Austin’s Cinco de Mayo 2008
When I think of Cinco de Mayo, I think of tequila and when I think of tequila I’m always reminded of a funny story. There used to be an ad on the radio, done for Serrano’s Mexican restaurant here in Austin, that told the story of the margarita. I don’t recall the exact story but it went something along the line of a bartender having created the drink to impress a beautiful woman. Her name was Margarita and the drink was named after her.
One day, my friend, who happened to work with a Mexican fella, asked his co-worker if the story was true. “No, man,” he said, rolling his eyes, “that story is not true! It’s just a story we Mexican’s invented to get you gringos to drink tequila.” That story always makes me laugh.
A lot of people think that Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexican Independence but that’s not actually true. In fact, Mexico gained it’s independence from Spain in 1821. Not without a fight! There was a bloody struggle, of course, and the independence from Spain brought political power struggles and more wars. There was the Mexican-American war from (1846-1848) and the Mexican Civil War of 1858. During these struggles, Mexico became heavily indebted to Spain, England and France. The time came where these countries demanded their money be returned. Both Spain and England came to agreements with Mexico but France was had it’s own agenda. They used the debt as a means to try and establish power over Mexico and hopefully halt the growth of the US. Spain and England quickly withdrew their support. France invaded the Gulf of Mexico and began the 600 mile trek to Mexico City. While the US was sympathetic to Mexico’s plight, we were in the midst of our own battle, the Civil War, and thus unable to send aid.
The Mexicans with a poorly outfitted army of 4,500 was able to defeat the 6,500 well outfitted French army. Unfortunately that was not the end of the French. They managed to invade again and install Napoleon III’s relative, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as ruler of Mexico. Maximilian ruled Mexico from 1864-1867. By this time the US Civil War was over and the US was able to provide assistance. France was ousted and Maximilian was executed. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration and a tribute to the victory of the 4,500 brave soldiers who defeated the French army in the Battle of Puebla.
Anyway, I thought I’d have a snout around and see what’s happening in Austin for Cinco de Mayo this year. Here is what I’ve found so far:
Sunday Events -
CINCO DE MAYO AT MACC
Sunday, May 4th, 1-7pm
$$$: FREE
This family-friendly event with music (culminating with Los Texas Wranglers at 5pm), activities, dance, and more sits at the center of all things Cinco de Mayo-related in Austin. Feel free to let loose the kids or sit ’em down for storytelling with Dan Arrellano. 12-10pm. Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, 478-6222. Free. www.ci.austin.tx.us
CINCO DE MAYO MARIACHI PLAY-OFF & SHOW
May 4th, 2008, 7pm
Long Center
Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano has existed for nearly 43 years and is noted for demanding musical arrangements that highlight the individual skills and voices of the players. The Long Center will celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a very special fiesta on the City Terrace culminating with a performance by Mariachi Los Camperos. The Grammy-winning ensemble employs the finest musicians from Mexico and the United States and was one of four mariachis that collaborated with popular recording artist Linda Ronstadt on her album’s Canciones de Mi Padre and Mas Canciones.
Austin Cinco de Mayo Music Festival
May 5th, 2008, 4pm
Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Bergman
$$$: $5-8
Conjunto in the park, the way Cinco de Mayo was meant to be. Los Texas Wranglers, among others, perform. The Austin Cinco de Mayo Music Festival is a celebration of Hispanic heritage combining live music, food, arts & crafts, carnival, contests, and good old fashioned family fun. Bring the whole family out to Fiesta Gardens especially since the kids are free. Take advantage of the carnival specials. Other events include the annual Jalapeño Eating Contest and Polka Dance contest.
CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL @ the Austin Grill
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2008 FROM 5PM TO 9PM
The Downtown Silver Spring and Austin Grill host the Inaugural Cinco de Mayo Street Festival, right outside our restaurant with music and dancing by Los Del Barrio mariachi band, Maru Montero Dance Company, plus authentic Mexican cuisine, the Austin Grill patio beer garden and family activities such as arts & crafts, face-painting, a raffle for a guitar and other prizes. Spread the word and we’ll see you on Cinco de Mayo!
Three Amigos Sing-a-long @ The Alamo Downtown
Monday, May 5th, 7:30pm or 10:30pm
$$$: General Admission $8.50
THE THREE AMIGOS is a guilty pleasure if there ever was one. But we’re not here to make you feel the guilt, we’re here to bring you the pleasure. And there are few things more pleasant than a Trish Eichelberger-prepared feast. Because in addition to her five star kitchen chops, she has a great sense of humor. She has described this honkey-style Cinco de Mayo feast as the kind of meal Peggy Hill of KING OF THE HILL would prepare. So while Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short take their comedy stylings south of the border onscreen, Trish will be creating a fusion between Mexican favorites and Texas gringo comfort food. Best of all, in between bites of your duck chalupa you can shout out your favorite lines from the movie, helpfully subtitled for you. Plus there will be a plethora of other surprises!
If there are local restaurants out there holding special events for Cinco de Mayo, I can’t find them. If you know of any, please pass the information to me.
Austin, Tx, Cinco de Mayo, Events, Celebrations, Festivals, Three Amigos, Alamo Drafthouse, Fiesta Gardens, Mexican-American, Museum, May, 5th, Austin Grill, History, French, France, Battle of Puebla, Music
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