Ear to the ground:
“They call me ‘Honest Ed.’ No, I’m a liar. No one ever called me that.”
– Local barfly breaking the ice
Cinco gets sweaty
After a somewhat conspicuous absence, one of Durango’s favorite reasons to celebrate the first weekend in May has returned. The first annual Gazpacho’s Cinco de Mayo Heritage Days takes place deep in the heart of Durango’s south side this weekend, Friday - Sunday. Co-sponsored by Fort Lewis College’s El Centro de Muchos Colores, the three-day fiesta features the traditional Cinco trappings of Latino bands, folklorico dancers, kids activities, booths, food and drinks. New this year is the addition of the Latin-based fitness dance craze sweeping living rooms, dance studios, rec centers and late-night TV everywhere, Zumba – including “Zumbathons” and “Zumbatomic” for the little zumbinos.

Of course, the most important part of the weekend is commemorating the Mexican army’s historic underdog victory over the well-equipped French troops in 1862’s “Batalla de Pueblo.” (No, it’s not “Mexican Independence Day,” despite common misconceptions.)

Bands at this year’s event include: Sensacion de Colorado; Grupo Ritmo; DJ Euforia; Severo de Grupo Feugo; and Los Mitotitos. there will also be a special FLc alumni “happy hour” from 4-6 p.m. Friday.

For those who would rather shake their  stuff then their margarita, their will be an hour-long Zumbatomic class for kids on Sat., from 4:15-5:15 p.m. The big Zumbathon finale, featuring more than a dozen local certified instructors, takes place Sun., from 1-3 p.m.

Proceeds from the weekend’s offerings, including a special “El Centro” margarita, a commemorative poster and the Zumbathon, will go toward El Centro’s Student Book Scholarship as well as Ballet Folklorico, which is planning a trip to the national folklorico dance conference this summer.

The action starts each day at noon, and goes till 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free and open to all. For a complete list of all the action, go to: restaurantsdurango.com/things-to-do/gazpachos-cinco-de-mayo-heritage-days/