Celebrating Cinco De Mayo and Mexican History with Lowrider Culture, and Delicious Food in Waukegan and Lake County Illinois!

May 5, 2022

Today is Cinco De Mayo! We’re going to take a look at some iconic parts of Mexican American Chicanx Traditions, and the incredible car culture they’ve created out west with Lowrider cars. We’re also going to learn a little bit about the origins of this commemorative holiday, and then grab a delicious Mexican and Tex Mex dinner at a local restaurant! It’s a great day to support your local Mexican and Mexican-American owned local businesses, too.

What is Cinco De Mayo?

Many people presume that Cinco De Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, but it actually has other origins! Contrary to popular belief, its association with a feast of Mexican and Tex Mex foods is a popularly increasing celebratory trend of recent years.

Cinco de Mayo, is actually the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a celebration observed in Mexico and parts of the US. The Mexican Army’s achieved victory over the French Empire on May 5th 1862, thanks to General Ignacio Zaragoza, and overtook the French Forces of Napoleon III. The French later returned with reinforcements, but ultimately were defeated by the Mexican Army who took full control back of the city later in April 1867. The battle remains a significant day in Mexican history, symbolizing Mexico’s determination to take back their home, and their fortitude in the face of foreign occupation and aggressors.

All About Lowrider Car Culture

Chances are you’ve seen a Lowrider car and had some stars in your eyes at these impressive rides! Lowrider cars are traditionally quite colorful custom painted vehicles with white wall tires and wire-spoke rims. They certainly stand out in a crowd and have become an indelible part of Mexican American culture.

Lowrider vehicles originated in the Meximerican Barrios in East Los Angeles during the 1940s. Young men donned some dapper suits and hit the roads in their American Muscle cars which they’d DIY modified to create a whole new vehicle style. They began with the idea of creating a low and slow driving art piece which reflected the history and culture of Mexican heritage, and went against the grain of traditional Anglo-American culture and societal standards. From self-taught skills in detailing and painting, automotive upholstery,and custom engineered hydraulics, its an inspiring creative feat.

Learn more:

Inside Chicano/Chicana Culture in LA

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zmOrihb-dv0

Donut Media Podcast Presents “How Lowriders Were a Protest Against White Supremacy

Great Mexican and TexMex Eateries in the Lake County and Greater Chicago Area:

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