Dancers’ Tribute to Cinco de Mayo

Through ancient Aztec dances, the Xipetotec troupe Tuesday vividly portrayed the Cinco de Mayo story: The indigenous people of Mexico, armed only with handmade weapons and determination, claimed victory over the well-equipped French troops during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Though rain forced the festivities at Fullerton College indoors, it failed to dampen the celebration, which delivered a lesson on the Mexican holiday’s history and the culture of that country’s native people.

“We’re representing the Mexican Indians who fought very valiantly to protect their land against the powerful French army,” Tonantzin Carmelo, a member of the Xipetotec dance troupe, told an audience of about 100.

Carmelo and three other dancers, dressed in traditional warrior costumes with feather headdresses, performed several numbers.

The Aztecs used dance to pay tribute to the earth, air, water and fire, head dancer Ramon Ramirez said, after performing the fast-paced fire dance xiucoatl.

“All of our native traditions are built around recognizing the elements of nature,” he said.

“It’s inspiring and educational,” student Sandra Vasquez, 20, said about the event, which also included a performance by Mariachi Guadalajara.

“I didn’t really know about the Aztec culture and my Mexican heritage. . . . I learned a lot today.”

Vasquez and other students danced, ate Mexican food and applauded the performers, who livened up the student center. Though most were there for the entertainment, the holiday’s serious message was not lost.

“We’re celebrating for the right reason,” said 21-year-old Rosalinda Ramirez, a member of the campus Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, which sponsored the celebration.

“It’s not about the commercial Cinco de Mayo. It’s about commemorating the indigenous resistance to colonization.”

Added Andres Hernandez, a musician with Mariachi Guadalajara: “It’s a good way of keeping the culture alive. It makes you feel proud and happy.”