The holiday of Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico, celebrated most vigorously in the state of Puebla. The 5th of May celebrates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is not Mexico's Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16th.
The City of Cleveland celebrates Cinco de Mayo out of respect for its Mexican population specifically but for the Hispanic and broader community as well. A luncheon event was held at Cleveland City Hall on May 5, 2015.
The Santa Cecilia Mariachi Band entertained the crowd before the ceremony.
Santa Cecilia Mariachi Band
They performed the classic Mexican folk song La Bamba at the City of Cleveland's 2015 Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall
The Santa Cecilia Mariachi Band also performed this classic Mexican folk song.
The Cleveland Division of Police Color Guard presented the colors.
Cleveland Division of Police Color Guard
Lisa Guzman-Roman sang the US National Anthem.
Lisa Guzman-Roman
Next, the National Anthem of Mexico was played.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Eddie Negron.
Reverend Eddie Negron invocation
Lou Acosta, MC of the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Cleveland explained the holiday at the City of Cleveland's 2015 Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.
Lou Acosta
He then introduced Community Relations Board Director Blaine Griffin who spoke of Cleveland's diversity.
Blaine Griffin
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson spoke next.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
Consul of Mexico in Detroit Juan Manuel Solana Morales spoke at the City of Cleveland's 2015 Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall. He told of the 51 Mexican Consulates in the US and the first non-Consulate location at MetroHealth Hospital in Cleveland.
Consul of Mexico in Detroit Juan Manuel Solana Morales
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur spoke next.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
Marcy Kaptur and Lucy Torres
Navidad Pagan was honored with a Community Award.
Blaine Griffin, Navidad Pagan and Lucy Torres
The HOLA Mexican Dancers performed classic Mexican dances.
