Don your sombreros and get ready for a fiesta!
Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for fifth of May.
This popular holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s defeat of the invading French army on May 5, 1862 in Puebla, Mexico. Today the holiday is celebrated in the United States with authentic food and of course, Corona and Cuervo.
This year in Denver there are a few options for those students and Denver residents wanting to celebrate the holiday. Close to campus, DU fraternity Sigma Chi is hosting a charity fund raising event at the local bar the Border to raise money for their national philanthropy, Huntsman Cancer Institute located in Salt Lake City, Utah. They will be collecting donations of $3 at the door, with all proceeds going to Huntsman. The celebration is part of a week-long event called Derby Days, but it’s not just for Greeks; it is open to everyone University-wide, and the Border will even be opening its doors to anyone 18 and older from 9 to 11 p.m.
Will Thompson, President of Sigma Chi, said, “The best part is that it’s 18 and up so everyone can come celebrate and give to Huntsman.”
The Border is offering food and drink specials that include $1 carnitas and tacos as well as discounted drinks. DJ Swagla, aka sophomore Jack Jagla, will be there to provide grooves all night.
For those looking for a celebration of Mexican food, music and culture, the Cinco de Mayo Festival presents Celebrate Culture on Saturday and Sunday in the Civic Center Park downtown at East Colfax Avenue and North Broadway. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. The festival is put on by New West Side Economic Development (NEWSED), which helps disadvantaged minority communities with predominately Chicano/Mexicano populations. Festival activities during the two days include a green chili bowl cook off and performances by Latin artists and bands that will be playing at the Que Bueno 1280 am radio stage.
If you are hankering for some authentic Spanish art check out the Museo de Las Americas at 861 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. The entrance fee is $10 but if you can stand to wait a few admittance is free on the first Friday of every month. The exhibits feature everything from modern Latin American fusion art to ancient artifacts of the Aztecs.
Around Town
- Cinco de Mayo Festival. Civic Center Park. May 8 and 9, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Museo de Las Americas. 861 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.
- Casa Bonita. 67
