Cinco de Mayo

The spirit of Mexican pride and culture took center stage as the La Raza Student Association and the University Student Union Program Council celebrated Cinco de Mayo Wednesday in two very different ways.

"We want to raise awareness for Cinco de Mayo," said senior Salvador Madrigal, president of the Cal State Long Beach chapter of La Raza. "There's a common misconception that it's Mexico's independence day."

Cinco de Mayo is actually a celebration of the underdog Mexican army's driving out a highly equipped French army in their attempt to conquer Mexico in 1862.

A traditional mariachi band and folklorico dancers performed at the Student Union's West Patio as part of the council's celebration.

The band's lead singer, Juan Manuel Rey, encouraged a woman from the audience to dance on stage as other audience members participated by clapping and requesting their favorite mariachi tunes.

"They're pretty good," said Marlene Elizondo, a liberal studies sophomore. "They're exciting to listen to. They're good with the audience. They get them involved."

Although the traditional celebration was a success, crowds formed at the event put on by La Raza.

The 33rd annual Cinco de Mayo celebration held by La Raza took place in front of The Nugget, where students danced as Spanish rock band Etnobiles provided a smooth mixture of rock 'n' roll and Latin sounds.

"We're bringing out a Spanish rock band to show how our culture goes beyond the mariachi," Madrigal said.

The Chicano Latino Graduation committee provided candy apples and paletas, or frozen juice bars, as La Raza sold carne asada tacos with rice and beans.

After the band played, it was time for the contest that separates the men from the boys -- the jalepeño eating contest.

A rainbow of fiery-hot peppers lay in plastic bags as five contestants eager to score two free tickets to Magic Mountain rose up to the spicy challenge.

After eating two of each pepper -- green, yellow, orange and red -- only one emerged victorious as another vomited.

With sweat pouring from his face and tears flowing from his eyes, senior finance major, Omar Ortiz won the tickets and master of ceremonies, junior theater major Emiliano Torres complemented his drive.

"You must really like that Superman ride," Torres said.