WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1999

Cinco de Mayo marks defeat of oppression

By Rachelle Imson

On-Line Forty-Niner

Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day for celebration.

It marks the defeat of oppression.

In 1862, a small, poorly armed Mexican militia overcame the onslaught of a larger, well-outfitted French army.

The battle at Puebla happened at a chaotic time in Mexico's history. Mexico had finally gained independence from Spain in 1810 and a number of internal political takeovers and wars had wiped out the national economy.

During this period, Mexico accumulated heavy debts to Spain, England and France, according to Dr. Luis Arroyo, chairman of the Chicano/Latino studies department. When Mexico stopped making payments in January 1862, the three countries sent troops to collect their money from Mexico.

After the debt was repaid, England and Spain left, but France remained with the intention to takeover Mexico, Arroyo said.

In May 1862, France began to march toward Mexico City. Along the way, the French army encountered strong resistance from the Mexican army at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe outside the city of Puebla, Arroyo said.

"France was the superpower of the time, but Mexico surprised everyone by overpowering them and not letting them take Puebla," Arroyo said.

Lead by General Ignacio Zargoza, a small Mexican army was able to defeat the larger French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

The victory was a magnificent moment for Mexican patriots and is the cause for the historical date's celebration, according to Arroyo.

"The significance of Cinco de Mayo is that it inspired the resistance against France and inspired the Mexican people to continue the fight against oppression," Arroyo said.

Here at Cal State Long Beach, La Raza is holding a celebration at The Nugget from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A live Mariachi band will perform from 11 a.m. to noon as well as a disc jockey from noon to 2 p.m.

Several contests including a "grito" contest and a chili eating contest will be held as well.

Winners will receive two tickets to the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach.

For those seeking a bit more flavor, the Museum of Latin American Art is also hosting a fiesta. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy a live Mariachi band as well as chicken fajitas, rice and beans, champurada, tamales and a special Mexican desert.

Tickets to the museum are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. For more information, students can call the Museum of Latin American Art at (562) 437-1689.