Honoring and Recognizing San Mateo Carnavalero for the 10th Anniversary of the Festival del Carnaval de Puebla in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The Carnaval of San Mateo Carnavalero is a festive, month-long celebration commemorating the 1862 Battle of Puebla – also known as Cinco de Mayo – during which Mexican soldiers defeated occupying French forces. To this day, the Carnaval remains a very important part of community life in many towns across the Mexican State of Puebla; and

WHEREAS, The Mexican Community in South Philadelphia has taken the deeply rooted tradition of San Mateo Carnavalero and transposed it to the City of Philadelphia, thus bridging the gap between communities and cultures. The Festival del Carnaval de Puebla in Philadelphia upholds the true meaning of this Mexican historical commemoration; and

WHEREAS, The Festival del Carnaval de Puebla in Philadelphia promotes awareness of the diverse ethnic heritage that makes Mexico a unique and culturally-rich country. During this festival, the battle is depicted using elaborate, hand-made costumes representing five different battalions: the Zacapoaxtla, the Zapador, the Turkish, the French (Suavo), and the indigenous Serrano. Bearded masks, beaded capes, goatskin headdresses and other costume accessories are among the goods that are brought to Philadelphia from the Mexican towns of San Mateo Ozolco and Huejotzingo; and

WHEREAS, This festival celebrates not only the historical significance of a defining Mexican battle, but the unique and growing influence and contributions of the Mexican Community in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, For a decade, the Festival’s organizers—Edgar Ramírez, David Piña, Gerardo Chico, Adelaido Torres, Sebastián Lorenzo and Dionicio Jimenez—have worked tirelessly through their organization, San Mateo Carnavalero, to uphold the mission to preserve, promote and share the “Carnavalero” culture in the Greater Philadelphia Area; and

WHEREAS, El Festival del Carnaval de Puebla en Filadelfia no sólo celebra el legado histórica de una distintiva festividad Mexicana, sino que también demuestra la enorme contribución de la comunidad Mexicana a la cultura de Filadelfia. Los Carnavaleros mantienen viva esta tradición en nuestra ciudad. Es por eso que el Consejo de la Ciudad de Filadelfia agradece y felicita a los Carnavaleros y a la demás comunidad Mexicana por el decimo Aniversario del Festival del Carnaval de Puebla en Filadelfia; and

WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased to honor and thank the “Carnavaleros” for the 10th Anniversary of the Festival del Carnaval de Puebla in Philadelphia, in recognition and celebration of the Poblano-style festival and the invaluable impact that the Mexican culture has on communities across the globe and especially to the City of Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes the 10th Anniversary of the Festival del Carnaval de Puebla in Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the organization of San Mateo Carnavalero, further evidencing the sincere admiration and congratulations of this legislative body.

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