Sun cover 050108 – Cinco de Mayo 2008
On Sunday, May 4, the Sonoma Plaza will be filled with the spicy aromas of authentic Mexican food, the sounds of lively Mexican music with Mariachi Tacomal, and the sight of colorful dancers Azteca Coyoalxauqui and Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl when La Luz Center presents the 18th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta for Education. The event will start at noon and continue with action, fun and educational opportunities until 5 p.m.
“We are proud to bring this family-friendly, alcohol-free fiesta to the public each year,” said Ellen LaBruce, executive director of La Luz Center, “and we are working to make this year the best ever.” Musical entertainment will include Mariachis, local bands playing Latino favorites and presentation of the Cinco de Mayo children’s poster contest winners. Folkloric dancers will also be featured and local organizations will have booths with community information and activities for children.
A proud history
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, Mexico in 1862, not Mexican Independence. Although Mexico had declared its independence from Spain in 1810, it took 11 years before the Spanish soldiers were forced out of the country.
On May 5, 1862, a small determined band of Mexican citizens and soldiers temporarily halted the invasion by French forces of one of the world’s most powerful armies, led by Napoleon III. The Cinco de Mayo celebration is the third most important festivity in Mexico after Mexican Independence (September 16) and Mexican Revolution (November 20). However, the May 5 celebration is the event most popular among Mexicans in the United States.
“The message conveyed to Mexico’s citizens was one of hope against all odds, a fitting inspiration for the thousands of Mexican-Americans who work every day to overcome the language and cultural barriers to success in the U.S.” said LaBruce. “The fiesta is both an opportunity to celebrate Sonoma’s Mexican ancestry and a fundraiser to provide college scholarships to high school graduates who began their schooling as English language learners.”
Poster Contest
Lauren Johnson, a third grader at El Verano Elementary School, is the winning artist in La Luz Center’s annual poster contest. She will receive a framed copy of the poster, designed by Lynn Ross Graphic Design, a gift certificate from Readers’ Books and other gifts. The poster contest winner and runners up will be presented with awards at 2 p.m. in the Grinstead Amphitheater.
“Lauren’s painting is full of movement and color – conveying the feel we wanted for our fiesta,” said LaBruce. “The children’s poster contest is a great way to get kids involved in Cinco, in which we celebrate our valley’s Mexican heritage and raise money for college scholarships. This year we have all new activities for children at this family event. There will be a costume contest with prizes for the most authentic Mexican outfits, face painting, candle making, a treasure hunt and other games.”
Six runners-up in the poster contest were Sofia Vitale and Maddie Cashel from Flowery; Creighton Rochlin from Sonoma Charter; Kerstin Steiger from Prestwood; Alonzo Carrillo from Dunbar; and Sydney Shopoff from Woodland Star Charter. There were also two honorable mentions: Paige Knef from Prestwood and Rachel Shopoff from Woodland Star Charter. These students will receive a special printing of their artwork and a set of note cards that display their paintings. Posters and note cards will be on sale in the Plaza during the day of the Fiesta at the La Luz Booth.
All contest entries will be displayed in the children’s section of the Sonoma Valley Regional Library at 755 West Napa Street from April 28 through May.
Schedule of Events
Master of Ceremony
Victor Mejia and Griselda Mata
12 noon Opening: National anthems of United States and Mexico
by the Valley of the Moon Boys & Girls Club
Welcome by Sy Lenz
Introduction of Sonoma Mayor Joanne Sanders
12:15 p.m. Music by El Mariachi Tecomal
1:15 p.m. Introduction of La Luz Board of Directors by La Luz Executive Director Ellen LaBruce
1:30-2 p.m. Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl
2 p.m. Poster Winners Presentation
Lauren Johnson, Sofia Vitale, Maddie Cashel, Creighton Rochlin,
Kerstin Steiger, Alonzo Carrillo, Sydney Shopoff, Paige Knef,
Rachel Shopoff
2:15 p.m. Danza Azteca Coyoalxauqui
2:45 p.m. Mexican Traditional Costume Contest
Raffle winners announced
3-5 p.m. Veneno Musical
5 p.m. ¡Adios!
Schedule of Events
