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Calpulli Mexican Dance Company
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inspiration for the story

"Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo" was conceived by Artistic Director & Co-Founder Alberto Lopez Herrera who sought to honor the culture of his birthplace in Puebla, Mexico. At the same time, he wanted to take advantage of the American celebration of Cinco de Mayo, and the many misconceptions about what it represents and why. Lastly, its retelling of the history is through our own eyes as Mexicans, Poblanxs, and immigrants. Read the letter from the Artistic Director.


The production premiered in April 2019 at Queens Theatre and Basie Center for the Arts. The creation of the work was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts who granted Calpulli a National Dance Project Award that continues to support touring of the work.

Send a Booking InquiryEducational Journey of Puebla

puebla: the story of cinco de mayo

Story synopsis

Act I: 

Our story begins in the early 1860’s at the Atlixcayotontli Festival in the flower-covered town of Atlixco, Puebla. A young man proclaims his allegiance to Mexican President Benito Juarez and his efforts to separate church and state to the displeasure of a nearby friar. After a brief moment of tension, the celebration continues. The young man meets his beloved while the friar prepares a message intended for his European allies.


The Emperor of France, Napoleon III, receives the message of Mexico’s civil war and their growing debt to his country. The church and Mexican elite desire a French monarchy in Mexico, so the friars plead their case to Napoleon III describing all he and France will gain from such a plan. Convinced, Napoleon III requests Maximilian, an Austrian naval commander, to unite with the church under a new emperor and empress of Mexico.


On April 28, 1862, only days before the Battle of Puebla, a small Mexican army was unable to hold back the French forces at the Battle of Acultzingo, where our young man who is now a soldier is mortally injured. The spirit of the Maringuilla- a mystical healer- performs a ritual of both native Totonaca and African descent. The soldier lives to fight another day.


The newly appointed Emperors of Mexico, Charlotte of Belgium and Maximilian, arrive in Mexico City at the capital buildings of the Zocalo and are greeted by Mexican aristocrats, who are in favor of their rule and the opportunities it will create for them. Showing their own interpretation of French dancing, the aristocrats are shocked when the empress shows interest in the native traditions of Mexico.


Charlotte begins her work in planning their rule while Maximilian has other interests in mind. In his failed attempts at courting, the emperors realize that the Zocalo is home to bedbugs that overtake them and force them to find refuge at the castle of Chapultepec, where they live for their rest of their time in Mexico. From afar, ousted President Benito Juarez plans the retaking of his government.


Act II: 

The bright Quetzal headpiece honors the quetzal bird, its connection to Aztec gods, and its dances proudly represent Puebla. Quetzales dancers follow President Benito Juarez as leader before and after the French intervention. At the same time, the strongest army of the era approaches the city of Puebla, showing their united force of French soldiers and foreign mercenaries.


The couple from Atlixco say their goodbyes. They are aware that the Mexican army counts with few soldiers and, even with commoners at arms, is much smaller than the approaching French army. A defeat seems certain, but they persist. The soldier arrives at the Fort of Loreto and Guadalupe on May 5, 1862.  Outnumbered but not out spirited, the Mexicans fight bravely and without end. To their own disbelief, the Mexican soldiers are triumphant. The strongest army in the world was defeated today in Puebla.


The people of Puebla celebrate their amazing feat returning to their families and to their festivals. The lovers reunite thankful and hopeful for the years to come.

Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo

Supporters of Benito Juarez meet at a festival in Puebla

Photo: Julieta Cervantes

Dancers: Yuritzy Govea & Jose Maria Rojas

    reviews

    a patron of the wilson center, North Carolina

    a patron of the wilson center, North Carolina

    a patron of the wilson center, North Carolina

    Thank you for bringing pure joy to me for you performance tonight .... can’t wait to see you again!!

    -Sarah S.

    audience member

    a patron of the wilson center, North Carolina

    a patron of the wilson center, North Carolina

    (I've) gotta tell you my heart is still full of the beauty of dance, costume, music, and story!

    Terrence S., audience member

    a patron of the wilson center, North Carolina

    Michael Riley, audience member

    I saw the show in Wilmington, N.C. It was very intimate and I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to seeing more from you! Great show.

    Michael Riley, audience member

    Michael Riley, audience member

    Michael Riley, audience member

    A spectacular performance and production! Bravo! And the orchestra was superb- I could listen to them all night!

    puma guerrero, audience member

    Michael Riley, audience member

    puma guerrero, audience member

    I went to see Calpulli's performance at Chelsea Factory this past weekend and I wanted to thank you all for such a beautiful performance. It was incredibly moving, I left not only inspired by your artistry but also having learned more about my own history, which is such a rare treat.  Truly, thank you.

    The community that made it possible

    story written by

    Alberto Lopez Herrera

    Juan Castaño

    Music direction & composition

    George Saenz

    commissioned choreographers

    Grisel Pren Monje

    Noemy Hernandez

    Carlos Islas

    Javier Dzul

    Juan Castaño

    costume design & creation

    Alberto Lopez Herrera

    Agustina Juarez

    Amanda Gladu

    Jose Ixcoy

    Alonso Ojeda 

    Araceli Mendez 

    lighting design & animation

    Carolina Ortiz

    Ariel Rodriguez 

    Back to Performance Page

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