly people of Mexican descent are significant part of SMC’s staff and student demographics. (Alexey Nosov | The Corsair)

Traditional Mexican food served to Santa Monice College (SMC) students and community members as part of Cinco de Mayo celebration at SMC, Santa Monica, Calif., Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Cinco de Mayo Celebration was organized by SMC and hosted by the Latino Center, and the Student Equity Center at SMC. Free traditional Mexican food, mariachi and activities, such as making Papel Picado, were provided to students and community members attending the event. (Alexey Nosov | The Corsair)

Deni Moralez (L) and his bandmates from Mariachi Voces de Mexico ensemble perform traditional Mexican songs on Santa Monica College (SMC) Quad as part of Cinco de Mayo celebration, Santa Monica, Calif., Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Mariachi Voces de Mexico ensemble was established by Raul Sanchez in 2008 and is directed by Berklee school of Music graduate Adrian Vaca. Their home stage is Casa Sanchez Restaurant in Los Angeles, where they perform Mariachi and Folklorico Shows six nights a week. (Alexey Nosov | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College’s (SMC) Latino Center hosted a celebration of Cinco de Mayo on the campus’ main quad.

Cinco de Mayo translates to “The Fifth of May,” and is a day to celebrate the victory of the Mexican army defeating the French Empire at the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which falls on Sep. 16.

During the celebration, Mariachi Voces de Mexico ensemble performed traditional folk, Mariachi music, which holds cultural significance. Performers dressed in a “traje de charro,” a traditional Mexican performance outfit.

Students from all backgrounds gathered to craft papel picado (perforated paper), enjoy meaningful music, and get a taste of Mexican culture, while also immersing themselves in the vibrant rhythms of a traditional Oaxacan dance. A line for free food ran along the quad, and students delighted in the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Dr. Marisol Moreno from the History Department at Santa Monica College (SMC) discusses the history and significance of Cinco de Mayo. It served as a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange, community, and the power of coming together to celebrate and honor traditions.