Past and Prologue

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in grand fashion with mariachi music, folkloric dancers, games and plenty of tacos and tamales.

In Orange County, Cinco de Mayo was celebrated much the same way Saturday--but with a political twist.

From La Habra to San Clemente, thousands of people marked the 1862 victory of the Mexican army over French troops with a mixture of fun and seriousness as officials urged greater Latino voter registration.

“We want people to follow in the tradition of the Cinco de Mayo revolution, to stand up and take control of their lives,” Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove) told thousands of revelers at a festival in Anaheim’s La Palma Park. “That’s what voting is all about.”

Festival organizers said Sanchez’s speech prompted about 30 people to fill out voter registration cards.

Many of the other celebrants said they had other things on their mind.

“We’re having fun,” 10-year-old Arturo Jimenez said.

“I like the mariachi music,” added Antonio S. Dominguez, an 80-year-old Anaheim resident. “I’m dancing and having fun just like the kids. This is a great diversion.”

Starr and Ronald Williams, also of Anaheim, don’t speak Spanish and couldn’t understand parts of the festival program. But the couple said they enjoyed the music and dancing nonetheless.

“We like the melody, the beat of the singing and the tostadas, carne asada and strawberry juices,” Ronald Williams said.

Cinco de Mayo, which officially falls on Tuesday, commemorates the Battle of Puebla and how the underdog Mexicans defeated the better-armed French troops. The battle united Mexicans in their war against the French invaders.

A few miles north of La Palma Park, a smaller neighborhood festival in Fullerton drew about 60 people.

The fancy footwork of the Xochipitzahuatl dance troupe highlighted the event.

The dancers wore the traditional white dresses and black lace aprons from Veracruz, Mexico.

They performed popular traditional numbers including “La Bamba” and “La Bruja.”

Lucy Ruiz, the dance group’s director, said Cinco de Mayo is a time when families can get together and appreciate their roots.

“For us Mexicans and Mexican Americans, the Battle of Puebla gives us pride,” said Ruiz, a former schoolteacher in Mexico City. “It also provides the opportunity for us to teach the children.”

Jimmy Ramos, who teaches English in Fullerton and La Habra, agreed.

He attended the festival in Anaheim on Saturday, where he expressed concern that hundreds of children didn’t have a clue about what they were celebrating.

“Cinco de Mayo is the best thing we celebrate in May,” said Luis Montano, 12, of Santa Ana. “I don’t know what the history is, but I like it.”

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Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

Orange County Cinco de Mayo celebrations have already commenced, but it’s not too late to join the festivities. They include:

TODAY

* Festival and carnival

What: Games, rides and food; Mass, 9 a.m.; soccer tournament finals, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: La Palma Park, at La Palma Avenue and Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim

When: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Admission: free

* Festival

What: Food, games, carnival rides and live entertainment, sponsored by Radio Exitos

Where: Centennial Regional Park, Edinger Avenue and Fairview Street, Santa Ana

When: Noon-10 p.m.

Admission: Free

TUESDAY

* Aztec dancers and mariachis

Where: Fullerton College, 321 E. Chapman Ave.

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

* Singer Sandy Garcia, Mariachi Cisneros and a Mexican folkloric dance troupe

Where: Century High School, 1401 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana

When: 6:30 p.m.

Admission: $2

CONTINUING

* Art exhibit

What: Works by artists from Mexico and other Latin American countries

Where: Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona Ave.

When: Through May 24

Hours: Noon-4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; 6-8 p.m., Thursday

Admission: Adults, $3; students, $2; children younger than 12, free

Researched by MIMI KO CRUZ / For The Times