Compton celebrates Cinco de Mayo with real representation of those who fought in the Battle of Puebla

On Saturday, hundreds of people gathered in Compton to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with traditional Mexican food, music and outfits reenacting the Battle of Puebla of 1862. 

The celebration started in the morning with a parade in Gardena and continued with a dance celebration in Compton with the original Orquesta Zacatepec from Puebla, Mexico. 

The ambiance resembled a fiesta de pueblo (small town celebration). Entire families, from grandparents to babies, sat around the dancing floor in folding chairs and some of them took tables, food, drinks and snacks to enjoy those parading in their colorful outfits. 

Some participants were dressed as Zacapoaxtlas indios serranos, (indigenous people from the mountains) representing the Mexican Army. Their outfits included baskets with fruits and bread and animals simulating the food and animals they hunted to eat. They also carried big banners with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe to honor her.

Other participants dressed as zuabos (Zouaves), turcos (Turks), and zapadores (combat engineers) representing the French Army. 

History says this battle was in defense of the sovereignty and dignity of the Mexican people during the second French invasion of Mexico, according to the Human Rights Commission of the State of Puebla (CNDH).

Under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza, the indios serranos bravely confronted the professional army of the Second French Empire, which included the zuabos, led by Charles Ferdinand Latrille.  

Gustavo Herrera, member of the San Antonio Tlatenco, Puebla group in Los Angeles, said this celebration is very important as a way to continue sharing the culture through generations despite the distance. 

Herrera, who was representing the French Army, said the masks were an emblem to avoid being identified by other people and avoid retaliation.

Sisters Brianna and Mayra Meneces said they were very glad to be in the event with the family. This makes them feel closer to their home in San Lorenzo Chiautzingo, Puebla. 

Because the battle of Puebla is not a national holiday in Mexico, people in San Lorenzo celebrate for two days on the closest weekend to Cinco de Mayo, said Briana. 

“Saturday is like a welcoming day and Sunday is the big day in San Lorenzo, so it’s good for us to be able to celebrate here too,” she said. 

Mayra, whose husband was also dressed as a soldier, said this tradition is especially good for her because her children are born in the United States and she feels it’s her responsibility to teach them about her culture. 

“We bring them so when they grow up they know what we are celebrating in reality,”  said Mayra.

Years of celebrating Mexican history 

Froy Rodriguez, one of the organizers of the event, said that in Los Angeles they have been celebrating the traditional Batalla de Puebla for the past 15 years. 

“This is the Carnival of San Pedro Tlaltenango Puebla. Here we have 15 years of celebration, but in Puebla it’s the 163 year anniversary,” said Rodriguez. 

Rodriguez said people know about the annual event in Gardena and Compton by word of mouth or social media. 

The event, which included traditional food from Cemitas Poblanas los Chaparritos and other small businesses, continued throughout the evening until night time. 

In the United States many people mistakenly believe Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day. However, this battle is the Mexican victory that represents freedom, autonomy and independence, strengthening the nationalism of the Mexican population both at home and abroad, says the CNDH.