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Angelinos flock to Olvera Street for annual celebration

By Daily Bruin Staff

May 5, 1996 9:00 p.m.

Monday, May 6, 1996

Cinco de Mayo draws thousands looking for Mexican food,
cultureBy Toni Dimayuga

Daily Bruin Contributor

CIVIC CENTER — Despite the sweltering heat on a Sunday
afternoon, thousands of people turned up at Olvera Street for the
annual Cinco de Mayo celebration.

The two-day long festivity commemorates the victory of the
Mexican army over the French. On May 5, 1862, General Ignacio
Zaragoza led 5,000 men and defeated the French army in the Battle
of Puebla.

To honor this success, Olvera Street ­ itself a historical
landmark and tourist hot spot as the birthplace of Los Angeles and
a center of Mexican heritage ­ was converted into one massive
block party.

Tourists and native Angelenos alike came out to eat traditional
Mexican dishes available from countless stands and listen to
mariachi bands. Children waited in line to ride on carnival rides.
Vendors hawked a variety of wares such as T-shirts, souvenir
Mexican flags, and hats. A few especially patriotic women and young
girls even wore traditional Mexican dresses of red, green and white
­ the colors of the Mexican flag.

Many people came to celebrate and understand the significance of
this important day. Virginia Leon and Art Bisetti, both born and
raised in East Los Angeles but now living in Monterey Park,
explained that celebrating the holiday is a reminder of their
heritage.

"To see cultural events, to see what Mexican power is … It’s
the Mexicans overpowering their first opponent, more or less," Leon
said.

"It’s when the Spanish conquered the French, and I’m not sure
about the year, but that’s why they celebrate it. It’s a part of
our heritage, and I’m proud of it," Bisetti said.

Others explained that they came to Olvera Street simply because
they believed it would be fun for the family. Paul Meza, from
Pasadena, said that he has been bringing his family for years
because he believed his children would enjoy the festivities.

"We got kids, so we decided to come out here and do something.
We like to go see the mariachis. I don’t know, I’m Mexican, so I
like Chicano, the music, songs … I kind of grew up in the area,"
Meza said, sweat trickling down his face.

Some first timers to the celebration, such as Belen Rodriguez
and Joel Bartain, explained that they enjoyed the many sights
available.

"There’s a lot of stuff, a lot of different kinds of foods and a
lot of stuff that you can buy. There’s a lot of entertainment over
there," Rodriguez said, pointing at the gazebo where musicians and
dancers performed.

There was one main complaint voiced about the weekend event: The
excessive number of people. Throngs of celebraters, young and old,
lined up at the food stands, visiting different booths, or playing
carnival games. Still countless others simply stood around watching
performers and eating.

Meza explained that the growing number of people is getting to
him.

"It just keeps on getting more and more crowded each year, so
now it’s kind of getting unbearable," he said.

First timer Rodriguez echoed Meza’s reaction.

"It’s nice, but there’s too many people, you could hardly walk,"
Rodriguez said.

But some people, like Leon, were not bothered by the crowd.

"It’s very crowded, there’s a lot of people, but it’s okay,"
Leon said.

MY LINH TRUONG

Jeronimo Coronilla plays his accordian at the annual Cinco de
Mayo celebrations in downtown Los Angeles.

MY LINH TRUONG

People of all generations came for the annual Mexican
festival.

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