For the most part, the holiday of Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico, celebrated most vigorously in the state of Puebla. The 5th of May celebrates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is not Mexico's Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16th.
The City of Cleveland celebrates Cinco de Mayo out of respect for its Mexican population. A luncheon event was held at Cleveland City Hall on May 4, 2012.
The Alma de Mexico dancers entertained the crowd before the ceremony.
Alma de Mexico dancers Anita Cruz and Jackie Prosac
Alma de Mexico dancer Jackie Prosac
Alma de Mexico dancer Anita Cruz
Eduardo Romero, Risk Manager for the City of Cleveland, served as Master of Ceremony.
Ed Romero
A Police Color Guard began the ceremony.
Cleveland Police Color Guard
This was followed by the singing of the US National Anthem by Clayton Harris, Chief of Police of Tri-C.
National Anthem by Clayton Harris, Chief of Police of Tri-C
Then the Mexican National Anthem was played.
Pastor Jesus Laboy gave the opening invocation.
Pastor Jesus Laboy
Mayor Frank Jackson, Director Blaine Griffin, Hispanic Liasion Lucy Torres and others spoke.
Mayor Frank Jackson
Rick Reynolds of the City of Cleveland Community Relations Board gives some background and information about the Battle of Puebla and Cinco de Mayo
Rick Reynolds
Ward 14 Cleveland Councilman Brian Cummins represents the largest number of Hispanics in Cleveland in his ward. He spoke in Spanish and English.
Brian Cummins
Dr. Maria Pujana introduced the keynote speaker Dr. Jorge Calles-Escandon, M.D.
Dr. Maria Pujana
Dr. Jorge Calles-Escandon, M.D. gave the keynote address at Cleveland City Hall to celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2012. He suggested that Cleveland should be renamed Cleverland.
Dr. Jorge Calles-Escandon, M.D.
The Mariachi Band of Indianapolis performed.
Mariachi Band of Indianapolis
Viva Mexico.
La Bamba
Enjoy these images from the Cinco de Mayo celebration in City Hall.
Dr. Jorge Calles-Escandon with son, wife and Mayor Jackson
