Seguin's LULAC to kick off Cinco de Mayo event
26 Apr 2024
Downtown, Quality of Life
Dalondo Moultrie | The Seguin Gazette
Guests might want to keep their heads on swivels while enjoying festivities at this year’s annual Cinco de Mayor Pachanga event in downtown Seguin.
That’s because an added attraction this year will send footwear flying in different directions for a good cause just like many Hispanic mothers have for decades, said Eric Norman, a member of Seguin’s League of United Latin American Citizens Council 682.
“All proceeds fund scholarships awarded to local high school graduates,” he said, “and tell your Mama to get her shoulder warmed up for our first Chancla Throwing contest on the Main Stage.”
The 15th Annual Cinco de Mayo Pachanga is scheduled for May 3 and 4 in Seguin’s Central Park. The two-day event is free and will have food trucks and craft vendors for guests’ enjoyment.
The 15th Annual Cinco de Mayo Pachanga highlights the food, dance, music, performance art and cultural references of the Mexican-American experience. From performers to games and activities, attendees are welcome to celebrate a shared artistic heritage with the community and expose the next generation to their cultural inheritance, said Felix Moreno, LULAC Council 682 president.
“We encourage the community to come out and support what we hope will be the largest and best Cinco de Mayo Pachanga we’ve ever hosted, especially because it’s all about raising money to fund scholarships distributed by LULAC Council 682,” he said.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the 1862 triumph of Mexican forces in the Battle of Puebla. The outnumbered Mexicans were led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, who defeated a significantly larger French force, according to council members.
Zaragoza was born in what is now Goliad to Miguel G. Zaragoza and María de Jesús Seguín, who was cousins with the city’s namesake Juan Seguin.
“Most people celebrate Cinco de Mayo without realizing that Texas, and especially Seguin, have a connection to the historic Battle of Puebla,” said Eli Guerrero, Council 682 vice president. “(O)ver time, we hope to change that.”
Six bands will provide entertainment both days, bringing a variety of musical styles including classic rock, soul, country and mariachi, organizers said.
Live lucha libre wrestling also is on tap.
Several LULAC Council 682 members started the event for two reasons, Norman said. They did it as a way to generate funds to support local high school graduates and to promote Hispanic culture, both of which are primary aims of the League of United Latin American Citizens, he said.
The local council has provided more than $60,000 in scholarships to 120 recipients, Norman said. Organizers hope to grow the annual Panchanga and offer more support, he said.
“This year we’ll be awarding $14,800 to nine local high school students who will be graduating in May,” Norman said.
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