Students Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Parades, Carnivals

Proceeds from Condit ES event to offset cost of attending Odyssey of the Mind World Finals

HISD students are taking part in dozens of activities this week and next as a part of their observance of Cinco de Mayo (May 5).

Originally celebrated as the day Mexico’s army defeated a much larger French force in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, in America, the date has become an opportunity to learn more about and to celebrate Mexico’s history and culture.

Just a few of the many activities taking place across the district include:

  • Brookline ES: At this school’s early celebration, students in all grades performed dances related to the theme of “De Donde Venimos” (where we are from), and children wrote essays about their origins and what makes them proud of their heritage.
  • Condit ES: Guests can enjoy food and beverages, as well as bounce houses, rock walls, giant slides, obstacle courses, and face-painting at this school’s carnival, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 5, between 2 and 5 p.m. Adults and toddlers age 2 and under may attend for free. Admission costs $10 for each child. Proceeds will be used to defray travel costs for the school’s Odyssey of the Mind team, who is competing in the world finals later this month. Details are here.
  • DeAnda ES: Students at this school created a float entitled “Placita DeAnda” that will appear in League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)’s annual Cinco de Mayo Parade in downtown Houston. The parade will take place on Saturday, May 4, starting at 10 a.m. at the corner of Texas and Hamilton. Details are here.
  • Helms ES: This campus will be hosting its first Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday, May 4, from noon until 4 p.m. in its SPARK park. Attractions include music, food, a moonwalk, face-painting, and crafts for the kids. A number of community outreach organizations will also be on-hand to provide Latino parents with information on immigration reform, immigration law, voting, and community resources.

Got photos from your school’s celebration? Send them to HISDphotos@yahoo.com, and we’ll post them on Facebook or other social media!