For the most part, 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. A luncheon event was held at Cleveland City Hall on May 5, 2011.
Eduardo Romero, Risk Manager for the City of Cleveland, served as Master of Ceremony.
Eduardo Romero
A Police Color Guard began the ceremony. This was followed by the singing of the US National Anthem by Clayton Harris, Chief of Police of Tri-C. Then the Mexican National Anthem was played.
Cleveland Police Color Guard
Clayton Harris
Father Robert Reidy of La Sagrada Familia church gave the opening invocation.
Father Robert Reidy
Then Lucy Torres, Hispanic Liaison for the Cleveland Community Relations Board, made some opening remarks.
Lucy Torres
Next Mayor Frank Jackson spoke.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
Then, Cleveland Community Relations Board Director Blaine Griffin spoke.
Blaine Griffin
Cleveland Community Relations Board Member Jenice Contreras introduced keynote speaker Mexican Consul Vincente Sanchez-Ventura.
Jenice Contreras
Mexican Consul Vincente Sanchez-Ventura gave the keynote address.
Mexican Consul Vincente Sanchez-Ventura
Lucy Torres and Mayor Jackson present a gift to Consul Vincente Sanchez-Ventura
Mayor Jackson reads a proclamation for the Consul
Cleveland Councilman Brian Cummins and Consul Sanchez-Ventura
Luis Gomez read a tribute from Congressman Kucinich as part of an honor to Zulema Carreon.
Luis Gomez
Pastor Luis Vizcarrondo gave the closing Benediction.
Pastor Luis Vizcarrondo
Aztec Dance performed while people enjoyed the food from Lily's Catering.
Aztec Dance
Lily's Catering
Enjoy these images from the Cinco de Mayo celebration in City Hall.
Maria Pujana and Eduardo Romero
Head Table at Cinco de Mayo event
Lucy Torres
Joe Thomas, Joe Meissner and Pierre Bejjani from WIN-Cleveland
WIN Cleveland members with Mexican Consul Sanchez-Ventura
Red Room meeting before the celebration
Richard Eastburn, Asim Datta, Donna Dabbs, Gia Hoa Ryan and Arooj Ashraff from WIN Cleveland
Dan Hanson and Mexican Consul Vincente Sanchez-Ventura
Mexican Flag in Cleveland City Hall for Cinco de Mayo
Congratulations to Eduardo Romero, Lucy Torres and all involved in this wonderful celebration.
