Cinco de Mayo at the State Museum

The South Carolina State Museum is proud to host the fourth annual Cinco de Mayo celebration to showcase Hispanic heritage and pride from 12 – 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 1.  This event provides an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate and recognize the Hispanic culture in South Carolina.

Guests will enjoy family fun featuring a variety of Latin American activities, including The Unbreakable Piñata, crafts, prizes and games like Juega de Lotena (Mexican Bingo). The event will also feature traditional Mexican dance performances by Compania de Danza Herencia Latina from Charlotte, N.C., and live music provided by Pachanga, a Latin American dance band from Hilton Head Island, S.C.

“The Hispanic community is an important part of South Carolina and we look forward to recognizing and celebrating their traditions and contributions to our diverse society,” said public programs manager Celeste Wszola. “We are excited to bring South Carolinians a full day of family fun and cultural activities that celebrate Hispanic culture.”

Authentic Mexican cuisine prepared by Cecilia’s Mexican Restaurant in Irmo, S.C., as well as beverages, will be available for purchase.

A fact that many people may find surprising is that Americans celebrate this Mexican holiday more widely than people do in Mexico.  Cinco de Mayo means “fifth of May” in Spanish, and the holiday commemorates the events of May 5, 1862.  It is not Mexican Independence Day, as many believe.  Rather, on that day, the Mexican army, under the command of Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, won a victory over the French at Puebla, despite overwhelming odds. This victory led to the expulsion of the French from Mexico five years later. Cinco de Mayo took off as an American holiday in the 1960s, when the holiday was promoted as a day to celebrate America’s own Latino community.

The Cinco de Mayo celebration at the museum falls on First Citizens First Sunday, which means general admission is only $1 thanks to First Citizens Bank. Cinco de Mayo activities are included with general admission or museum membership. There is an additional fee for food and beverages.  Visit scmuseum.org or call (803) 898-4999 to learn more.