By Daily Press staff
The Santa Monica Pier is celebrating Cinco de Mayo weekend with music. David Haro, one of Mexico’s celebrated singers and songwriters, will be giving a free performance on Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. on the pier. Joining Haro are Southland-based Veracruzan duo El Son de Pueblo and the Grupo la Rosa folkloric dancers.
On Sunday May 4, the Pier’s Sunday Concert Series features traditional Mariachi music. The Sunday Concert Series is presented by the Santa Monica Pier Lessee’s Association. The May 3 concert is produced by Betto Arcos, the Madison Performance Series and the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corp.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin’s victory against the French at Puebla on May 5, 1862. The victory halted the French invasion of the country.
It is traditionally celebrated with lively dances and games accompanied by traditional music. Occasionally, the festivities include a reenactment of the Battle of Puebla. A traditional Cinco de Mayo festival also often includes speeches by officials, bullfights, piñatas for children, colorful decorations and fireworks.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 2, 2003. Read the original PDF.