By Chauncey Bailey

The national colors of Mexico -- red, green and white – were everywhere as tens of thousands of people took part in Cinco de Mayo weekend events from Oakland's Fruitvale District to Richmond's 23rd Street.

    Mexican flags were prominent and people painted their faces in Mexico’s national colors to mark the day in 1862 when a small Mexican army defeated French soldiers at Puebla, Mexico – a battle that helped end French rule
    Sidewalks were jammed as people came out to see the parades and enjoy the street fairs, support vendors, enjoy Mexican foods, and listen to folk songs and ranchera music.
    "This (celebration) gets bigger and better every year," said one vendor.

    "People want to stay in touch with their culture," said Marie Lopez-Carter of Richmond, as she bought Churros (fried dough sticks) for her small children. "That's why we are here and why we bring our families."
    For Raul Gomez of Oakland, the day is about “freedom and us feeling proud of who we are as Mexicans. My kids love the horses, cowboys and Aztec dancers on International Boulevard. We also want to be treated as Mexican-Americans. Immigrants helped build this nation."
    Oakland's Hispanic/Latino population has soared and now is 25 percent of the city. Local leaders waved to crowds and were warmly received _ among them, Oakland City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente, who came to the U.S. from Mexico, worked as a dish washer before he secured a union job and a labor leadership role and finally public office.
    While the crowds were dominated by Hispanics and Latinos, other ethnic groups were also represented. "This is about fun and family," said Harold Jordan of Alameda.
    Other festive gatherings took place on Market and Julian streets and at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose where many honored the legacy of the labor leader whose work gave rise to what is now the United Farm Workers Union.
    Others also met in Delores Park and the Mission District in San Francisco.
    The Richmond celebration was hosted by the 23rd Street Merchants Association. City Hall had been the site for a smaller event last year but 23rd Street emerged as the people’s choice for a venue, said local officials as a morning parade got underway.
    Much larger crowds came to Oakland's Fruitvale District were streets where closed to make way for sidewalk shoppers and vendors.