Members of Mariachi Jalisco filled the air with lively songs in Monterey Park during the annual celebration held on May 6 at the Barnes Park Amphitheater. They sang many old favorite folk songs to the delight of the audience.

Councilmember Betty Tom Chu welcomed all to the city of Monterey Park. We are a city of diversity. The Mexican culture in California is important. The Mexicans had the fire in the bellies to fight for the generations to come. Have a wonderful Cinco De Mayo. Enjoy and be proud of your heritage.

Betty Tom Chu and Victoria Chavez clapped and danced to the beat of the Mariachi music.

Mayor David Lau, Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Ing, Councilmembers Teresa Real Sebastian and Anthony Wong, City Clerk Dave Barron, City Treasurer Joseph Leon and Alejandro Pelayo-Rangel, Consulate of Mexico greeted the guests.

Mayor Lau welcomed all to this event that celebrates the victory of Mexico over the French at the Battle of Puebla.  A small Mexican army defeated the large French army. This event created Mexican pride in their heritage. Monterey Park represents diversity through different cultural events in the community. He asked God’s blessing on all.

Mayor Pro Tem Ing welcomed the residents and guests to this celebration to enjoy the richness of Mexico. 4,000 Mexican volunteer soldiers defeated the French legion. This war affected the War Between the States as Napoleon was busy in Mexico and was not able to continue his financial support of the South. They lost the war at Gettysburg. He thanked everyone for their attendance.

Councilmember Real Sebastian greeted the audience in Spanish and English.  She welcomed the audience to Monterey Park. This event is the celebration of our culture and family that we love and respect. Have a great day.

Councilmember Wong stated his was born in Macau, a former Portuguese colony, and now part of China.  His Godfather was Portuguese so he knows how great the Latin people are. We are proud and loyal to our country.  Monterey Park is proud to have all of us together to share the beauty of all our cultures.

City Clerk Barron said he is proud of his father’s native country. In 1862 they broke free of an imperial European country. The United States is the greatest country. He asked for volunteers for next year’s event. He thanked everyone for being here today.

City Treasurer Leon thanked the audience for joining in the celebration. He thanked the volunteers and sponsors.

Consulate Pelayo-Rangel greeted the crowd in Spanish and spoke about the Battle of Puebla when the Mexican people won their freedom from the French. He thanked them for their participation on this special event.

Montebello School Boardmember Ed Chau stated Monterey Park is multi-cultural like the United States. Approximately 85% of his school district is Hispanic. He is glad to celebrate this day with us.

Folk dancers dressed in native costumes from different states in Mexico danced on the stage to the delight of the audience.

The afternoon was filled with the sights and sounds of Mexico and the air was filled with the delicious aroma of home cooked Mexican food.

Several service groups and local businesses had booths located in the park.

Charter Communications was promoting “Acts of Kindness” with the assistance of the Berestain Bears who posed for pictures with their friends.

Victoria Chavez was busy selling raffle ticket for prizes donated by local businesses. She was caring the famous Money Hat on top of her parasol.  This hat is the top prize of the event.

The Cinco De Mayo celebration is a hometown favorite event.