By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexican Independence. The Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, was actually just one battle in the war against France. But a symbolic win there, and later financial support from the United States, and May 5 became associated with a celebration of Mexican-American culture. Martha and Fernando Delgadillo helped bring the celebration to Great Bend in 1994. Margarita Ayala, one of the local coordinators, said it's still a festive way to bring people together.
"It is very important because it's a way for our Hispanic community to get involved in the USA," she said. "It was that battle where Mexico was helping the USA. I think it's a good way to connect both cultures."
Along with the Delgadillos, community leaders Miguel Giner, Guill Burley, Luz Betty Gordon, Nancy Schuetz, Dr. Perry Schuetz, and Steven Wolf helped bring the celebration to Great Bend. It's always been held at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend, and returns this Saturday, May 6.
A parade kicks off this year's event at 11 a.m. Food trucks, music, and dancing will follow until 7 p.m. outside the Barton County Courthouse. Cinco de Mayo queens have been around since the beginning - Ayala participated as one herself 25 years ago.
"This year, we tried to adopt something new, which is the king,' Ayala said. "After about 25 years, this will be the first time we'll have a king. Everyone who would like to participate has to have good standing at school."
Previously, the queen candidates wrote an essay about Cinco de Mayo. Ayala, an educator and coach at Great Bend High School and Middle School, helped introduce the idea of making sure queens, and now kings, have good standing at school, including no failing classes. There was just one king candidate this first year, but queen numbers have doubled to eight this year.
In the past, judges determined who would get first place. This year, queen candidates sold $1 tickets that counted as votes. GBMS seventh grader Vanessa Vasquez has been named queen, and GBHS freshman Christian Chacon-Renteria has been named king.
Great Bend's Cinco de Mayo celebration continues to grow after taking a year off due to COVID-19. Live music returned last year, and Los Traficantes Del Norte will play live at Jack Kilby Square this year.