By Brent E. Beltrán
Cinco de Mayo commemorates El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (The Day of the Battle of Puebla) where in 1862 a ragtag Mexican army lead by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated a much superior and better equipped force of the French army. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. It’s not even a significant holiday in Mexico except in the state of Puebla where the battle took place.
After the great liberal Mexican president Benito Juarez decided to stop paying Mexico’s foreign debt for two years to help it’s near bankrupt national treasury France’s Napoleon III, pissed off by this move, decided to invade and build up it’s empire.
At the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe in Puebla state an 8,000 soldier strong French army, the best army in the world at the time, attacked the ill equipped Mexican army that numbered around 4,000. Somehow the Mexican army crushed it’s much larger counterpart giving the Mexican nation a huge morale boost.
Unfortunately, the victory did not last very long because within a year Napoleon’s 30,000 strong invading military defeated the entire Mexican army. This sent the Juarez government into hiding. Napoleon then installed Emperor Maximilian I to rule over Mexico.
But that only lasted from 1864-1867 as the remaining Mexican forces, with financial help from America once their Civil War was over, conducted a campaign of guerrilla warfare that eventually unseated, captured and executed the wanna be emperor and his turncoat Mexican generals. On June 5, 1867 President Benito Juarez returned to Mexico City like a rock star.
The victory at Puebla has been celebrated in California since 1863 but really came into prominence in the 1940’s. It wasn’t until the 1950’s and 1960’s that Cinco de Mayo started crossing the US as Chicanos looked for a holiday to celebrate as their own. Defeating the invading European colonizers was reason enough.
It really took off in the 1980’s as corporations, especially beer companies, sought ways to sell their products to the burgeoning Mexican American community. Somehow, at some point, Cinco de Mayo started getting confused with Mexican Independence Day which is September 16 and celebrates the Mexican nation’s independence from Spain.
Cinco de Mayo is a relatively insignificant event in the annals of Mexican history. Día de la Independencia is much more important. So is Día de la Revolución Mexicana, November 20, which commemorates the beginning of the Mexican Revolution. Yet somehow Cinco de Mayo has taken hold north of the Mexican border but not south.
Perhaps it’s easier for Americans to digest Mexican Americans celebrating an unimportant battle than it is to see us celebrating our independence or a revolution that was pretty much socialist in nature.
Regardless, Cinco de Mayo continues to be celebrated, though not quite honored, mostly by non-Mexican Americans and drunk college students throughout the United States. Like St. Patrick’s Day it is just another excuse for people to party and put more money into the coffers of alcohol companies. Hopefully, someday it will truly be honored and those that sacrificed their lives on behalf of the Mexican nation will earn the dignity they deserve.
This coming weekend, May 4-5, there will be numerous events celebrating Cinco de Mayo in San Diego. Most will be centered around drinking and others around commemorating the Battle of Puebla.
There is the usual Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo which is free and runs both days (my buddy Pablo Garduño’s band, Alas de Mosca, will be playing there) and there is also two separate events going on at the Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park.
On Saturday the event is Cinco de Mayo: Cantos de Resistencia which will feature a film, music, poetry and art and the Sunday event Cinco de Mayo: Cultura Urbana which features music, food, art and more in a fiesta type setting. More info on other local Cinco de Mayo happenings check out the event listings below.
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Here is my Las Monthly Ondas event list, in chronological order, of some of the ondas that are taking place in San Diego in May. By no means is it a complete list (for more events click on the Calendar tab at the top of the page). These are things that I’ve personally chosen to highlight because they take place in Barrio Logan and surrounding communities or have some personal significance to me because of the issue or who is organizing them. My selection is totally biased. Enjoy.
May 1 @ 2pm
May 1st Day of Action on International Worker’s Day
Workers of the world, unite! Join numerous organizations interested in supporting the working class with a march from Downtown San Diego to Chicano Park. Rally begins at 2pm at the Civic Center. The march to Chicano Park begins at 3:30pm with a rally there to close out the demonstration.
Civic Center
3rd & B St. Downtown
For more info visit
May 1 @ 3pm<
May 1st March North County<
A May 1st March in North County for a fair and dignified immigration reform.
Begins at corner of Bobier Dr. & Santa Fe Ave.
Vista, CA
May 1-5 – Ticket prices vary
Federal Jazz Project
Last chance to see Federal Jazz Project! An unforgettable story about an unbreakable bond between two sisters named San Diego & Tijuana. Conceived and written by Richard Montoya of Culture Clash with music composed by local jazz truympet player Gilbert Castellanos. Directed by Sam Woodhouse.
San Diego Rep
79 Horton Plaza
For more info visit.
May 2 @ 6:30pm – FREE
Precious Knowledge
A screening of the pro-Chicano Studies documentary Precious Knowledge. A panel discussion featuring Chicano Studies students will follow.
San Diego City College – Room MS426
May 2 @ 7pm – FREE but donations are appreciated
Jeremy Scahill Talk and Book Signing
Join Jeremy Scahill, author of the books Dirty Wars and Blackwater, as he speaks on America’s secret wars all over the globe.
Hoover High School Auditorium
4474 El Cajon Blvd
For more info visit.
May 4 – First race at 7:15am – FREE to spectators
Barrio Logan Grand Prix
Join in the thrill of fast-paced bicycle racing by pro racers, top-level amateurs, and a fun children’s cycling event. Barrio Logan Grand Prix has become one of Southern California’s largest cycling events. It is a San Diego community event held in conjunction with the Logan Heights Family Health Center Health Fair.
North end of Barrio Logan along National, Newton and Main St.
For more info visit.
May 4 from 11am-2pm – FREE
2013 Community Vision Award Celebration
Join the San Diego Architectural Foundation at a celebration of Barrio Logan and Mercado del Barrio, winners of the 2013 Community Vision Award. There will be activities, food, music and the presentation of a $25,000 beautification grant.
Mercado del Barrio
1985 National Ave in Barrio Logan
For more info visit.
May 4 from 9am-12pm
Logan Heights Family Health Center Health Fair
Logan Heights Family Health Center presents a free health fair featuring health screenings for cholesterol/blood pressure/diabetes, vision Screening, pregnancy testing plus refreshments, music, Astrojump for the kids, a prize drawing and more.
Logan Heights Family Health Center
1809 National Ave in Barrio Logan
For more info visit.
May 4 from 3-7pm
SD Craft Monsters Mother’s Day Shopping
Enjoy the delicious coffees, teas and other refreshments at Ryan Bros. Coffee while you shop for original, one-of-a-kind, handmade crafts including: original art, award winning jewelry, handbags and purses, beautiful aprons and much more. Featuring: Penny Sparkle Designs, Velapure, Vida Mia Boutique, Wink Artisans, Christal Blue Creations, Streetheart, Back From Tomboctou and Piña Art.
Ryan Bros. Coffee
1894 Main St in Barrio Logan
For more info visit.
May 4 @ 6pm – $5<
Cinco de Mayo Cantos de Resistencia
Noches Culturales presents Cinco de Mayo Cantos de Resistencia featuring music, poetry and art with a special concert by Julio de la Huerta.
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd. in Balboa Park
For more info email.
May 4 @ 7pm – $10
Cinco de Mayo Celebration Concert Featuring “Misa Azteca”
Southwestern College Concert Choir & Chamber Orchestra will be performing Julian Gonzalez’s “Misa Azteca,” a beautiful composition featuring Nahuatl, Spanish and Latin to honor Mexico’s rich culture and history.
Lincoln High School Performing Arts Center
4777 Imperial Ave.
For more info visit.
May 4 @ 7:15pm – FREE
Alas de Mosca Concert
Check out my friend Pablo Garduño’s band Alas de Mosca as they play on the Plaza Stage at Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo.
Old Town San Diego
For more info and a full schedule visit.
May 4 @ 7:30pm – Tix at the door
Rey Misterio Sr. presents Lucha Libre
Rey Misterio Sr brings you another action packed LUCHA LIBRE event! Fun for the entire family, autograph signing, free giveaways, and you may even become part of the match!
Family Gym Stadium
101 17th St. in East Village
For more info visit.
May 5 from 12-6pm – $10 presage, $15 at the door
La Cultura Urbana Cinco de Mayo Festival
FYC and Twentyfive Stripes presents a music and arts day festival celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Featuring live music and djs from AZUCAR, Los Hollywood, Sonidero Travesura, Iabide, Saul Q, Beto Perez, V-Rock, Office Twins, and Pablo Stanley. Cocktails by El Dorado Bar. And live art by various artists. Benefiting El Centro Cultural De La Raza. Hosted by SaulQ and J40.
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd in Balboa Park
For more info visit.
May 5 @ 6pm – $15
Ritmo de Mayo Mexica Conscious Party
A conscious Cinco de Mayo concert featuring the B-Side Player, Cumbia Machin and Las Cafeteras with DJ’s Unite, Sloepoke and Beto Perez.
The Griffin
1310 Morena Blvd in Bay Park
For more info visit.
May 10 from 6-9pm – FREE
Lilia Gracia Castro Solo Exhibition
A contemporary view of pre-Hispanic art featuring selected works by Mexican-American international artist Lilia Gracia Castro. Exhibition from May 10 to June 16.
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd in Balboa Park
For more info visit.
May 11 from 10am-4pm – FREE
San Ysidro Day and Community Resource Fair
Celebrate San Ysidro and meet Mayor Bob Filner. Plus, music, food and prizes.
San Ysidro Community Park
212 W. Park in San Ysidro
For more info visit.
May 11 @ 2:40pm – $30
Alas de Mosca Concert
Check out my friend Pablo Garduño’s band Alas de Mosca as they play on the BluSD Stage at Gator By The Bay.
Spanish Landing Park at Harbor Island
For more info and a complete schedule visit.
May 17 from 11:45am-1pm – $25 tax deductible donation
Spirit of the Barrio
Join the Logan Heights Family Health Center as they present their semi-regular Spirit of the Barrio Luncheon fundraiser. Featuring guess speaker Barbara Khozam.
Logan Heights Family Health Center
1809 National Ave in Barrio Logan
For more info visit.
May 18 @ 10am
Logan Heights Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony
Join the Logan Heights Veterans Memorial Committee, which consists of Barrio Logan’s Don Diego Post 7420, as they dedicate a veteran’s memorial at Chicano Park. A reception will take place afterwards at 2100 Logan Ave.
Chicano Park
Barrio Logan
For more info email.
May 18 from 5-10pm – FREE
Power Animals 3
An opening reception for a group art exhibition on spirit guides. Exhibit runs May 18-25.
The Spot Barrio Logan
1835 Main St.
For more info visit.
May 18 from 6-8:30pm – $20
Association of Raza Educators’ 6th Annual Scholarship Banquet
This annual ARE fundraiser banquet awards scholarships to deserving high school and college students. The banquet features dinner, an art auction, live performances and other cool stuff.
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd in Balboa Park
For more info visit.
May 25 @ 10am – FREE
Cycles of Change: Chicano Park Muralism Screening
Join the filmmakers and artists for a screening of Cycles of Change, a documentary on the Chicano Park Mural Restoration Project. A screening of Chicano Legacy 40 Years, a documentary on the creation of UCSD’s first mural will also take place.
UCSD Peterson Hall Room 104
For more info visit.
Regular barrio happenings:
San Diego Public Market
Buy organic fruits, vegetables and other goodies every Wednesday and Sunday from 9am-2pm at the San Diego Public Market, 1735 National Ave., Barrio Logan. For more info visit.
Latin Jazz Jam
Check out one of San Diego’s finest musical treasures, Bill Caballero, as he hosts his weekly Latin jazz jam every Thursday from 7-10pm at Voz Alta Project, 1754 National Ave., Barrio Logan
Sobreruedas en el Barrio: A Neighborhood Market
Micro-businesses and community vendors have come together for this twice monthly, Sunday afternoon neighborhood mercado. May 5 & 19 from 10am-2pm on 30th St. and Imperial Ave. in Sherman Heights.
If you want your event to be considered for a future Desde la Logan listing send an email with event info to desdelalogan@gmail.com.
Brent E. Beltrán
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Holy Sh*t! What a calendar of events!
Thank you so much for this lesson in Mexican history. I have a Mexican friend who calls the war against the French “la Guerra de Pasteles” . Of course, we north of the border are not taught anything about Mexico and its history. Thanks for the major tidbit about Pres Lincoln helping out Pres Benito Juarez – who was also the first – and only – indigena to be president.
Thanks, Frank! There’re always great events going on. Hopefully people read this and attend a few.
Juarez was a big fan of Lincoln but of course most Americans don’t know that. Or if they did wouldn’t really care. Juarez was the first and so far last full blooded indigena president. The dictator Porfirio Diaz, who fought with Juarez’s forces against the French was a mestizo who was part Mixtec Indian from Oaxaca. He wore powdered makeup to hide his dark complexion. His dictatorship was the cause of the Mexican Revolution.
Brent- public thanks are in order for the very fine work you did assuring that SDFP contributors were prepared to write about Barrio Logan in a meaningful way. The coverage was stellar. You really fired us up, we learned a lot, and had a great time!