EVERETT—The Snohomish County Council unanimously approved Resolution 25-014, recognizing May 5 in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, at its General Legislative Session, Wednesday, April 30.
Speaking, on behalf of the resolution, were Snohomish County PUD Commissioner Dr. Julieta Altamirano-Crosby, Miguel Gonzales founder of Avocados Mexican Restaurant, Don Felipe Hernandez founder of Los Gavilanes Mexican Store, Mario Pimienta founder of Mazatlán Restaurant, Chris Paredes, President of ALPFA Seattle, Zita Paulino of Folklore Oaxaqueño, and Cristina Almeda and Jacob Largo, founders of Largo Tents in Marysville. To view the video of the recognition, click here.
“This celebration isn’t just about honoring history; it is about honoring the leading legacy of the Mexican American community here in Snohomish County. It is about celebrating our culture, our music, our language, our traditions; especially the people who bring those things to life every single day,” Commissioner Dr. Altamirano-Crosby said. “
Each speaker thanked the Council on recognizing there heritage and shared how proud they were for living in and contributing to the betterment of Snohomish County.
In 2022, the City of Lynnwood and Snohomish County were the first city and county, respectively, in Washington state to recognize and observe Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, as the historic struggle of the people of the Republic of Mexico for independence and freedom against the Empire of France.
About Cinco de Mayo
The history between the United States of America and the United States of Mexico are intertwined within generations of politics and tradition. In the USA, Cinco de Mayo is traditionally celebrated as if it were the Mexican Independence Day, which does exist, but is celebrated on September 16th – the day generally regarded as honoring Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s victory over the Second Empire of France at the Battle of Puebla during the Second Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862. The day, which falls on a Monday this year, is also known as the Battle of Puebla Day, and serves as a reminder of the close familial, cultural, spiritual, and economic ties between the republics of Mexico and the United States.
Mexico and the U.S. have grown together as neighbors over the years since both nations have forged their own destinies away from the empires who once dominated them.
Citizens from both countries have moved across their border to pursue lives in each other’s lands, and trade and culture have been prominent points of exchange since both nations came to be and have left indelible marks on one another. One only needs to travel across the western and southwestern states of California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas to recognize all the names of cities, states, and geographical landmarks whose origins proudly bear their Spanish and Mexican roots.
Food, drink, and the arts have embedded themselves in traditions in the north, as well. Though not entirely representative of actual Mexican cuisine, fast food has made us familiar with salsa, tortillas, and refried beans, while more traditional restaurants also provide fare that includes tamales, pozole and various forms of molé. And, of course, who can forget tequila or sangria?
Author: Mario Lotmore
