Hays County Commissioners Court To Host Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday proclaimed May 1-8 as Cinco de Mayo Week in Hays County, recognizing the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, Mexico, on May 5, 1862.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra read the proclamation and invited the public to Cinco on the Square, the first-ever Cinco de Mayo celebration on the historic Courthouse grounds. The Judge’s Office is hosting the event on Saturday, May 4, at 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos.

Judge Becerra said he will read the proclamation again at the opening ceremony of Cinco on the Square and then hang it in his office, “the people’s office,” for all to see.

The family-friendly festivities begin at 11 a.m. with opening ceremonies and activities for children of all ages, and will continue with food, art, and music until 5 PM. With the help and support of LULAC 654, Hays Fiesta Events, and Blue Bell Ice Cream, food vendors and artisan booths will complement the entertainment and bands that include Bo Luna, Nikki Lopez, George Mercado Band and Ilyann. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, but to leave coolers at home in support of the vendors.

According to the proclamation, the battle is significant in that 4,000 Mexican soldiers were greatly outnumbered by the well-equipped French Army of 8,000 that had not been defeated in almost 50 years.

Had Mexico not defeated the French in Puebla, France would have gone on to aid the Confederacy in the U.S. Civil War and the United States’ destiny would have been different.

On June 7, 2005, the U.S. Congress issued a Concurrent Resolution calling on the President of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and Cinco de Mayo has evolved into cultural celebrations in many communities across the U.S. meant to honor Mexican culture and heritage through parades, music, dance, and cuisine.