EVERETT—The Snohomish County Council unanimously approved Resolution 26-020, recognizing May 5 in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, at its General Legislative Session, Tuesday, May 5.
Speaking, on behalf of the resolution, were Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, Snohomish County PUD Commissioner Dr. Julieta Altamirano-Crosby, Gerardo Javier Guiza Vargas, Deputy Consul at the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle, and Zac McCown, President of Carpenters Union Local 425.
“We gather to commemorate Cinco de Mayo, not as a proud celebration, but as an important moment in history,” Commissioner Dr. Altamirano-Crosby said. “Cinco de Mayo marks the victory of the Mexican army over French forces on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla. This was not just a military victory; it was a powerful act of sovereignty. At a time when Mexico faced foreign intervention, limited resources, and great uncertainty, its people stood strong in defense of their nation. Against all odds, a smaller and less equipment force prevailed, showing courage, unity, and determination. That victory became a lasting symbol not of power, but of dignity, resilience, and the will to protect one’s homeland.”
The history between the United States of America and the United States of Mexico are intertwined within generations of politics and tradition. In the United States, 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.
“I had the pleasure of being in San Diego last week with the Seattle Chamber and was reminded almost half of our country was part of Mexico at one time,” Executive Somers said. “And we share such a rich history. Our histories and our cultures are interwoven, and we are stronger for it. As some of the speakers have said, and I’m very pleased to celebrate this day.”
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.
“Allow me to express my gratitude to County Executive Dave Somers for his leadership and commitment in celebrating our richness of our communities,” Gerardo Javier Guiza Vargas, Deputy Consul at the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle said. “I’d also like to thank the members of the Snohomish County Council, especially Chair Megan Dunn, council members Nate Nehring and Jared Mead, for this meaningful recognition.”
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.
Mexican food, drink, and the arts have embedded themselves in traditions in Snohomish County. 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
