Comite Patriotico Mexicano at Parque Zaragoza - East Austin's Original Fiesta Planners

Jen Massing Harris, PZNA Neighborhood Nose Contributor 

Found this historic photograph of our Parque Zaragoza neighborhood and park.

Photograph of Fiesta Patrias, the group who planned patriotic activities for Parque Zaragoza. Seated L to R: Macrino Ortiz, Ignacio Orriaga, Frank Morales, Ignacio Acosta. Standing L to R: Pedro Cortez, Severino Guerra, Frank Prado. Comite Patriotico Mexicano at Parque Zaragoza, photograph, 1930~; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth124550/m1/1/: accessed May 5, 2019), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.

Though this holiday isn't widely celebrated in Mexico, it dates back in the United States to 1863 originating from California to celebrate Mexican American culture and educate first generation Mexican American youth about their history and has spread across the globe and is now celebrated in several countries.

On June 7, 2005, the United States Congress issued a concurrent resolution calling on the President of the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Many mistaken Cinco de Mayo for the Mexican Independence Day which is The Cry of Dolores or Grito de Dolores on September 16th.

​Photographed are some of the original East Austin Fiesta planners! Happy Cinco de Mayo All!

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