Cinco de Mayo resonates after rally clash
The mood was largely celebratory for many of the Cinco de Mayo fiestas sprinkled across the Southland. Green, white and red balloons swayed in the air while people swayed to mariachi music on the ground.
For some, though, the annual observance of an outmanned and under-equipped Mexican militia’s victory over French forces nearly 150 years ago took on an even greater significance this year. Because of last week’s incident at MacArthur Park, where police officers fired at least 240 foam, sponge or fiber projectiles at protesters, many said the same struggle resonates today.
“They stood up to intolerance back then,” said Yvonne Gonzales, one of about 200 people attending the 15th annual Watts Cinco de Mayo Fair. “When police are bullying people who are just trying to march, it’s obvious that we are still fighting the same thing.”
Jesus Lopez, 31, of Los Angeles said Tuesday’s incident would only strengthen the community’s resolve.
“The courage that people had back then to defend their land is still with us today,” he said. “We need to remind people that it’s up to them to make sure that their community stays together.”
Other celebrations were held in Los Feliz, Woodland Hills, Pasadena and Carson.
At historic Olvera Street downtown, thousands attended the first of a two-day festival that featured pinata- and sombrero-making, food, dancing and mariachi music.
Gabriel Feliz, 22, looked forward to extending his Cinco de Mayo festivities into the evening.
“I’m going to watch the [Oscar] De La Hoya, [Floyd] Mayweather [Jr.] fight,” he said. “If De La Hoya wins, who knows when we stop partying? If not, who cares? It’s still a time to celebrate.”
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