SACRAMENTO, Calif — As Cinco De Mayo draws near, leaders in the Latino community share the best ways to celebrate the day.
Johana Ramirez and Carlos Montes-Ponce, directors at the Latino Center for Arts and Culture, both said that the easiest way to observe the day is to enjoy the food and music of the Mexican culture while also being respectful of the Mexican community.
"It's a matter of being respectful just as [Mexicans] are during American Independence celebrations," Ramirez said.
Ramirez and Montes-Ponce said that learning more about the day can be a good way to celebrate.
Cinco de Mayo is just a regular day to most Mexicans since it is the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This battle marks the Mexican army's defeat of the French army in the French-Mexican War (1861-1867). This war caused France to have such great debts that they were unable to aid the Confederacy in the American Civil War.
"It's not really a big deal for Mexicans," Ramirez said. "Its more of a thing for people in America unless you live in Puebla where the battle happened."
Ramirez and Montes-Ponce said that this day shouldn't be used as a way to excuse excessive alcohol consumption. Try to avoid using the phrase "Cinco de Drinko," Ramirez said.
Montes-Ponce said that trying not to perpetuate stereotypes is a good move. He said that people wearing sombreros and overly large mustaches may seem funny, but they are not respectful of the Mexican community.
All in all, Ramirez said that people should just enjoy the day.
"Eat food, go out and celebrate," Ramirez said. "At least, that's what I will be doing."
Ernesto Delgado owns three Mexican restaurants in Sacramento. He said he makes sure there are Cinco de Mayo events available that provide a way to learn about Mexican culture.
"It's part of my goal to educate. It's not just a crazy, mad weekend to just party," Delgado said. "Showing and keeping our culture alive is really important."
Delgado has celebrated Cinco De Mayo with the Sacramento community for around 7 years at his restaurant Mayaheul. He said that he wants Sacramento to have more opportunities to come together and celebrate culture.
Delgado explained that he found it important to start a Cinco De Mayo celebration at his restaurant La Cosecha since it is in Cesar Chavez Plaza.
"La Plaza in Mexico is a place for celebrations," Delgado said. "It is where life happens."
Delgado said that his continuing tradition of celebrating Cinco De Mayo is his way of sharing Mexican culture.
La Cosecha will host El Carnaval de Chavez May 4 and May 5. The event is set to include live music, art, dancing, classic cars and lucha libre. There will also be food and drinks for purchase.
Cost: $10 for entrance. Tickets can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.
Address: 917 9th St., Sacramento, California 95814
Mayahuel will have live music and dancing all weekend to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Address: 1200 K St., Sacramento, California 95814
Mesa Mercado will be hosting live music May 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Address: 6241 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite B, Carmichael, California 95608
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