1) Dr. Jesus Luna, a historian whose expertise is Mexican history, will deliver a talk, “What Is Cinco de Mayo?” at 10:30 a.m. in the Free Speech Area.
The Fresno State history professor’s talk will kick off the Cinco de Mayo Tardeada (a traditional afternoon celebration with food and entertainment) featuring food booths by Chicano student organizations from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., also in the Free Speech Area.
Luna will be available briefly after his talk for interviews (10:50 to 11 a.m.). He may also be reached at (559) 278-7846.
2) El Mariachi Anahuac de Fresno State, the university’s own student mariachi group, will make its public debut from noon to 1 p.m. at the tardeada.
Under the direction of Dr. Manuel Pena, music professor, the group consists of students enrolled in a mariachi class that was first offered at Fresno State in the fall 1997 semester and is now ready to perform publicly. Fresno State is one of a few but growing number of universities in the nation offering a mariachi class, Pena said.
Pena will also be available to comment on the cultural aspects of the Cinco de Mayo observance and may be reached at (559) 278-7190.
Attached is an updated, revised schedule of the week’s activities that began yesterday. For more details, contact Rick Chacon or Frances Pena at (559) 278-2048.
