Schools Observe Cinco de Mayo with Performances, Celebrations
Carnivals, traditional dances help students learn more about Mexican history, culture
May 06, 2011
HISD students from across the district took part in dozens of events during the week of May 5 as a part of their observances of Cinco de Mayo.
Originally celebrated as the day Mexico’s army defeated a much larger French force in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, in America, the date has become an opportunity to learn more about and to celebrate Mexico’s history and culture.
Some of the many activities taking place across the district include:
Be sure to view the photo galleries of the performances at Brookline Elementary School and Emerson Elementary School.
May 06, 2011
HISD students from across the district took part in dozens of events during the week of May 5 as a part of their observances of Cinco de Mayo.
Originally celebrated as the day Mexico’s army defeated a much larger French force in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, in America, the date has become an opportunity to learn more about and to celebrate Mexico’s history and culture.
Some of the many activities taking place across the district include:
- Brookline ES: Students from every grade donned costumes to perform a number of songs and dances, including “El Querreque” and “Las Chiapanecas.” Even some teachers got in on the act, with a performance of “El Cacahuate” by Alba Herrera, Maria Penaloza, and Diane Roberts. The highlight of the event was when former Brookline students Jaime and Eric Gomez returned to their old campus to accompany current students on the bajo quinto and accordion.
- Burbank ES: This event featured dramatic skits depicting historical events as well as performances by the ballet folklórico and mariachi band and choir. Students also took part in an art contest and many cultural projects were displayed throughout the school.
- Durham ES: The celebration featured ballet folklórico performances, music from the Jeff Davis High School Mariachi Pantera Band and the Hamilton Middle School Jazz Band. Students and their families also had the opportunity to decorate crafts and enjoy a dinner with tamales, tostadas and flautas.
- Eliot ES: Houston Dynamo defender Corey Ashe led a soccer clinic for students, followed by a traditional “quermez,” a carnival to celebrate Mexican folklore, food, and music. Special guests included Harris County Constable Victor Treviño and Chief Lorenzo Diaz, president of Houston Latino Firefighters, who accepted a special donation from students for the Denver Harbor Hamilton Brown House, a facility that serves injured firefighters.
- Emerson ES: Guests could enjoy selections played by the mariachi band on the patio, or watch folkloric dancers perform, hear choir members sing, or listen to students’ poetry recitals.
Be sure to view the photo galleries of the performances at Brookline Elementary School and Emerson Elementary School.