Cinco De Mayo celebration brings community together

The Hispanic Caucus of Pocatello celebrated Cinco De Mayo two days early– turning City Council chambers into a big party room.

This is the third year the caucus held the event. Cinco De Mayo celebrates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It’s not Mexico’s Independence Day, contrary to popular belief.

What started as a small, outdoor gathering of around 50 people has turned into something three times its size. Organizers said the event is meant to get the community together.

“We want it to be a community event every year,” said event chairman Hank Gonzalez. “We want the whole community, but we don’t want just Native Americans and Mexicans. We want everybody to come.”

The celebration was filled with live performances of a mariachi band and a ballet folklorico group from Dubois. Mayor Brian Blad also gave a proclamation.

The Shoshone-Bannock tribe had a part in the event as well. Gonzalez said Mexicans and the Shoshones have a number of similarities, from language to beliefs.

“We do have a lot in common,” he said. “Even though at one time they may have thought they were different, we have a lot of superstitious beliefs that are the same.”

The event also featured local shops and a number of giveaways. It was free to attend.