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Snohomish County proclaims May 5 as Cinco de Mayo; community leaders, consulate attend
Summary
The Snohomish County Council unanimously approved Resolution 26-020 on May 5, 2026, proclaiming the day in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Community leaders, a Mexican consular representative and County Executive Dave Summers spoke about cultural ties, civic participation and the holiday's historical meaning.
The Snohomish County Council unanimously approved Resolution 26-020 on May 5, 2026, proclaiming May 5 as a day to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Snohomish County. The administrative meeting in the Jackson Boardroom included remarks from community leaders, a representative of the Mexican Consulate in Seattle and County Executive Dave Summers.
Dr. Juliet Altamirano Crosby, who identified herself as a Snohomish County PUD commissioner and a former Lynnwood City Council vice president, thanked the council and community partners and described the recognition as "deeply personal." She outlined Cinco de Mayo's historical origin — the Mexican army's victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 — and said the day now also stands for "visibility, respect, and inclusion" for Mexican and Mexican American communities.
Gerardo Javier Guiza Vargas, introduced as deputy consul of the Mexican Consulate in Seattle, told the council, "Cinco de Mayo commemorates a very specific event," and emphasized that the holiday is distinct from Mexican Independence Day. He urged community members to take part in civic life and called the day an opportunity to honor cultural traditions while engaging locally.
Snohomish County Executive Dave Summers read the proclamation into the record and signed it, saying the county "recognizes the strong commitment to carry forward this annual tradition" and encouraged local businesses, institutions and residents to celebrate the day. The proclamation text read in part, "Now, therefore, I, Dave Summers, Snohomish County executive, do hereby proclaim 05/05/2026 to be a day for celebration of Cinco de Mayo in Snohomish County."
A brief public commenter, Zach McKellan, thanked the county for the recognition and praised Snohomish County as "a place where the arms are open." After brief additional remarks from council members and guests, Councilmember Nehring moved to approve Resolution 26-020; the motion was seconded and the council voted 'aye' and the chair announced the resolution passed 5 to 0. The council recessed briefly for photographs before resuming the agenda.
The proclamation affirms the county's formal recognition of Cinco de Mayo and highlights the county's stated interest in promoting cultural awareness and community engagement; no additional policy or budgetary action was taken during the meeting on the item.
