Cinco de Mayo Festivities in LA

For Angelinos the world famous Olvera Street is always the place to be on festival days. This year El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument sponsors an ongoing Cinco de Mayo celebration that runs every day from May 6 to the 8th. The festivities include cultural presentations, danza, plenty of delicious foods, live entertainment that includes traditional folklorico and mariachi, piñata breaking, workshops and so much more. The fun starts at 10 am and goes on until 10 pm. Weekends are especially crowded and flamboyant… a photographer’s paradise. If you need more event information, call 213-625-5045, otherwise… just show up with a Mexican flag and enjoy yourself.

Things actually get started on May 5th at Conchita Souza's historic Casa de Souza on Olvera Street with a reading of Aztec poetry. Nezahualcoyotl was one of the Aztec empire’s greatest leaders. Widely renown as a poet, philosopher, and a patron of the arts, he designed a code of law based on the division of powers. Called the council of music, he created departments of culture, justice, finance, and war. This enlightened Aztec poet king is remembered in a poetry reading called A Night In The Shadow of Nezahualcoyotl. Enrique Castillo (star of American Family), will read excerpts from The Masks of Quetzalcoatl by William Douglas Lansford. The book is a bilingual collection of "flor y canto" poetry, mixing English with a slightly modified Nahua (Aztec tradition) style to make the poems more akin to the modern eye and ear. Mr. Lansford says, "I wrote these poems because I love the Nahuatl language and its artistry. These verses are my attempt to marry the Nahua love of metaphor and contradiction with the complexities that define our own society." Admission to the event is free, but there is a two-beverage minimum. Seating is limited so please call 310-464-5290 for further information. It all takes place on Cinco de Mayo/May 5th at 7:30 pm. Casa de Souza is located at 634 N. Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90012-1822.

And while you’re at Olvera Street, don’t forget to visit the Día De Los Muertos Altar dedicated to all the casualties of war in Iraq. Originally constructed for 2004’s Day of the Dead festivities, the alter has since added 512 more names of slain US troops. The alter also represents the estimated 100,000 Iraqis who have been killed since the war started. Respect and honor the memories of all those who have died. Bring flowers and your prayers of peace.