Colorado State Campus Hosts Cinco De Mayo Festivities
Thursday, April 30, 1998
FORT COLLINS--Dynamic music, color, food, poetry and history
are all part of the Colorado State University celebration of
Cinco de Mayo 2-7 p.m. May 5 on the Lory Student Center West Lawn
and Sutherland Garden.
"The celebration of this fiesta will provide an excellent
opportunity for educating and sharing the cultural diversity in
the Fort Collins and Colorado State University communities," said
Rich Salas, the committee director for 16 years. "The event
offers a positive experience that works toward better relations
within our communities."
Students, staff and faculty make up Colorado State's Cinco
de Mayo committee that has planned the day's events.
A schedule of events follows. Events are free and will be
held on the Lory Student Center West Lawn.
2-2:10 p.m - Patricia Vigil, kick-off speech.
2:10 p.m. - Non-Prophet Poets. Poetry reading throughout the afternoon
by students from
Colorado State and the community.
2:15-2:45 p.m. - Grupo Alegria Estilo Cultural folkloric dance
performance.
2:45-3 p.m. - Official welcome from Colorado State University President
Albert C. Yates.
Speech on history and education by Geraldine Aragon, director of academic
advancement. Speech on
the significance of the celebration by Ernie Chavez, psychology professor.
Committee awards
presentation.
3-3:45 p.m. - Grupo Aztlan concert.
3:45-4 p.m. - Norberto Valdez; speech about the battle at Puebla.
4-4:15 p.m. - Grupo Folklorico Flor Antigua youth group performance.
4:15-4:45 p.m. - Chaos concert.
4:45-6:15 p.m. - Latin Crossover Band concert and dance.
6:15-7:30 p.m. - Rayo concert, a tribute to Carlos Santana.
This year, the committee has started the tradition of celebrating
Cinco de Mayo on campus
with large-scale, inclusive activities. "It's not just for Latinos, Chicanos,
or Hispanics," said Salas. "It's
for everyone to learn about history and culture."
Salas pointed out that learning about diversity often takes place
outside of the classroom with
events like Disability Awareness Days, the Martin Luther King Jr. Walk and
Cinco de Mayo
festivities.
Salas added that beyond the food, fun and excitement, the event has a
deeper meaning for all
types of people. "We can look at the history, the battle at Puebla, which
demonstrates that hard work
and perseverance really do pay off in overcoming obstacles."
Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, is a day to celebrate a significant
battle in Mexico's history.
On May 5, 1862, 6,000 French soldiers and 2,000 allies began a march inland
from the coast of
Veracruz, expecting little resistance before a battle for Mexico City. They
were surprised when they
encountered 4,000 young Mexican soldiers in Puebla, just east of Mexico City.
Although outnumbered,
outgunned and inexperienced in battle, the Mexican army turned the French
back and was able to
preserve the capital city for another year. The battle remains a source of
pride and inspiration, which
will be commemorated in the United States and Mexico on May 5 with song,
dance and festivities.
For more information, call Salas, the assistant director of El Centro,
at (970) 491-5722.
This page © 1997-1998 World Wide Express, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Many news stories on RamLine.com come from the Colorado State University Public Relations Office. You can get copies of the news releases directly by filling out this form.