By Darlene Brace
Every year on May 5, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States in many restaurants, bars, and festivals. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo (which translates in English to May 5) is not the Mexican Independence Day. The Mexican Independence Day is actually commemorated on September 16th. Many people don’t understand what Cinco de Mayo represents. Read on to find out some of the history behind this holiday as well as some fun celebratory events.
heritage which started back in 1862. The Mexican Independence
Day is actually commemorated on September 16th
Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebration for people of Mexican heritage which started back in 1862. During this time, the French were looking to obtain land in “The New World.” Under the leadership of Napoleon III, a large brigade of elite French troops, lead by French General Charles Latrille Laurencez, was heading toward Mexico’s capital of Mexico City. Enroute, they stormed the City of Puebla which was a city about 80 miles southeast of the capital. Laurencez commanded his troops up the steep Cerro de Guadalup, which was secured by a large ditch and brick wall. The French troops were badly beaten by a much smaller Mexican force, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza. General Laurencez, and the French troops were forced to retreat. The Battle of Puebla was won by the Mexicans. It was not the end of the war, but it was a significant and symbolic victory that represented a significant morale boost to the Mexican army and increased the national unity and patriotism among the Mexican people. Thereafter, the city was renamed Puebla de Zaragoza, and May 5 became a Mexican national holiday.
Here is the United States, Cinco de Mayo celebrations honor the traditions, culture, and people of Mexican American heritage. Mexican music, food, and drinks are usually the focal point of these gatherings.
In our area there are some fun events celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year. One large event will be taking place at the Route 5 Event Center, located at 296 Lakeshore Drive in Dunkirk. It is hosted by the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry. This is a fundraising event that will take place on May 5 from 12pm-7pm. Six area bands have donated their time to perform throughout the event including Two Towns (12pm), Footsteps(1pm), Swamp Yankees(2pm), Pedro and the Smooth Cats (3pm), Derek Davis (4pm), and Furious George (5pm). There will be a wide variety of delicious food and some fun raffles. The proceeds from this event will go to The Chautauqua County Rural Ministry. This ministry provides The Friendly Kitchen that serves hot meals throughout each week to people in the community as well as an emergency food pantry and other services. It will be a fun Cinco de Mayo event and help raise money for a great cause.
There are also some other smaller venues to go to for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations. You might want to head out to the Busti Tap House. They will be having their Cinco de Mayo Fiesta starting at 1pm, with food and drink specials. Dark Water Duo will play some originals and favorite covers from 2pm to 5pm.
Merritt Winery in Forestville will be having their Taco Bar Fiesta all weekend from May 3rd – May 5th. You can check out their wines while building your own tacos, taco salads, and nachos. Check out
merrittestatewinery.com for more information.
HoliMont Resort in Ellicottville is having a 5K De Mayo Trailsquatch Run starting at 10am. This is an all-ages event. The online registration is 35$ for adults and $25 for 18 yrs. and under. All competitors will receive a t-shirt, a medal, and can enjoy the post-race Taco Party.
Ellicottville Brewing Company in Little Valley is also having a Cinco de Mayo 5K run. The race begins at 12:15pm, with registration at 11am. With your $25 registration, you’ll get a T-shirt, a pint of EBC beer, and raffle ticket for a chance at winning door prizes. Portions of the proceeds go to Saving Grace Outreach.
In Chautauqua, there will be a Cinco de Mayo fiesta brunch at the Truffle Honey CHQ from 11am-4pm. This brunch will include tacos, huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos, and much more. There will be a DJ and a photo booth to take some fun photos. To make a reservation call 716-490-5250.
Cinco de Mayo will also be celebrated at the Trillium Lodge in Cherry Creek. They will have margaritas, wing specials, and other food and drink specials. Ion Sky will be rocking the fiesta from 4pm to 7pm.