CCWF celebrates Cinco de Mayo
On May 5, 2025, Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) held its first large-scale Cinco de Mayo event in the gym. Residents who signed up to participate were greeted with red, white, and green decorations celebrating Mexico and Mexican culture.
As participants entered the gym and walked past a “Bienvenidos” banner, they were given a handmade flag, maraca, fan, or flower to commemorate the occasion. Retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson-Davis, a frequent CCWF program provider, coordinated the event to “educate people culturally.”
“If people know where they came from, they can find their purpose,” Dobson-Davis said. “My goal is to help educate the population and staff.”
Cinco de Mayo, a holiday largely celebrated in the United States, memorializes the battle of Puebla. In the early 1860s, French troops were sent to conquer Mexico City but encountered resistance when they reached Puebla. Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza commanded approximately 2,000 troops who were poorly trained and equipped. In contrast, the French cavalry and infantrymen numbered roughly 6,000. The Mexican soldiers, with help from local citizens and Zacapoaxtla natives, stopped the French forces from taking the city on three separate attempts, the last on May 5, 1862.
Cinco de Mayo has gained popularity over many years. As of 1998, more than 120 Cinco de Mayo festivals could be found in at least 21 states.
The event was full of surprises for participants. After residents and some staff members assembled, local mariachi band Mariachi La Union strode into the gym to riotous applause. The five-piece band and lead singer were dressed in black pants and jackets, while the four dancers wore traditional, brightly colored Mexican dresses.
Upon taking the stage, the lead singer said, “I have been entertaining for 30 years and have never been received in the way I was received here. It is an honor to have friends here.”
Mariachi La Union performed multiple songs, including leading the crowd in singing “Cielito Lindo.” The music was so infectious that one officer supervising the event couldn’t help but sing along.
Before Mariachi La Union departed CCWF, residents who were scheduled to perform later in the event were welcomed to the stage and danced with the professional folklórico dancers. “It is very special to see the whole community come together, united as one,” said resident Analu Cabral.
Watching the mariachi performance, Cabral was reminded of her childhood. “I used to dance folklórico as a child, and so did my mom,” she said. “This event is so special to have.”
Soon after, a moment of silence was held for Pattie “Smurf” Paschal, a long-time CCWF resident who passed away on April 16.
CCWF dancers then took the stage and performed, followed by an explanation of the meaning of Cinco de Mayo and the rise of Chicano activism. According to resident Maria Quinterobriseno, who addressed the crowd in Spanish, Cinco de Mayo has become a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign dominion.
“I’ve been [in prison] for 30 years and this is the most amazing event,” said resident Angel Meza. “I feel like I’m home.”
Meza, whose mother recently passed, tearfully said, “I feel like my mom is here. She was a mariachi, so hearing the music was so comforting.”
Resident Veronica Gonzales expressed a similar sentiment.
“It brings me back to home,” Gonzales said. “I have such a sense of happiness and togetherness.”
Gonzales and Celeste Carrington were both formerly housed on Death Row, each for more than 25 years.
“After being locked up back there, it is nice to come into this community,” Carrington said. “I feel like I’m back in the free world. I feel alive.”
Participants were surprised again by nachos and drinks provided by Dolores Canales and her nonprofit organization, California Families Against Solitary Confinement, along with the Abundant Word Christian Center. Canales and her nonprofit also arranged for Mariachi La Union to perform.
At the end of the day, Canales — a former CCWF resident — arrived with freshly made donuts for participants. Canales spoke about her love for CCWF residents, which is evident in how involved she is with institutional events. CCWF residents cheered and shouted their love for Canales, who was smiling from ear to ear.
