Paladin

Issue date: 5/15/08 Section: City Style

Media Credit: Christian Millan

Student and contributor to KLBC.org George Taylor said while eating his free taco on May 5 in the Quad, "The best food is free food."

When talking about how he celebrates Cinco de Mayo, Taylor said he already celebrated the occasion with members of KLBC by partaking in margaritas and nachos with his friends.

LBCC celebrated Mexican culture on May 5 in the Quad and Viking Food Court.

The Cultural Affairs Council provided free tacos in the Quad and live music by the Mariachi Ensenada band, which played in the Food Court.

Newly elected ASB Chief Executive Officer Latonya Neal said the event was the last that Cultural Affairs would sponsor for the year and, "It is a celebration for the students. We really want to go out with a bang."

Student Floyd Livingston said while enjoying his free taco on a shady bench in the Quad, "I don't know how to celebrate it. But I guess I can celebrate it by respecting it."

People who were not able to grab a free taco could also buy chile rellenos, two tamales or two chicken tacos in the Food Court for $4.50 each.

Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for 5th of May, is observed in honor of the Mexican victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Despite common belief, May 5 is not Mexico's Independence Day. Mexico's Independence Day was actually Sept. 16, 1810.

Even though the French were defeated at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, Mexico City was invaded by the French about a year later.

While celebrated widely in California and throughout the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday in Mexico, mostly celebrated in the state of Puebla.

Cinco de Mayo today is best described as an opportunity to observe Mexican culture and her

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