The intersection of 1st and Lorena streets was officially renamed Cinco de Mayo in honor of the day’s namesake.
On every corner of the intersection, you’ll now find permanent ceremonial signs that read its new name, La Plaza de Cinco de Mayo, with the phrases “La Batalla Que Nos Une” and its English translation, “The Battle That Unites Us.”
The signs were erected by the LA Department of Transportation (LADOT).
The unveiling comes a year after CD 14 Councilmember Kevin de León proposed the name change to commemorate the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla.
“It’s a festive day where we celebrate Poblanos, where we celebrate Mexican Americans, where we celebrate Latinos, where we celebrate the Americas regardless of who you are and where you come from,” said De León during the unveiling.
The corner of 3rd and Indiana streets was proposed initially, but it was changed to its current spot by the time the motion was passed with a 13-0 vote in November (Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield and John Lee were absent during the vote). The sign is a collaboration between CD 14, LADOT, and Mi Casa es Puebla.
After the unveiling, the colors and sounds of Mexico filled the air by Boyle Heights City Hall from 1st to 2nd street along Chicago Avenue.
From noon to 8 p.m., festival attendees could enjoy everything from cemitas de milanesa, pozole, and esquites to nieve de tamarindo and dulces mexicanos.
Entertainment throughout the night included dance performances by Ballet Cielo Nuevo, Cuadrilla Santa Maria Nenetzintla, and Tecuanes California, music by Tomá Venancio and Joya Sierreña, and much more.
