Area Events Scheduled To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo Day

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out Saturday for Eastern Washington University’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

The campus’ Chicano Education Program and volunteers from student groups have pooled efforts for the past 17 years to put on the party. Last year, about 300 people participated.

“It’s important we affirm our culture through celebrations such as this,” said Carlos Maldonado, program director.

Maldonado said the event also is an entree into the Spokane Chicano community for people who want to learn more about the customs.

Festivities kick off today on the EWU campus with a lecture on the Mexican immigrant experience as portrayed in Chicano literature, and live Mexican music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Events continue Saturday with live mariachi music, folk dancing and speakers. Graduating Chicano students will be honored at a banquet later that evening, followed by a dance. Tickets are $22 and cover all events.

For information, call 359-2404.

Cheney Cowles Museum is holding its first Cinco de Mayo event Saturday.

The celebration is from 12:30-4:30 p.m. People can enjoy live mariachi music and watch dance performances as children make ethnic crafts. The event is free with regular museum admissions.

Lynn Pankonin, who’s spearheading the celebration, said she hopes the event will highlight the Spokane Mexican-American community, and show people that museums can be fun places, too.

For information, call 456-3931.

On Monday, Spokane Community College hosts a celebration with a mariachi band, panel discussion, and pinatas for the kids. Events are from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For information, contact 533-7386.

, DataTimes