Cinco de Mayo
Synopsis
Labeled “Cinco De Mayo,” this document is an event announcement designed to promote and provide details about a Cinco De Mayo celebration that was intended to commemorate the Battle of Puebla and to highlight Mexican heritage and culture. It includes the text “Batalla de Puebla” (Battle of Puebla), which emphasizes the historical significance of the scene illustrated. The images of the man symbolizing Mexico wielding a sword over a defeated Napoleon, the drawing of SDSU’s Hepner Hall, and tombstones with the words “Chicano Studies Dept.” and “Chicano Collection” written on them help to emphasize the event’s focus on Mexican history and the importance of studying Chicano culture at SDSU. The performances by music and dance groups advertised on the poster were intended to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. The event’s guest speakers also likely shared insights into Mexican history and culture. The poster is a visual representation of the event’s main themes, such as Mexican history, culture, the Battle of Puebla, and the importance of Chicano Studies and the Chicano Collection at SDSU.
Dates
- Creation: 1974-1983
Creator
- From the Collection: Sandoval Fernandez, Carmen (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Annotation
The Cinco De Mayo poster is a bold representation of a celebration of Mexican heritage that underscores the historical significance of the Battle of Puebla. The Battle of Puebla occurred on May 5, 1862, when the Mexican military, led by Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza, achieved a surprising victory against the French army which was led by Emperor Napoleon III. This battle marked a turning point in Mexico’s struggle for independence and sovereignty, becoming a symbol of Mexican resistance and pride, and celebrated annually as Cinco de Mayo.
There are several other symbolic images in the poster. The black huelga eagle is a symbol of the United Farm Workers (UFW), an American labor union founded in 1962 by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta to fight for farmworkers’ rights. The snake with the stick of dynamite in its mouth represents powerful resistance to foreign influences, as well as the explosive potential for change and revolution. This imagery complements the reference to the Battle of Puebla, in which Mexican forces successfully resisted the French invasion. Another drawing on the poster is Hepner Hall, located on SDSU’s campus. One of the first buildings constructed in 1930, it was originally known as the “Academic Building,” and later named after the university’s third president, Walter Hepner. Hepner Hall was designed by Howard Spencer Hazen, and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The poster is paradigmatic because it shows the role of graphic design in promoting cultural awareness and historically significant events. As an example of Chicano graphic art, it represents the values of the Chicano movement that emerged in the 1960s and 70s. With details about the Cinco de Mayo event, such as the date, location, featured performances, and guest speakers, the poster not only communicates information about the event but also encourages engagement within Chicano culture and history. The poster’s artist is not identified, but the artwork connects strongly to the cultural and historical context of the event it promoted. It is a valuable example of the power of art to express and convey a message about cultural heritage and historical events. By incorporating historical symbols, artists, and guest speakers who are performing, it highlights aspects of Mexican history and culture and demonstrates their relevance in the present.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.30 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
From the Collection: Spanish; Castilian
From the Collection: English
Description
This poster features text and images related to the celebration of Cinco De Mayo at San Diego State University (SDSU). It depicts a dramatic scene of a black huelga eagle violently grasping a snake with a stick of dynamite in its mouth. Below the eagle, a figure representing Mexico, indicated by the word “Mexico,” stands triumphantly with a sword over a fallen Napoleon, identified by the text on his body. Next to the figure representing Mexico is the text “Batalla de Puebla” (Battle of Puebla), and a thought bubble emerging from Napoleon’s head, revealing a skull and crossbones, indicating the grim fate of the battle.
In the upper right corner is an illustration of SDSU’s Hepner Hall, next to tombstones with the inscriptions “Chicano Studies Dept.” and “Chicano Collection.” The event is billed as a celebration of Mexican culture, with performances by the Ballet Tayanaya, the Ballet Los Tarancos, and Mariachi Los Aventurero, and guest speakers Francisco Estrada and Rosario de Baca. The event was sponsored by the Community Advisory Board (CAB) and took place on Friday, May 4 (no year) at the SDSU Aztec Center.
The text on the poster is located mostly in the top third, and uses a typeface that appears to be inspired by handwriting. This typeface has an extremely rough texture with minimal static, giving it a raw and informal feel. The typeface is also elongated and horizontal, which contributes to its distinctive visual style. There is a red underline under the words Aztec Center and Fri. May 4. The approximate size of the poster is 16.9 inches by 18.89 inches (43 cm by 48 cm). The poster is in good physical condition with no noticeable discoloration. There are some light stains and marks throughout the poster, mostly at the top and bottom, but these do not detract from the overall composition or visual appeal of the poster.
Dimensions
Poster; color, 16.93 x 18.9 in. (43 cm x 48 cm)
Sponsor
MECHA, Grassroots C.D.S., C.A.B.
Processing Information
Metadata created by Kenneth Zuniga-Diuguid
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections & University Archives Repository