Brownwood – SALSA leaders held their Cinco de Mayo Festival at Wiggins Park on May 7 to observe the historic day by paying tribute to the courageous Mexicans who stood up to and defeated a heavily armed force of 4,500 French troops in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, in which an estimated 100 Mexicans died. Defeating the French gave President Lincoln time to defeat the Confederacy and keep America united.

SALSA joined forces with local donors and the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) in awarding scholarships to 28 area students representing eight area high schools. USHLI President and former Brownwood resident Dr. Juan Andrade said, “Celebrating el Cinco de Mayo should be about paying tribute to the courage, valor, and gallantry of Mexican peasants and a heavily out-numbered army for their sacrifice as the last line of defense in preserving freedom, liberty, and justice for all persons. The best way to honor the noble sacrifice of the Mexicans at Puebla is to invest in today’s youth and help provide a way for them to educate themselves to become the next generation of leaders in America, the country that their ancestors fought to preserve.”

The festival attracted the largest attendance since its inception in 2019 and, in addition to the record number of scholarships awarded, featured a high caliber car show, arts and crafts exhibits, games for children and adults, pinatas, a 50-50 raffle, and music throughout the event. The highly organized SALSA membership was assisted by an enthusiastic number of volunteers.

SALSA’s mission is preserving Hispanic cultural heritage and promoting academic achievement, leadership development, social and economic advancement, and civic participation.