The world is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances celebrated by its various cultures and populations. Here is the official PTA Multicultural Calendar to highlight and celebrate the diversity in our PTA and school communities.
This month, our focus is on:
Asian American and Pacific Islander's Heritage Month - downloadable fact sheet with resources
Jewish American Heritage Month - downloadable fact sheet with resources
Cinco de Mayo - see fun facts below!
Cinco de Mayo Fun Facts
Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day, which falls on Wednesday, May 5 in 2021, is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
Cinco de Mayo in Mexico
Within Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where Zaragoza’s unlikely victory occurred, although other parts of the country also take part in the celebration.
Traditions include military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla and other festive events. For many Mexicans, however, May 5 is a day like any other: It is not a federal holiday, so offices, banks and stores remain open.
Why Do We Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the United States?
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with substantial Mexican-American populations.
Chicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified with the victory of Indigenous Mexicans (such as Juárez) over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla.
Today, revelers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. Some of the largest festivals are held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston.
Many people hang up banners and school districts organize lessons and special events to educate their pupils about the culture of Americans of Mexican descent. In some areas, particularly in Pubelo de Los Angeles, celebrations of regional Mexican music and dancing are held.
Mexican American Population in the United States
Mexican Americans comprise 11.3% of the U.S. population and 61.5% of all Latino Americans. In 2019, 71% of Mexican Americans were born in the United States. Mexican Americans make up 53% of the total population of Latino foreign-born Americans and 25% of the total foreign-born population.
In 2019, California had the highest Hispanic population in the United States, with over 15.57 million people claiming Hispanic heritage. Texas, Florida, New York, and Arizona rounded out the top five states.
Los Angeles County, CA alone contains 4.9 million Hispanics (49% of LA County population), or 9% of the nation's Hispanic population.
