Skip to content
Interpreting the Evidence

Flyer Announcing Mexican Fiesta, Sodus Primary School, Sodus, N.Y., September 17, 2000

Student View

About this Activity

  • Documents in this Activity:
  • Historical Era:

    Contemporary United States (1965 - present)

  • Thinking Skill:

    Historical Analysis & Interpretation

  • Grade Level:

    Lower Elementary
    Upper Elementary
    Middle School
    High School
    College University

  • Topics:

    Community
    Education
    Latinos

  • Primary Source Types:

    Broadside

  • Regions:

    Central New York

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team

  1. Load Flyer Announcing Mexican Fiesta, Sodus Primary School, Sodus, N.Y., September 17, 2000 in Main Image Viewer
  2. Load Flyer Announcing Mexican Fiesta, Sodus Primary School, Sodus, N.Y., September 17, 2000 in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Document Description
Flyer announcing Mexican Fiesta held at Sodus Primary School, Sodus, N.Y., September 17, 2000. The event was part of an intercultural initiative begun in the area in the late 1980s with the goal of easing relations and fostering communication between seasonal workers and local residents.
Historical Context
Fiestas, or celebrations, have long been a part of Mexican tradition. Many Mexican fiestas are related to the Catholic Church. Activities during fiestas could include decorating with brightly colored lanterns hung across streets and courtyards, fireworks, piñatas, puppet performances, and religious pilgrimages.

Some well-known Mexican fiestas include Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, and Las Posadas. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico itself even though the fiesta commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which occurred on May 5, 1862. On that day, the Mexican army defeated the French army. Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, honors those who have passed away and occurs on the Catholic holy day, All Souls Day, which is November 2. The Las Posadas fiesta is another Catholic-based holiday. It occurs during the Christmas season to honor the struggle Mary and Joseph endured in Bethlehem before their son Jesus was born. 
 
Essential Question
How does immigrant culture influence a local community?
 
Check for Understanding
Describe the Mexican fiesta and explain how this event would impact the local community.
Historical Challenges
Cinco de Mayo commemorates a great Mexican military victory over France. Why was France even in Mexico at the time?
The United States is a multicultural society. Research the contributions people from other countries have made to our nation and culture.
 
Interdisciplinary Connections
Art: Research a popular Mexican fiesta and create a travel brochure persuading people to attend.
English Language Arts: Plan a festival in your school representing ethnic groups in your community.
RETURN TO RESULTS