By Keith Loria, Special Writer
The calendar is about to hit May 5, which in the United States means a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, as mariachi music, parades and festivals are planned in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
While many people believe the holiday is Mexico’s equivalent to America’s July 4, the day is less about independence and more about remembering a decisive battle win. The true origin of Cinco de Mayo dates back to 1862, with the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.
With May 5 falling on a Saturday this year, people throughout Princeton are prepared to celebrate the day.
The Arts Council of Princeton, in partnership with the Princeton Public Library, is holding its annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Albert E. Hinds Community Plaza.
”It’s a day when we take a moment to recognize our Mexican neighbors,” says Maria Evans, community arts manager at the Arts Council. “Even though it’s a much more historical thing in Mexico, here we celebrate and honor Mexican heritage and pride.”
The Ballet Folklorico Dancers, a Princeton University student organization, will perform traditional folk dances of Mexico.
”The ballet dancers wear traditional folk outfits and talk a lot about the music and the customs they are celebrating and what dances mean,” Ms. Evans says. “It’s really educational and they have been a favorite of our celebration for years.”
Children will be taught how to create Mexican art projects and there also will be a piñata demonstration and breaking.
”Crafts will include making Mexican cornhusk dolls and large paper Mexican flowers,” Ms. Evans says. “We will have lots of people there that are very well versed in Spanish and Mexican art talking to those who are doing the art projects.”
At Princeton University, the annual Cinco de Mayo Dinner will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at both Mathey and Rockefeller College Dining Halls.
”The residential colleges together with Dining Services, celebrate several holidays and special events throughout the academic year, as each chef adds menu items related to the holiday,” says Stu Orefice, Director of Princeton University Dining Services. “This year the chefs in the residential colleges will offer a variety of items for Cinco de Mayo, including chicken tortilla soup, fish tacos, cilantro lime breast of chicken, vegetarian paella, Cuban roast pork, and Mexican rice.”
Although the celebration normally includes decorations and entertainment, this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration will not include either because it occurs on Saturday when the school’s patron counts are significantly lower.
Over at Princeton’s Fred Astaire Dance Studio, the celebrating will begin tonight, as it presents a “Cinco de Mayo” dance party from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The studio will offer up margaritas, a limbo contest and plenty of Cinco de Mayo excitement as it holds its monthly dance practice party. Prizes will be given for the most creative costume and most talented Limbo dancer, so sombreros should be aplenty.
”We have music, the lights will be turned down and plenty of wine, drinks and refreshments,” says Irena Smile, supervisor of the studio. “The students and their guests will dance with each other, but we will have our professional dancers perform a showcase as well.”
The event is free for all students of the studio and $29 for each guest, which includes unlimited drinks and a future private lesson.
”We encourage everyone to wear Mexican colors or a Mexican hat and get into the theme of the evening,” Ms. Smile says. “It should be a fun night and a great celebration.”
To register: www.fredastaireprinceton.com/events
