Before I looked it up on the web, I couldn't begin to tell you the actual historical significance of Cinco de Mayo. All I know is that many of my friends use it as an excuse to eat Mexican food and drink margaritas...in abundance! Well, today I edumacated myself. Cinco de Mayo ("Fifth of May" in Spanish) is a Mexican civic holiday commemorating the Mexican army's May 5, 1862 win over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo sees limited significance in Mexico itself, but the date is observed nationwide as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. So c'mon readers...let's celebrate with a few vintage photos! First up from my batch of B&W 1974 negatives come a few festive pics of a Viva Mexico themed parade. Chip 'n Dale look like they're ready to go south of the border to tie one on!
Both Minnie & Mickey appear to be wearing their normal garb, but their driver looks like he might have been woken from an afternoon siesta.
The Latino music continues; I am digging the wide lapels and oversized ties. So 70's!
Much of the Latino music at Disneyland came from this little stand located in Frontierland, visible in this September 1961 shot:
The Gonzalez Trio often entertained guests here:
Right nearby, guests could savor tasty Mexican dishes at Casa de Fritos. The Gonzalez Trio is shown here in this January 1966 shot:
Would you buy chips from this woman? You betcha! Circa August 1967 photo:
Even Main Street U.S.A. strayed a bit from its Americana theme by playing host to a Mexican Street Exhibit back in 1963. Here are some previously posted shots from the festival, including one of Walt having a great time:
As a farewell to today's Mexican-theme post, feast your eyes on Mickey & Eeyore in a vintage 1978 photo:
See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos atmy main website.
7 comments:
Fun post and I love that photo of Walt. The other day, there was an all female Mariachi group at DCA. I'm hoping they are still there this weekend because they are quite good. Hey! Margaritas at DCA on Saturday!! What do ya say?
Here is some background on the 1974 Viva Mexico celebration:
Disneyland Line (4/17/1974): In conjunction with Mexico's Cinco de Mayo celebration, "Viva Mexico" leads off the lineup of events on May 4-5. The weekend extravaganza will include appearances by Latin American performers throughout the Park, as well as festive parades.
Mexico motion picture and television star Luis Manuel Pelago will be Grand Marshall for a colorful "Viva Mexico" parade on Disneyland's Main Street at 2:00 p.m. during both days of the event.
Lively Latin sounds will emanate from many Park stages throughout the weekend, with the talents of composer-performer Cornelio Reyna and veteran screen stars Sarita Garcia and Jorge Lavat showcased on Tomorrowland Stage, along with Mariachi Los Camperos.
Further entertainment during the celebration will be provided by the popular Los Diablos and such groups as Mariachi Los Gallos, Conjunto Jarocha Los Brilliantes, Mariachi Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson and Marimba Mayalandia.
Entertaining and educational, what a fantastic post! I'm really digging that Sept. '61 shot! Once again I have to ask - do you ever sleep??? .
THANKS SO MUCH!
Jason - Somehow I knew you'd be able to add some great info about the 1974 Viva Mexico shots - many thanks! Connie - sounds good. Let's talk! Tim - the answer to that question...not enough!
Wow, I didn't know that Disneyland's support of the Latino Community went that far back! That picture of Walt in the sombrero should be posted every May 5th.
Cinco de Mayo is not “an obligatory federal holiday” in Mexico, but rather a holiday that can be observed voluntarily. While Cinco de Mayo has limited significance nationwide in Mexico, the date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, which actually is September 16, the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.
Logo Design: Nobody said Cinco de Mayo was "obligatory" or that it was Mexico's Independence Day.
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