2008 Woodie Awards
Not just 'ritas: clubs celebrate Cinco de Mayo with music, charity
Amanda Bennett
Issue date: 5/15/07 Section: Sports & Clubs
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The 18th annual student-organized event featured traditional Mexican food, dancing and a mariachi Mass, as well as a silent auction to benefit immigrant children without family in the United States.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Around the world it is used as a celebration of Mexican history and culture.
UST's celebration began with a mariachi Mass celebrated in Spanish, a Cinco de Mayo tradition according to Angie Montelongo, Student Organization of Latinos adviser.
Afterward, the mariachi band led celebrants to Jerabeck Athletic Center, where the Sombrero-wearing entertainers kicked off the fiesta with festive tunes.
Revelers dined on fajitas from Ninfa's restaurant as Ballet Folklorico Embajadores performed traditional choreography, including the Mexican hat dance. Montelongo said that organizers try to change the entertainment each year. Last year featured Aztec dancers and they hope to have a speaker next year, she said.
During the dinner, attendees could bid on rosaries, ceramics, jewelry and traditionally dressed Mexican dolls. The proceeds, totaling about $240, were donated to St. Michael's House of Children. "It wasn't as much as last year, but it helps," SOL President Thomas Mendez, an international studies junior, said. St. Michael's House provides shelter to immigrant children without family in the United States.
SOL worked with BESO, the Hispanic Business Student Association and El Club Hispanico to host the festivities. According to Mendez, the clubs had four objectives for the event.
First, they wanted to celebrate Latino culture. Second, they wanted to project a positive image of the University to the community. They also wanted to demonstrate the Latino presence at UST and use the event as a recruiting tool for the Univeristy and the participating clubs.
After dinner, celebrants closed the night dancing to music provided by DJ Rumbero, who played for the dance last year as well. Mendez said he was pleased with the turnout, but hopes that next year will bring more students and visitors from the local community.
Funding for the event came from private donations and a Council of Clubs allocation. It was hosted in memory of Tom Overton, UST's former public affairs director who died April 19.