MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Thirty-five percent of the population in Mount Vernon are Hispanic, and on this Cinco de Mayo, a group of teens came together to organize the first-ever parade for the holiday in their city.
Unfortunately, soaking rain dumped from the skies throughout the event, and unseasonably low temperatures created a chill.
"But we're still here!" said Ashley Zuniga, a Mount Vernon High School senior who helped organize the parade with her community service group, Latinos in Action.
The odds were against this outdoor event from happening, but it carried on as normal and the streets were lined with people.
"It's a story that we would love to share with other like, people. Like the young people, you know?” said Zuniga.
It is that very same resiliency that happens to be a point of pride for people of Hispanic heritage. After all, history shows they never did shy away from a challenge.
"Everyone has the idea that Cinco De Mayo is basically like Mexican Independence Day, which it’s not. Let me clarify, it's not," said Zuniga.
And on this holiday that is shrouded in misconceptions, a group of high schoolers set out to set the record straight: Cinco De Mayo commemorates Mexico's victory in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. They triumphed over the French, whose troops were bigger and better equipped.
"Mexico was a really weak army that they had back then," said Zuniga. "So the fact that they were able to beat a really strong army, which is the French, is a really amazing thing."
It's part of their history they’re hoping to impart on younger generations.
"We don't give up! This is it, we don't give up," said Zuniga.
They seem to be receptive to that. Ernesto Rosales, 7, told KING 5 he really liked the parade.
"I like the bouncy cars. The bouncy cars those low riders, and the horses. They were stomping, stomping with their feet, and they made the big noises on the, on the ground," said Rosales.
His father, Miguel Rosales, said, "I'm happy my son gets to see his heritage.”
His teen daughter, Miah Ortiz, agreed.
"It's a day to like-- honestly, for me-- to be proud of who I am," Ortiz said. "Cause I have Mexican culture, and like they won the war. It's a big success."
Zuniga said she was happy with the outcome of the parade.
"I feel successful, you know? I can graduate like tomorrow, and I'll be good," she said.