CincoDeMayoDetroit.org

Mexicans in Black

2011-05-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

OK.
Now I'm having fun!
Yeah, maybe the Cinco de Mayo event in Detroit
ain't what it used to be.
But that doesn't mean
we can celebrate our Mexican humor!

This "Mexicans in Black" t-shirt
is made from 6.1 oz, pre-shrunk 100% cotton.
It wears well on anyone.
Plus it's double-needle stitched at the bottom
and at the sleeve hems for extra durability.

Click on the image to order your
"Mexicans in Black" t-shirt!!!

The Official Mexican In Black Shirt by nopal62

Aztec Calendar Necklace

2011-05-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

. . .an aztec calendar necklace.
just thought this was an interesting piece
worthy of posting. .
also comes in a square medal.
This Aztec Calendar necklace is round and is Sterling Silver Plate.
The Sterling silver plate chain is 18" with 3" extender
with a lobster claw clasp.
This Aztec Calendar Necklace will arrive in a special black felt bag.
It is UV resistant, waterproof,
and has a glossy coating.
The Aztec Calendar charm measures 1.44 inches.
The chain measures 18 inch with 3 inch extender.

Just CLICK on the image to order!

Ancient Mayan Sun Calendar Art Round Necklace by RavenSpiritPrints
See more photo necklaces

Is this blog dead?

2011-05-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

Well,
the Cinco de Mayo has come and gone
for the city of Detroit.

I originally created this blog
to be of assistance
to those who were seeking information
on the festivities
sponsored by the Comite Patriotico Mexicano of Detroit.
I so wanted to be a part of that organization
and do all I could
to help PR the City's events.

But,
as things would have it,
the event got smaller and smaller.
The Comite, for whatever reason,
really wasn't very receptive to my ideas.
And let's face it.
The event in Detroit
became less and less safe.
I'm a pretty positive person
and I do believe the event
could have been bigger and better
and safer,
but it would have required a lot of work
and a lot of people,
which I was willing to recruit.
But the Comite stopped sending me info altogether.
Why is that?
I mean,
a group of folks complain
that there isn't enough help.
Help arrives
but is pushed away.
Alas,
I guess my work to try and save this event,
to try to make it better and safer,
was just not meant to be.

I guess a part of me was being nostalgic.
You see,
my father was not only a member of this organization,
he was also a past president.

There is a much smaller Cinco de Mayo event
held in the City where I live.
I've already made contact
with the person who is in charge of that event,
and I may very well
work with that committee
for Cinco de Mayo 2012.

In any event,
I will keep this blog open and alive.
For now,
I will just post random anything
that is cultural,
anything that supports and celebrates
the Mexican Heritage.

Cinco de Mayo 2010

2010-03-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Information regarding The City of Detroit's 2010
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, usually held in Clark Park,
and the Parade, usually down W. Vernor,
sponsored by Detroit's Mexican Patriotic Committee
is not available at this time.

The Committee
did mail some information to me
regarding possible changes in fees,
but have not sent completed updates,
Schedule, etc.

As I am not meeting with the
Mexican Patriotic Committee this year
I do not have information at this time.

As soon as I hear any update at all
I will be sure to post here
as well as at CincoDeMayoDetroit.com (the website).

If I don't know of updates by the end of March,
I will remove the website.
I built it in good faith last year,
with hopes of encouraging membership
to the Committee
as well as really PRing the event,
but it has been a real struggle
trying to get updates and information.
Although I will remove the website by the end of March,
I will keep this blog up,
just in case there is information
that could help fiesta go-ers
and parade attendees.
Or maybe there is a vendor out there
who wants to participate
or someone wants a place in the parade.
But as of now,
there is no information to post.

If anyone needs more information
please contact
The Mexican Patriotic Committee.

Privacy

2009-11-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

At Cinco de Mayo Detroit, we recognize that the privacy of your personal information is very important.

We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (NOT including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.

Reflections on Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

2009-05-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Detroit celebration of Cinco de Mayo
has become much more
than a comemoration of The Battle of Puebla.
It has become a celebration of Ethnic heritage.

It saddens me that Detroit newspapers
aren’t covering the event
As extensively as they could,
detailing some of many marvelous things
that go on during festival weekend.
That, my friends,
is one of the original reasons
I created this blog over a year ago.

Our youth are very much involved in this event.
Raices Mexicanas and Así Es Mi Tierra
are Ballet Folkoricos
comprised of Detroit area youth.
They are as dedicated to the art of dancing
as many suburban youth are to football,
and perhaps even more so.
The Cinco de Mayo event
also featured dancers from Compás.
Parents and grandparents
are heavily involved with these young dance artists.
Some of these parents and grandparents
stitch, sew and create the dance costumes themselves,
demonstrating a love for their child
and a love for the art of Mexican Ballet Folklorico.

And yet,
I received comments on our Cinco de Mayo website
from those afraid of gang violence.
Personally,
I am more afraid
of not giving our precious youth
a venue and an event
to showcase their talent
and their ethnic pride.
Personally,
I have a greater fear
of not giving our youth
an opportunity to give something back
to the community that created them.

And let’s not forget
Ronald McDonald
who entertained the children on the lawn.
Clark Park:
A place for children to playfully enjoy
the antics of The Clown Dressed in Yellow.

The Cinco de Mayo event
also featured El Mariachi Nuevo Zapopan.
These professional musicians,
also dedicated to their art,
have been gracing the Detroit area
with their talent for many years.
The trumpet starts “El Son de la Negra”
and one can’t help but to be moved to a certain joy
and a certain pride.
I, for one,
appreciate that these talented musicians
carry on this artistic tradition of Mariachi.
And I am proud
that this group hails from Detroit.

Crafters filled the park
with their handiwork. . .
. . . local people
displaying
local arts and crafts. . .
What better way
to celebrate the great creativity
that is so often hidden from public view???

And for those whose entertainment preferences
are more on the classical side,
There was
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra Youth Ensemble.
Again,
young people
sharing their gifts and talents
with the people of the community.
Classical, professional and extremely talented:
That’s the only way I can describe
these wonderful young musicians.
Thank You, DSO Youth,
for gracing Clark Park
during the annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.

And the parade. . .
. . children from area schools,
marching bands, Charros on horseback,
The Lowriders,
Community leaders, . . .
. . Flags, Fun and Fiesta
all rolled into one. . .
that describes our parade.

And let’s not forget the Fun Run.
Yes,
Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
even had something for runners
end walkers,
a way for the athletic to get involved.

And Revolucha de Mayo. .
. . this was their second year with us. . .
entertaining fiesta attendees
with their unique form
of professional wrestling.

I read a few comments on other blogs
stating that this event should have been canceled
due to the fear swine flu.
However, what these fail to realize
is that several nurses where, in fact,
In the park taking blood pressure,
checking blood sugar,
and passing out
much needed
important information
to the community.
These nurses made themselves available.
Kudos to these dedicated health care professionals.
Education conquers fear
each and every time.

The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Detroit
has done a great job
in helping to instill
a certain ethnic pride,
not only to those of Mexican background,
but to Latinos in general.
Clark Park abounded with flags.
I saw more than just the Mexican flag
grace the park.
I saw flags from
Puerto Rico, El Salvador,
Columbia, Venezuela, Guatemala,
Nicaragua, Ecuador, . . .
. . .and of course, Old Glory Herself.
This only goes to show
that the MPC of Detroit
is doing the job her members committed to,
and so much more.

There will always be the “nay sayers” among us,
those who fear the swine flu,
those who fear gang violence.
And, I suppose,
there will always be news folk
who prefer to cover the dismal
as opposed to the marvelous.

And so,
with this blog
I state
that fear will not win.
With this blog
I will write about
Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Event
even if
(and perhaps, because)
local news people don’t.

Thank you to Festival Sponsors.
Thank you to Fiesta Attendees.
And Thank You
to The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Detroit.

God Bless Detroit.
And Diosito,
Please remember Clark Park
and the Southwest Side
In a very special way!

Que Así Sea.

A few more pictures of last year's parade!

2009-05-03T02:20:00.000-07:00

Just in case you aren't sure
that you want to make it to the parade,
I thought I'd post a few photos
of last year's
Cinco de Mayo Parade.

Surely these will inspire you
to come on down to W. Vernor
and enjoy the event!

Asi Es Mi Tierra Ballet Folklorico

Mexican Flag and Flowers

El Geek Squad and the Best Buy Hombre.

Chass

Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation

A Car in the Parade

Arranda's Tires

Diamond Communication (Festival Sponsor 2008)

Just Driving Down Scotten

Revolucha!

2009-05-03T02:14:00.000-07:00

The Revolucha is Today!

The Revolucha starts at 3:00p.m.

But if you miss the Revolucha,
not to worry.

There will be another Revolucha at 6:00p.m.!

That's right.
Show times for Revolucha de Mayo
are today at 3:00p.m. and again at 6:00p.m.

The Revolucha tent
is on the Scotten side of Clark Park
Across the street from the High School.

See at Detroit's 2009 Cinco Mayo Fiesta!

Parade! Parade! Parade!

2009-05-03T02:04:00.000-07:00

Detroit's Great
Cinco de Mayo Parade
is set for today!

Parade time: 12:00p.m. (Noon)
Parade Route: Patton Park to Clark Park
(Down W. Vernor)

Horses, Lowriders,
Bands and Banda,
Community Leaders. . .
And so much more!

This great event only happens once a year, folks!
You don't want to miss this!

See you at Detroit's
Cinco de Mayo Parade!
And then. . .
. . .I'll see at the fiesta in Clark Park!

- - - - - - - -
about the photo:
A Boy with a Mexican Flag
and another person (in background) wearing Boricua Colors.
Taken at parade route finish
(Scotten at Clark),
Detroit Cinco de Mayo Parade 2008.

Festival Preparations

2009-05-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on!
In just a few hours,
Clark Park will be The Place to be
to celebrate!

The park was all abuzz yesterday
with some of the vendors setting up
and some of the kitchens
getting their preliminary set-up done.

The Revolucha de Mayo tent
was already set up when I arrived at 4:00p.m.
And it looks like the beer and tequila
are ready, too!

All that's missing is you!

Come join the festivities
as Detroit celebrates
Mexican heritage with all the fixins'!

. . .Mariachi, Ballet Folklorico,
Taquitos, Cascarones,
The Frank Solano Band. . .

Check the Entertainment Schedule
for details.
And we have two stages this year too!

See you at Clark Park
For Detroit's 2009
Cinco de Mayo
Festival, Parade and Fun Run!

Gracias!

2009-05-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Detroit
at the one and only
beautiful Clark Park
is only hours away!

And you know,
an event of this magnitude
would not be possible
if it weren't for our sponsors.
And so,
we thank them from the bottom of our hearts!

State Farm Insurance

Ambassador Bridge

WSDS La Explosiva 1480AM

Metro PCS

Blue Cross Blue Shield

NuestroDetroit.com

La Jornada Latina

El Central

Tequila Cuatro Cirios

Sam's Club

¡Gracias Amigos!
¡Estamos muy agradecidos!

See you in Clark Park at
Detroit's 2009 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

Fiesta Time 2009!

2009-05-01T03:52:00.000-07:00

It's Here!
Only one day away!

The Cinco de Mayo Event
held in Detroit's Clark Park
proves to be an event the whole family can enjoy
every year!

Everything from Mariachi
to Ballet Folklorico;
Detroit Symphony Youth Ensemble
to Revolucha de Mayo;
Crafters;
Cascarones:
Community Leaders;
Fun Run, Parade,
Good Food,
Good Music. . .
(don't forget to check out
the entertainment schedule!!!)
Who could ask for anything more????

Do join us this weekend,
from 12:00noon until 8:00p.m.
on Saturday and Sunday
At Detroit's Clark Park!

Quick Cinco de Mayo Facts

2009-04-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some facts for you
courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau:

Facts for features

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the legendary Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, in which a Mexican force of 4,500 men faced 6,000 well-trained French soldiers. The battle lasted four hours and ended in a victory for the Mexican army under Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza. Along with Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16, Cinco de Mayo has become a time to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.

29.2 million
Number of U.S. residents of Mexican origin in 2007. These residents constituted 10 percent of the nation’s total population and 64 percent of the Hispanic population

18.25 million
Number of people of Mexican origin who lived either in California (10.97 million) or Texas (7.28 million). People of Mexican origin made up more than one-quarter of the residents of these two states.

25.8
Median age of people in the United States of Mexican descent. This compares with 36.7 years for the population as a whole.

609,000
Number of Mexican-Americans who are U.S. military veterans.

1.3 million
Number of people of Mexican descent 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher. This includes about 362,000 who have a graduate degree.

37%
Among households where a householder was of Mexican origin, the percentage of married-couple families with own children younger than 18. For all households, the corresponding percentage was 21 percent.

4.1
Average size for families with a householder of Mexican origin. This compares to 3.2 people in all families.

14%
Percentage of employed civilians 16 and older of Mexican heritage who worked in managerial, professional or related occupations. In addition, 24 percent worked in service occupations; 20 percent in sales and office occupations; 18 percent in construction, extraction, maintenance and repair occupations; and 19 percent in production, transportation and material moving occupations.

$39,742
Median household income in 2007 for households with a householder of Mexican origin.

22%
Poverty rate in 2007 for people of Mexican heritage.

68%
Percentage of civilians 16 and older of Mexican origin in the labor force. The percentage was 65 percent for the population as a whole. There were 13 million people of Mexican heritage in the labor force, comprising 9 percent of the total.

51%
Percentage of householders of Mexican origin who owned the home in which they lived.

- - - - - - - -

Don't forget to join us for
Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta,
Parade and Fun Run!

Revolucha de Mayo 2009

2009-04-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

It's Back!
Revolucha is back this year
to the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

Revolucha returns to Clark Park
in Southwest Detroit for 2 days of Lucha Libre fun!

Show Times:

Saturday, May 2
A free all day fan fest

Sunday, May 3
Shows will start at 3:00 and 6:00.

Cinco de Mayo Fun Run

2009-04-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

Get your running shoes ready!
. . or your walking shoes, if you prefer!!!

8K Run and
One-Mile Run & Walk
Sunday-May 03, 2009-11:30 AM

Detroit Mexican Town
Clark Park
1500 Scotten
Detroit, MI 48209

awards for fun run will be presented on Sunday, May 3 at 1:00.m.

The Fun Run is just one more reason
Detroit's 2009 Cinco de Mayo Event
is great!

There's something here for everybody!

See at the fiesta!

For more information or to sign up click here!

Cinco de Mayo 2009 Entertainment Schedule

2009-04-24T10:58:00.001-07:00

Saturday - May 2, 2009

Main Stage

1:00p.m. - Banda Brisas del Encinal

2:00p.m. - Vybra Rock Band

3:30p.m. - Raices Mexicanas Ballet Folklorico

6:30p.m. - Condigo 7

Stage II

3:30p.m. - Antonio Bustos

4:30p.m. - Compas

6:00p.m. - Gilberto del Robles

7:30p.m. - D.J.Roach & D. J. Carlos

Sunday - May 3, 2009

12:00p.m. - Parade Begins
(Patton Park to Clark Park, down W. Vernor)

Main Stage

1:00p.m. - Fun Run Awards Presentations

2:00p.m. - Detroit Symphony Youth Ensemble

3:30p.m. - Asi Es Mi Tierra Ballet Folklorico

4:30p.m. - Mariachi Nuevo Zapopan

5:30p.m. - Los Carporales de la Sierra

7:00p.m. - Frank Solano Band

Stage II

3:00p.m. - Charrito

2:00p.m. - Vibra

4:30p.m. - Mariachi Nuevo Zapopan

6:30p.m. - Los Desconocidos Ruidosos

Revolucha de Mayo Show Times

May 2 - All day Fan fest

May 3 - 3:00p.m. & 6:00p.m.

Cinco de Mayo 2009

2009-04-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

It's coming!
Yes, less than one month away.
As always,
the Cinco de Mayo Event
will be held in Detroit's Clark Park
in Beautiful Southwest Detroit.

The Cinco de Mayo Festival this year
will be held on the first weekend of May.
That is, May 2nd and 3rd.
The festival runs from 12p.m. (noon)
until 8:00p.m. on both days.

The parade will be Sunday,
May 3rd, beginning at noon
and will proceed down W. Vernor Highway,
beginning at Patton Park and
finishing up at Clark Park.

Mariachi, Dancers, Arts & Crafts,
Ethnic Food. . .
. . and so much more!

Do join us for Detroit's 2009 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

Oh. . and the video is from a previous Cinco de Mayo Event!

Colorful Music Makers

2008-08-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

This instrument is called a pan flute by many.

But by those at the Cinco de Mayo, we know this as a Zampoña.

There is always a lot of music

at the Cinco de Mayo Festival.

But the music isn't always coming from the stage area.

These are just a few of the many creative things

that many of the vendors were selling.

This colorful objects

are only a sample of the great handiworks

found at Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.

And the above is a photo of instruments for those who make music with rhythm!

See you at Detroit's Cinco de Mayo

Fiesta and Parade 2009!

A Few More Pics of a Few More Cars

2008-08-26T03:09:00.000-07:00

You know,
I took so-o-o-o-o many pics
at the Cinco de Mayo Parade.
It's just such a great time.
I honestly look forward to this event each year.
It's one of those things my father instilled in.
You know,
ethnic pride. . .
. . .pride in your cultural heritage.
My father also showed me
how to get involved
and just have fun in the communty!

And that's what I did with my cheap little
digital camera!

Some more photos of Detroit's Cinco de Mayo!
Enjoy!

Heres a photo of
a Boy wearing a Mexican Flag
and another person (in background) wearing Boricua Colors.

The Mexican Flag and Flowers

The Blue Bus: Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation

See at Detroit's Cinco de Mayo
Fiesta and Parade 2009!

El Geek Squad

2008-08-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

I can highly recommend El Geek Squad,
especially after hearing how tons and tons of credit cards
had their information breached.
I don’t know what sort of security measures
retailers have in place.
But I’m sure they must have something
to protect data processed by wireless.

I called on The Geek squad
when I needed to set up a wireless for my son’s Xbox.
Sure, we could’ve followed the directions and set it up ourselves.
But I’m just technical enough
to know that I’m not technical enough.
We needed security measures in place.
I didn’t want bandwidth bandits stealing, well. . .
. . .bandwidth. . .or anything else.
So, we called on El Geek Squad.

I mean,
you don’t leave your front door closed but unlocked
knowing you’ll be gone all day.
That’s just inviting trouble.
Same goes for your wireless.
It’s not only what could be stolen.
It’s what could be done.
What if someone did something
not so ethical or moral
while using your bandwidth?
You may find yourself in legal hot water.
Please, Protect Your Wireless.

I highly recommend El Geek Squad
for your wireless internet security set-up.

Not only do they do a great job,
but they support community events. .
. . .Like Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade!

. . and don’t you just love those cute little cars?!?

Cinco de Mayo Low Riders

2008-05-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a short little video
taken at the end of the Cinco de Mayo
Parade Route in Detroit.

The parade winds down at Clark Park,
on the corner of Clark and Scotten.

It's just a snipet of some
of the Low Riders
that participated in the event.

Always a crowd favorite,
you can hear someone standing near me
shouting to the drivers,
"Rev it up!"

Enjoy!
See you at Detroit's Cinco de Mayo
Fiesta and Parade 2009!

El Mariachi Loco

2008-05-13T04:29:00.001-07:00

Now, what would a good fiesta be
without El Mariachi Loco?

And what better Mariachi band to perform
this favorite piece
than Salvador Torres?
Salvador Torres is the director
of the Mariachi in this video.
He's the trumpet player

Now, I don't know his name,
but everytime I see this Mariachi band
I love the way the guy on the end tips his head,
shows the top of his sombrero.
He definitely adds a bit of character to this Mariachi band.

The Cinco de Mayo fiesta
that was held in Detroit's Clark Park
abounded with musicians,
Mariachi in particular.

Hope you enjoyed yourself!

See you at Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta and Parade 2009!

Mariachi - El Son de la Negra

2008-05-09T03:10:00.000-07:00

Here's another Mariachi Band
that performed at Detroit's
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
recently held in Clark Park.

I don't know who this particular group is
nor where they are from.
I don't believe they are from Detroit
as I've never seen or heard them before.

Now, I just love the way this particular group
incorporates the dancer in Jalsico dress
for this song:
El Son de la Negra.

I know, I know.. .
the vocalist is off key. . .
but you know, it really doesn't matter.
There's just something about a Mariachi.
The moment that trumpet starts,
the Sangre in your veins just wakes up
and it's all good.

Enjoy!
El Son de la Negra.

See you at Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta 2009!

Jalisco No Te Rajes

2008-05-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a little Youtube video
of Mariachi, Salvador Torres
(he's the trumpet player)
performing at Detroit's
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
recently held in Clark Park.

You know,
it's just not a fiesta until the Mariachi arrive!

¡Jalisco No Te Rajes!

Flying The Mexican Flag at Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

2008-05-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

Many were flying the Mexican Flag

at Detroit's Clark Park this past weekend

to celebrate and show their pride during the Cinco de Mayo festivities.

I have a ton of photos.

I also have a few short videos.

I will begin posting slowly, slowly as soon as I download.

I've only downloaded one set so far.

And now comes the task of uploading stuff online.

Keep checking folks. .. Young people in Ethnic dress, Dora the Explorer, Spongebob, Low Riders. . .and wearing the Mexican Flag is one local tradition Mi Gente in Detroit is not going to allow to go by the wayside anytime soon! All of the photos will be forthcoming.

And I have a great little story to share about a young man named George and his twin brother, Jorge. The two hadn't seen each other in years but met up at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Detroit this past weekend! It's quite a story. . . .but right now, I'm just too tired to blog much. . . .

For now, though,

I just need about a gallon of coffee

But, since today is the actual Cinco de Mayo,

I thought you all would appreciate a little Bandera video I took during the festivities!

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

¡Viva Mexico!

¡Viva America!

¡Viva Detroit!

Asi Es Mi Tierra Ballet Folklorico to Perform at Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

2008-04-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

Asi Es Mi Tierra Dance Group was started in 1997 in the basement of St. Gabriel's Parish Hall, Detroit,Michigan. It was formed for the purpose of promoting cultural awareness and preserving the Mexican culture throughout the beautiful art of dance.

This workshop is designed for youth ages 7 years thru 18 years of age.

Asi Es Mi Tierra dance group will be in Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Parade and are proud this year will also have a 'Float' representing Aztec Pyramid of Mexico in the parade. Thanks to the volunteer parents for their help and donations.

Asi Es Mi Tierra will be performing at 3:00 PM at Center Stage, dancing to the music from the regions Michoacan, El Norte and Jalisco, Mexico.

Last year, Asi Es Mi Tierra was invited to a breakfast with the Mexican Consulate in appreciation of the Ballet Folklorico dance groups in the Detroit and surrounding area that help keep this beautiful tradition alive.

Please be sure and stop by the groups Fundraising Booth where pop, water, chips and candy for sale and if you'd like more information about dance classes.

Ballet Folklorico Mexicano 'Asi Es Mi Tierra'

Sra Ofelia Torres, Directora Ph: (313) 730-6680

Practices: Saturdays

Time: 12:15 PM to 4:00 PM

Location: Saint Gabriel Parish Basement

See you at Detroit's 2008 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

Grammy Nominee, Mariachi Salvador Torres, to perform

2008-04-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

The name of Salvador Torres
is well known in and around the City of Detroit.

The name of Salvador Torres
is very well known among Mariachi circles as well.

El Padrino of all Mariachi in the Detroit area,
Salvador and his Mariachi
will be performing at this year's
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Detroit.

Salvador gained quite a bit of fame
when his UNIDOS CANTEMOS earned
him a Grammy Nomination.
UNIDOS CANTEMOS is a song he composed
soon after the devastating earthquake in Mexico City in 1985.

Visit Salvador over at MySpace

Visit Salvador over at SonicBids

Or better yet,
Come and listen to Detroit's Permier Mariachi
At Detroit's 2008 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

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About the photo:

I managed to take this picture of Salvador's

smiling face last fall

during the Dia de los Muertos event

held in Detroit's Plaza del Sol.

La Inspiracion and Cinco de Mayo

2008-04-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

Rubi Recommends the best Salsa Music in Metro Detroit!

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
With
La Inspiracion

Bert’s Warehouse
Eastern Market area, Detroit
2739 Russell
Monday, May 5th from 9pm to 12am
Free Dance Lessons start at 8:30pm

And every First Monday afterwards at the same time!

Pass this on to all of your friends
and encourage them to pass it along to others they know.
La Inspiracion's first night at Bert’s
is a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo the authentic way!

Don’t forget to check out their website:
www.LaInspiracion.com

You'll find quite a bit of information
about La Inspiracion at their website,
including bios of all members,
some wonderful photos,
a history of their performances,
and even some great links to
other fine music sites.

Don’t forget there are other
Michigan salsa/Latin jazz bands we should support.
You can check them and their schedules out by going to:

Grupo Fuego http://www.grupofuego.com/
Orq. Sensacional http://www.orqasens.com/
Orquesta Salvaje http://www.salvajeproductions.com/
Tumbao Bravo http://www.tumbaobravo.com/

See you Detroit's Cinco De Mayo Fiesta 2008!

Dancing Down Scotten at the Cinco de Mayo in Detroit

2008-04-25T03:23:00.000-07:00

Dancers! Dancers! Dancers!

All kinds of Mexican Folkloric Dancers
will be found
at this year's Cinco de Mayo fiesta
in Detroit.

Both Raices Mexicanas
And Asi Es Mi Tierra
will perform during the Cinco de Mayo Festival
held in Detroit's own
Clark Park.

You certainly don't want to miss this year's event!
Colorful costumes!
Excellent performers.

Actually,
I must say that Raices Mexicanas
and Asi Es Mi Tierra
are two of the finest Mexican Folkloric dance troups
the Detroit area has.
What better place to enjoy their talent
than at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Detroit!

Pictured above
are some dancers
as they near the end of the parade route,
which is Vernor at Scotten.
This picture as taken
at last year's Cinco de Mayo event in Detroit.

Shortly after posting this blog entry,
I received an email from a family member
of one of the girls in the photo,

"My daughter Melody and I
were looking at your Cinco De Mayo blog picture
of Dancing down Scotten in last years parade,
and the dancer in the Lilac Jalisco dress
is her daughter Mariah,
this is her 3rd year in the dance group.
She is so proud of her heritage.
Since she has been in school here in Woodhaven,
she was never was able to express or share
her Mexican Heritage
since she was one of the few latina students in her school.
The first time she danced to the music of 'Guadalajara'
at our Family re-union in Texas
2 years ago to live Mariachi music' she said,
'Now I know what being proud of my heritage means.
A Mexicana has green, white and red blood,'
and then she thanked me
for putting her in the dance group.
She always loved the Mariachi music as a baby,
but couldn't share her interest with anyone
until Asi Es Mi Tierra dance class
awakened her love for this beautiful culture.
She has a new Lime Green Jalisco dress this year
She fell in love with this color after going to Mexico."

Asi Es Mi Tierra will be performing at 3:00 PM at Center Stage,
dancing to the music from the regions
Michoacan, El Norte and Jalisco, Mexico.

You'll find the fiesta schdule here.

See you at the fiesta!

Cinco de Mayo Detroit - Wearing the Flag

2008-04-24T07:07:00.001-07:00

At the Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Detroit,
you'll see Green, White and Red everywhere!

Mexican Flag Jewelry - bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings. . .

Yes, Mexican Flags abound at the fiesta. . . .
Mexican Flags on Bikes.
Mexican Flags on Cars.
Mexican Flags on Big Rigs.
Mexican Flags in store windows.

Full sized flags.
Hand held flags.
Flags for rear view mirrors.
Flags for car windows.
Skull cap flags.
. . .and I dare say new this year will be a skull cap
with Mexican Flag, American Flag, Our Lady of Guadalupe
and St. Juan Diego!

You'll see the colors in crepe paper streams.

You'll see Green, White & Red in balloons.

Papel Cortado.

Little Children have their faces painted with flag on their cheek.

You'll even see the colors
as young people show their ethnic pride
and wear the flag!
The above photo was taken
at last year's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Clark Park.

You won't want to miss the parade down
West Vernor on Sunday, May 4th!
You'll find the Detroit Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Shedule Here!

See you at the Fiesta!

What are Cascarones?

2008-04-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

I’d like to introduce you to Mr. And Mrs. Cascaron.
They, along with their children, are staying with us
as we prepare for Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.
Originally from Detroit,
the Cascarones moved to Nuevo Mexico shortly after being married.
They have three children,
pictured here.

Muñeca Amarilla, their only daughter and youngest child,
can hardly wait for the fiesta.
"How many niños attend the fiesta each year,"
she asks, innocently.
You see, La Amarilla has never attended
the Cinco de Mayo in Detroit.

Azulito and Guerito,
the couple’s teenage sons,
have both attended the Cinco de Mayo
and know well how large the crowds can be.
"Just wait and see,"
they tell their little egghead sister.

Even family from Chicago are coming in.
Yes, that’s right!
Many folks from Chicago
make the trip to Detroit
just to attend
the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.
Mr. Cascaron can be seen here
with his sons and some of his nephews,
who just drove up from Chicago
to participate in the event.

And, yes, that’s right.
You guessed it!
The whole lot of them are staying with us
as we prepare for the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!
We have a spare bedroom for Mr. and Mrs.
But all of the Cascaron children
(quite literally)
are camping out in my living room!

But who are the Cascarones?
And what is their role in The Cinco de Mayo festivities?
Perhaps the better question is
What, eggs-actly, are Casacarones?

Cascarones are eggshells that are
brightly and creatively decorated.
Crafters save eggshells all year long
and then begin their artistic craft
of decorating them in time for a fiesta.

The Casacrones are filled with confetti.
Children use them to play pranks on their
friends and siblings,
often breaking the confetti filled eggs
over each other’s heads!
But be careful!
Cascarones filled with flour
have been known
to occasionally make their way
into a fiesta!
And, the thing is,
having a Cascaron smashed against your head
is said to bring you good luck!

Cascarones will abound
at Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo fiesta.
Come on down and meet
Mr. And Mrs. Cascaron
and all of their eggs-tended family!

You know,
it just wouldn’t be a Mexican Fiesta
without Cascarones!
Click here for Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo
Fiesta Schedule.

Revolucha de Mayo at Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

2008-04-22T04:53:00.001-07:00

OK, folks!
Here it is!
The Youtube promo about the Lucha Libre event,
RevoLucha, that is!
You'll see it live at
Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta 2008.

The event will take place
in a covered tented area
in Detroit's own Clark Park.
Cost is $10 per event!

Step it Up!
Southwest Detroit!
May 3rd!
May 4th!

Viva la Revolucha!

More Cars! Cinco de Mayo Detroit Parade!

2008-04-22T02:24:00.000-07:00

Here's another wonderful little video
that shows a few more of the cars
in Detrot's Cinco de Mayo Parade.

I believe this video is from last year's
Cinco de Mayo Parade.
The parade runs down W. Vernor Ave.
And will begin at noon on Sunday, May 4th.

Anyhow, this is just a snipet of what you'll see
when you Join Us for the City of Detroit's
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta and Parade!

Cinco de Mayo Low Riders

2008-04-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

I found this wonderful video on YouTube earlier today.
Although the youtuber doesn't say,
I believe this was from last year.
One thing is for sure.
this is video is taken near St. Gabriel church. . .
. . .that building on the far right
is the Cesar Chavez School,
which is housed at St. Gabriel. . .

Any how,
this year's Cinco de Mayo Parade
down West Vernor Ave
is bound to have a lot of Low Riders!

Enjoy this video!
It's a preview of what is to come at
Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Parade 2008!

What is Cinco de Mayo

2008-04-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Cinco de Mayo Commemorates the infamous Battle of Pueblo, which took place in 1862. Many, however, wrongfully think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day. Mexico actually gained her independence almost fifty years prior, on Sept. 16, 1810

After the Mexican / American war (1846-48), Mexico fell into a serious period of national crisis. The crisis was furthered by Mexico’s own civil war in 1858. These left Mexico both bankrupt and devastated.

Benito Juarez, the nation’s indigenous president, issued a moratorium on foreign debt. Mexico was not going to pay back any foreign debt for two years. After that period, payments would begin again. This moratorium was issued on July 17, 1861 in the hopes of ending the financial crisis of Mexico.

The English, the Spanish and the French found this unacceptable and decided to invade Mexico and take back their debt by whatever means necessary. The Spanish and the English eventually withdrew from Mexico, probably very much aware of France’s desire to expand their empire. But the French would not withdraw. Some argue that the reason the French did not leave and continued to occupy Mexico was in direct response to the power growing in America. It is believed by many that Napoleon III did not want to see America prosper as it would then become a powerful nation. He went so far as to appoint a relative, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria, as ruler of Mexico.

In 1826, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza, the indigenous army began their attack. Armed with machetes, the indigenous army was able to overtake the French in the battle at Puebla. Although it was a most gruesome battle, Puebla was able to defend herself.

It is called Cinco de Mayo because the battle took place on the fifth of May. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become more of a day to celebrate ethnic pride and heritage. In the City of Detroit, it really has become an event that celebrates all Latino culture. While one may be able see Mexican flags as far as the eye can see, you’ll also see Puerto Rican flags, El Salvador, Guatemala and more. In Detroit, the Cinco de Mayo event is fiesta of fun for everyone!

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About the Photo: I call this "Super Mexicano and his Sidekick, 'Lil Mex."

This picture was taken at Clark Park during last year's Cinco de Mayo Festivities. Click the photo for more images of last year's Cinco de Mayo event.

Cinco De Mayo Detroit 2008 Festival Schedule

2008-04-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Festival Includes
Music, Ethnic Food and Fun for Everyone!
The festival includes arts and crafts and
and all sorts of authentic Mexican gifts.

This year’s event will once again include a Fun Run
and 3 Lucha Libre events!

Festival Dates and Times:
Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday May 4th
12:00noon - 8:00p..m both days

Festival Location:
Clark Park
The park is located on W. Vernor between Scotten and Clark
in the City of Detroit

Parade:
12:00noon on Sunday May 4th
The Cinco de Mayo Parade will process down West Vernor Avenue,
beginning at Patton Park (Vernor at Woodmere)
and concluding at Clark Park (Scotten & Vernor)

See you at The Fiesta!

Welcome to Cinco de Mayo Detroit

2008-04-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hello and Welcome to the Cinco de Mayo Detroit blog.

I started this blog today because
so many friends and family members
have begun asking me about details
of the Cinco de Mayo festivities for this year.

I love the Cinco de Mayo
and have participated in this event since childhood.
My father, may he rest in peace,
was a member of
the Mexican Patriotic Committee of Detroit
and was very much involved in this celebration each year.
As an adult, I not only enjoy the festival and parade,
but it brings back fond memories of my youth.

And so, with this blog,
I hope to bring you updates
of this year’s events as they become known to me!

Cinco de Mayo is coming, Detroit!
Let’s have some fun, enjoy the festivities,
and celebrate our Mexican heritage!

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About the photo: I call this photo "Little Orgullosa."
This picture was taken in Detroit's Clark Park
at least year's Cinco de Mayo festival.