Battle or No, It’s Cinco de Mayo Time

Cinco de Mayo celebrations across Orange County on Friday paid tribute to a key battle in Mexico’s struggle for independence, though some participants were not clear about what they were celebrating.

Some taking part in events--ranging from after-school carnivals to a weekend extravaganza in Santa Ana’s Centennial Park--described Friday as a day to spend time with family and have fun.

Others gave the holiday a political slant, describing it as a chance to counter negative stereotypes of Mexican Americans with displays of native culture and pride.

At UC Irvine, a noon performance by a mariachi band and Aztec dancers allowed many to reconnect with their heritage.

The occasion is especially important “for those of us over here who are struggling to hold on to our culture,” said Maria Malagon, 18, a freshman at UC Irvine. “I remember my mom always telling me not to forget my history and culture.”

The traditional performances are a reminder that Cinco de Mayo is not a day just for “tequila shots and margaritas,” said Fernando Molina, 26, a graduate history student.

“It’s become really commercialized, with beer sponsors and drinking, and that’s really taken away from the significance of the holiday,” Molina said.

Spectators of varying backgrounds enjoyed the campus performance, including 14-year-old Mahbub Sarwar of Anaheim. The ninth-grader visited the campus Friday with fellow college-bound students from Oxford Academy in Cypress and caught the Cinco de Mayo events by chance.

“I think everyone can enjoy this holiday,” said Mahbub, who learned about it in his Spanish class. “It’s how people can unite.”

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the date on which Mexican troops defeated the invading French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The holiday was popularized in the United States by Chicano activists in the 1960s and ‘70s as a way to celebrate their cultural identity.

The historical significance of the day was mostly lost on 10-year-old Danny Olivan, who played carnival games after school in the parking lot of the Tustin Family and Youth Center.

“I know it’s important to Mexicans,” said Danny, who didn’t know anything about a historic battle. “My mom said where she was born, they make a lot of fiestas and stuff” on May 5.

Danny and about 200 other children had their faces painted and won prizes during the carnival, sponsored by the youth center.

“We just want to make it a fun day for the kids and families,” said Anita Rodriguez, who teaches a Head Start class at the center. “It would be nice for them to know why the day is important, but I’ve noticed that this generation thinks it’s a day just for fun.”

A carnival with rides, games and food will continue through Sunday at Centennial Park in Santa Ana.