What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexican Independence Day. But why celebrate it?
On May 5th, 1862, Mexico defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla. Puebla is 100km southeast of Mexico City. This victory by Mexico stopped Napolean III’s initial attempts to expand the French Empire into Mexico.
It’s important to note that the French forces doubled that of Mexico, making the victory a massive boost in morale for the newly formed nation of Mexico. In addition, the Battle at Puebla was the first defeat of an invading European force on either American continent. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in a few parts of Mexico, like Puebla, but here in the USA, it’s a way to celebrate our beautiful Mexican culture.
How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
As California residents, we are lucky to have a large community of Latinos, where many do get together to celebrate their Mexican culture. This past weekend there were a few festivals nearby, and the family & I decided to stop by the Anaheim 5 de Mayo Fiesta at La Palma Park. The day was filled with live music, dance performances, carnival rides, games & can’t forget the FOOD! 😋 Our family is multicultural, so attending local events celebrating our Mexican culture allows me to educate my nieces and nephews about their Mexican heritage. Of course, they experience cultural music and entertainment, but they also learn about Mexican history and the proud community that exists here in the U.S.A.
While at the event, we stopped by various booths where we had the opportunity to try different Mexican food and drinks, hand-made merchandise, and even visited organizations that support our local community with resources and information that can better their everyday lives. You never know what type of opportunities and information you can find when visiting these booths.
Save on Gas. Use Public Transportation
That being said, I would like to highlight OCTA for being present at the festival and providing valuable information regarding the future of transportation in Orange County. As we know, Southern California is not famous for easy public transportation like other big cities, but OCTA is working on changing that, especially for the local Orange County community.
With gas prices and the cost of living being at their highest, learning about other ways to commute to work or attend local events can come in handy. Here are a few programs you and your family can take advantage of to keep travel expenses down for the family:
Save on Gas. Get the Value Pass!
- With the Value Pass, you can ride more for less money. And with the high cost of gas, traveling by OC Bus makes more economic sense than ever. In addition, you can purchase multiple 1-Day passes or 30-Day passes at a discounted price. Perfect for daily commuters.
- Riders can purchase bus tickets online, OCTA mobile app, or location in Orange: 550 S Main St; Orange, CA.
Youth Ride Free Pass
- The Youth Ride Free program, which allows youth ages 6 to 18 to ride OC Bus for free to school, sports, work, and other activities, started in September 2021 and was extended by the OCTA Board of Directors on February 14, 2022.
- In March 2022, OCTA provided extended blue passes through schools, an online request form, or walk-ins to the OCTA Store. Updated parent request forms will need to be submitted to receive the pass. The pass issued in March will be good through September 2022, after which time a new pass will be provided.
- This free pass for youth ages 6 to 18 will allow them to get to all their essential destinations on our safe, clean, reliable buses.
Discounted Bus Passes for College Students
- The College Pass gets you unlimited bus rides to campus, work, shopping, the beach, and more on OC Bus, your safe, clean, convenient ride to all of OC and beyond. Only nine credits and 46 bucks, and it’s yours. You only need to be enrolled in 9 credits during the semester or quarter to qualify for the FREE OC Bus College Fare ID! Once you have your ID, it’s simple to purchase your college pass.
Need help traveling by bus? Sign up for their Free Group Online Training here.
Other Ways to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo
- Support local Mexican-owned small businesses, such as mom and pop restaurants. You can grab a margarita there.
- Support Mexican Arts and Museums
- Share the Real Story!
If you do decide to do the Cinco de Drinko celebration, don’t drink and drive. Take the OC Bus! ¡Contigo a donde sea!