CELEBRATING heritage

Denton hosts one of the biggest Cinco de Mayo festivals in North Texas.

here is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexico’s independence from Spain. Some are surprised to learn that Mexicans celebrate their independence from Spain on September 16. And while its roots are deeply tied to the ideal of Mexican patriotism, Cinco de Mayo is really the celebration of a single battle. On May 5, 1862, near the Mexican town of Puebla, the underdog Mexican army soundly defeated the French army, which, at the time, was considered the greatest military force in the world. The victory became known as the Batalla de Puebla, but has since simply become Cinco de Mayo.

Oddly, Cinco de Mayo is considered a minor holiday in most of Mexico. It’s only here in the United States that it receives the royal treatment, so to speak. In the U.S., and especially in Texas, it’s one of the biggest holidays of the year, with celebrations rivaling those on the Fourth of July.

>>Denton County Fiesta

Denton knows how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo right. With more than 12,000 people expected to attend the 21st celebration of the holiday in the city of Denton, it’s one of the biggest Cinco de Mayo events in North Texas.

It all starts the morning of May 3 with a colorful parade. Participants dressed in traditional Mexican attire, decorated lowriders, and Mexican dancers will make their way from Texas Woman’s University, past the courthouse and into the Denton Civic Center parking lot. Once the parade arrives, the festival begins. Expect to find more than 60 vendors selling food, jewelry, and crafts; dancing—lots of dancing; and entertainment on two stages.

“The entire family is welcome and we usually see the whole family, from nieces and nephews to grandparents,” says Denton Civic Center Manager Myra Anderson. “It’s a celebration of Mexican culture, but it’s open to the entire community.”

And then there is the centerpiece of the festival: the crowning of La Reina de Cinco de Mayo, “The Queen of Cinco de Mayo.” La Reina is chosen from a group of teenage girls who participate in several events throughout the day, including an interview and dance competition. It all culminates in a crowning ceremony that features a traditionally choreographed dance.

“We usually start training about four or five months before the festival, and we rehearse about three times a week for three to four of those months,” says Gricelda Samano, chairwoman of the La Reina committee and dance choreographer for the event. “It’s a big honor in Mexican society to be crowned La Reina.”

As if all that wasn’t enough for one day, there’s also the crowd-favorite soccer tournament and plenty of activities for the kids, including bounce houses, piñatas, and an arts-and-crafts activity area.