Greetings from the Great Bend Public Library, and ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Here at the library we have a special display put on by the El Sol Folk Dancing Club from the Great Bend High School. There will be traditional regalia on display as well as pictures of the club and its members all the way from 1993 to today. The display will be up until May 10. Be sure to come by and celebrate Mexican culture and see this beautiful regalia up close.
On Saturday, May 8, the folk dancers are performing at the courthouse. On the day of Cinco de Mayo (May 5), you can expect another celebration with lots of activities, including a performance by the folk dancers at the bandshell starting at noon. There will be a story about the origins of the piñata and its significance. There will even be an authentic piñata, as well as a Story Walk around Jack Kilby Square. There is lots of Cinco de Mayo fun to be had both on May 5 and beyond.
I thought with Cinco de Mayo coming up, this would be a good time to share some history about the holiday. Cinco de Mayo, which translates to “the fifth of May,” is a holiday celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a pivotal victory for Mexico over Napoleon III’s French forces. Cinco de Mayo is, in fact, not Día de la Independencia (Mexican Independence Day), as it is often mistakenly associated with. Mexico Celebrates their Independence from Spain on September 16. Although Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday in Mexico itself, it is a great time to celebrate Mexican and Mexican-American culture here in the U.S. The first Cinco de Mayo celebration in the United States took place in 1863 in southern California to show solidarity and support for Mexico.
If you are looking for some books about Cinco de Mayo and Mexico in general, Hoopla has several books on the subject, including lots of children’s books with information all about the holiday. Hoopla also has numerous books on Mexico in general, from food to culture to travel. Check out a Mexican e-cookbook, and try your hand at a new dish! For our Spanish-speaking friends who are already well acquainted with Cinco De Mayo, consider taking some time this year to check out one of the thousands of titles offered in Spanish on Hoopla.
As a reminder, Hoopla is a free digital service for our library patrons. All you need is a library card! I hope everyone has a festive and safe Cinco de Mayo, and don’t forget to stop by to see our display and watch the El Sol Club perform at the courthouse on May 8.
Hannah Grippin is outreach manager at the Great Bend Public Library (greatbendpl.infi). Call 620-792-2409, email gbcirc@gmail.com or send a message on Facebook.
